Purpose of the Role
The Head of Logistics ensures that MSF Ubuntu has operationally sound, context‑adapted, and high‑quality logistics systems, and that missions receive appropriate logistics support, tools, and capacity building to operate safely, effectively, and in line with MSF Ubuntu values. This role provides strategic oversight, inter-OD alignment and coordination, and contextual adaptation of logistics systems, while relying on and working closely with OCB as the primary provider of logistics support. The role serves as the logistics focal point and operational reference within MSF Ubuntu, focusing on system coherence, implementation follow‑up, and continuous improvement, rather than direct technical delivery.
Reports to: Director of Logistics and Supply.
Department: MSF Ubuntu Logistics & Supply
Tasks & Responsibilities:
Logistics Systems, Information & Knowledge Management
Contribute to the development of operational logistics standards, guidance, and technical references, ensuring coherence with MSF frameworks, Ubuntu-OCB logistics & technical standards and Ubuntu strategic orientations.
Adapt and contextualize existing MSF global tools to MSF Ubuntu operational realities (energy, fleet, facilities, supply interfaces, …) in close collaboration with partner ODs to maintain coherence and collective system ownership.
Maintain a simple, centralized set of Ubuntu‑specific logistics tools and templates, ensuring they remain usable, mission‑adapted, and fully complementary to existing systems, and support coherent, light, and operationally driven reporting.
Identify system‑level logistics gaps or risks and ensure they are addressed with relevant stakeholders.
Promote and facilitate the capitalisation and systematic dissemination of logistics lessons and good practices, strengthening peer‑to‑peer learning and cross‑country knowledge sharing.
Technical Partnership and Inter‑OD Interface
Act as MSF Ubuntu’s technical and operational interface with other MSF Operational Directorates (ODs) on logistics matters, representing Ubuntu in relevant intersectional platforms and coordinating access to technical support and systems across the Movement.
Collaborate with partner ODs to maintain coherence between logistics support with other logistics‑related domains outside Ubuntu/OCB logistics partnership’s scope.
Facilitate two‑way technical exchange by bringing Ubuntu field realities, lessons learned, and locally rooted practices into inter‑OD technical discussions.
Support joint technical workstreams or pilots with partner ODs, as mandated by the Logistics & Supply Director.
Quality Assurance & Mission Support
Support missions in analysing logistics risks, gaps, and needed improvements.
Monitor adherence to essential standards (Log Basics, safety, maintenance).
Support logistics reviews, audits follow ups, and readiness assessments.
Knowledge & Information Management
Maintain a simple, centralised set of Ubuntu logistics templates & tools.
Ensure logistics reporting is coherent, light, and operationally useful.
Document lessons learned and good practices from missions for internal use and sharing with partners.
Localisation & Contextual Adaptation
Support context‑adapted planning.
Ensure logistics systems integrate local actors, technicians and markets.
Adapt organigrams and roles using the Ubuntu Log Org Design Guide (staffing guidance/ staffing model) in line with operational realities and project scale.
Promote context‑appropriate and sustainable logistics solutions that are compatible with local systems, capacities, and regulatory environments.
Logistics in Operations
Work closely with Medical, Supply, Fin/HR, ICT, Security and Ops to embed logistics as a core operational partner rather than a support function only.
Provide hands on operational logistics support where coordination structures are limited or still being built.
Contributes to defining and refining Ubuntu’s logistics operational model, grounded in field realities.
Ensure logistics delivers tangible added value to operations through pragmatic, timely support.
Support missions directly during start up, transition, and scale up phases.
Identify operational bottlenecks and gaps in logistics delivery and propose pragmatic adjustments to tools, processes, and ways of working.
Capacity Building
Identify and prioritize learning and development needs for LogCos, LTLs, technical staff, national logisticians, and relevant community‑based actors, in coordination with L&D, partner ODs, and intersectional platforms.
Provide briefings, coaching, and targeted support to LogCos and LTLs, strengthening leadership and technical capacity.
Liaise with L&D, partner ODs, and intersectional platforms to ensure the availability of practical learning tools and training opportunities for mission use.
Promote on‑the‑job learning, peer exchange, and use of existing MSF training platforms.
Support the development of national staff capacity pathways aligned with operational needs and local context.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Identify and support bottom‑up, field‑driven logistics improvements.
Integrate relevant local innovations into logistics practices and capitalize on lessons learned by sharing them within MSF Ubuntu and with partners where appropriate.
Promote simple, field-tested ways of improving workflows.
Identify and propose opportunities for further collaboration with other ODs.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Logistics, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in humanitarian logistics, including:
Field‑based logistics coordination roles in complex or insecure contexts
Technical support, advisory, or headquarters‑based logistics roles
Experience working across multiple missions or regions
Demonstrated experience in:
Designing and adapting logistics systems and tools
Supporting and coaching field logistics teams
Working in interdependent or matrix organisational settings
Strong MSF field logistics background, including participation in 3–5 missions, ideally in a Logistics Coordinator (LogCo) role.
Key Competencies
Technical & Systems Competencies
Solid technical knowledge across core logistics domains (fleet, energy, facilities, construction, supply interfaces, maintenance, safety)
Strong understanding of MSF logistics standards, Log Basics, and field operational realities
Strong logistics systems thinking and problem‑solving skills
Ability to translate global standards into practical, field‑adapted solutions
Quality assurance mindset, with attention to safety and compliance
Skilled in systems thinking, practice design, and simplification of tools
Collaboration & Interdependence
Strong ability to work collaboratively across departments and with other MSF Operational Directorates
Experience acting as a technical interface or connector between entities
Excellent cross‑cultural communication and collaboration skills
Respectful and constructive engagement with partners and stakeholders
Localisation & Capacity Building
Knowledge of localisation approaches, capacity‑building methodologies, and context‑adapted system design
Commitment to strengthening national staff capacity and leadership
Ability to integrate local actors, technicians, and markets into logistics systems
Coaching and facilitation skills
Experience in community‑based design is an asset
Behavioural/General Competencies
Alignment with MSF values and Ubuntu principles
Cross cultural awareness and security sensitivity
Strategic vision
Results and quality orientation
Service orientation
Planning and organising
Initiative and innovation
Teamwork and cooperation
People management and development
Networking and relationship building
Ability to work autonomously within a clear accountability framework
Pragmatic, flexible, and solution-oriented approach.
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