Purpose of the Role<\/p>\n
\tThe Head of Logistics ensures that MSF Ubuntu has operationally sound, context\u2011adapted, and high\u2011quality 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\u2011up, and continuous improvement, rather than direct technical delivery.<\/p>\n
Reports to: Director of Logistics and Supply.<\/p>\n
Department: MSF Ubuntu Logistics & Supply<\/p>\n
Tasks & Responsibilities:<\/p>\n
Logistics Systems, Information & Knowledge Management<\/p>\n
\tContribute 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.
\n\tAdapt 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.
\n\tMaintain a simple, centralized set of Ubuntu\u2011specific logistics tools and templates, ensuring they remain usable, mission\u2011adapted, and fully complementary to existing systems, and support coherent, light, and operationally driven reporting.
\n\tIdentify system\u2011level logistics gaps or risks and ensure they are addressed with relevant stakeholders.
\n\tPromote and facilitate the capitalisation and systematic dissemination of logistics lessons and good practices, strengthening peer\u2011to\u2011peer learning and cross\u2011country knowledge sharing.<\/p>\n
Technical Partnership and Inter\u2011OD Interface<\/p>\n
\tAct as MSF Ubuntu\u2019s 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.
\n\tCollaborate with partner ODs to maintain coherence between logistics support with other logistics\u2011related domains outside Ubuntu\/OCB logistics partnership\u2019s scope.
\n\tFacilitate two\u2011way technical exchange by bringing Ubuntu field realities, lessons learned, and locally rooted practices into inter\u2011OD technical discussions.
\n\tSupport joint technical workstreams or pilots with partner ODs, as mandated by the Logistics & Supply Director.<\/p>\n
Quality Assurance & Mission Support\u00a0<\/p>\n
\tSupport missions in analysing logistics risks, gaps, and needed improvements.
\n\tMonitor adherence to essential standards (Log Basics, safety, maintenance).
\n\tSupport logistics reviews, audits follow ups, and readiness assessments.<\/p>\n
Knowledge & Information Management\u00a0<\/p>\n
\tMaintain a simple, centralised set of Ubuntu logistics templates & tools.
\n\tEnsure logistics reporting is coherent, light, and operationally useful.
\n\tDocument lessons learned and good practices from missions for internal use and sharing with partners.<\/p>\n
Localisation & Contextual Adaptation<\/p>\n
\tSupport context\u2011adapted planning.
\n\tEnsure logistics systems integrate local actors, technicians and markets.
\n\tAdapt organigrams and roles using the Ubuntu Log Org Design Guide (staffing guidance\/ staffing model) in line with operational realities and project scale.
\n\tPromote context\u2011appropriate and sustainable logistics solutions that are compatible with local systems, capacities, and regulatory environments.<\/p>\n
Logistics in Operations<\/p>\n
\tWork closely with Medical, Supply, Fin\/HR, ICT, Security and Ops to embed logistics as a core operational partner rather than a support function only.
\n\tProvide hands on operational logistics support where coordination structures are limited or still being built.
\n\tContributes to defining and refining Ubuntu\u2019s logistics operational model, grounded in field realities.
\n\tEnsure logistics delivers tangible added value to operations through pragmatic, timely support.
\n\tSupport missions directly during start up, transition, and scale up phases.
\n\tIdentify operational bottlenecks and gaps in logistics delivery and propose pragmatic adjustments to tools, processes, and ways of working.<\/p>\n
Capacity Building<\/p>\n
\tIdentify and prioritize learning and development needs for LogCos, LTLs, technical staff, national logisticians, and relevant community\u2011based actors, in coordination with L&D, partner ODs, and intersectional platforms.
\n\tProvide briefings, coaching, and targeted support to LogCos and LTLs, strengthening leadership and technical capacity.
\n\tLiaise with L&D, partner ODs, and intersectional platforms to ensure the availability of practical learning tools and training opportunities for mission use.
\n\tPromote on\u2011the\u2011job learning, peer exchange, and use of existing MSF training platforms.
\n\tSupport the development of national staff capacity pathways aligned with operational needs and local context.<\/p>\n
Innovation & Continuous Improvement<\/p>\n
\tIdentify and support bottom\u2011up, field\u2011driven logistics improvements.
\n\tIntegrate relevant local innovations into logistics practices and capitalize on lessons learned by sharing them within MSF Ubuntu and with partners where appropriate.
\n\tPromote simple, field-tested ways of improving workflows.
\n\tIdentify and propose opportunities for further collaboration with other ODs.<\/p>\n
Qualifications<\/p>\n
Education:<\/p>\n
\tBachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree in Logistics, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field.<\/p>\n
Experience:<\/p>\n
\tMinimum 10 years of progressive experience in humanitarian logistics, including:
\n\tField\u2011based logistics coordination roles in complex or insecure contexts
\n\tTechnical support, advisory, or headquarters\u2011based logistics roles
\n\tExperience working across multiple missions or regions<\/p>\n
Demonstrated experience in:<\/p>\n
\tDesigning and adapting logistics systems and tools
\n\tSupporting and coaching field logistics teams
\n\tWorking in interdependent or matrix organisational settings
\n\tStrong MSF field logistics background, including participation in 3\u20135 missions, ideally in a Logistics Coordinator (LogCo) role.<\/p>\n
Key Competencies<\/p>\n
Technical & Systems Competencies<\/p>\n
\tSolid technical knowledge across core logistics domains (fleet, energy, facilities, construction, supply interfaces, maintenance, safety)
\n\tStrong understanding of MSF logistics standards, Log Basics, and field operational realities
\n\tStrong logistics systems thinking and problem\u2011solving skills
\n\tAbility to translate global standards into practical, field\u2011adapted solutions
\n\tQuality assurance mindset, with attention to safety and compliance
\n\tSkilled in systems thinking, practice design, and simplification of tools<\/p>\n
Collaboration & Interdependence<\/p>\n
\tStrong ability to work collaboratively across departments and with other MSF Operational Directorates
\n\tExperience acting as a technical interface or connector between entities
\n\tExcellent cross\u2011cultural communication and collaboration skills
\n\tRespectful and constructive engagement with partners and stakeholders<\/p>\n
Localisation & Capacity Building<\/p>\n
\tKnowledge of localisation approaches, capacity\u2011building methodologies, and context\u2011adapted system design
\n\tCommitment to strengthening national staff capacity and leadership
\n\tAbility to integrate local actors, technicians, and markets into logistics systems
\n\tCoaching and facilitation skills
\n\tExperience in community\u2011based design is an asset<\/p>\n
Behavioural\/General Competencies<\/p>\n
\tAlignment with MSF values and Ubuntu principles
\n\tCross cultural awareness and security sensitivity
\n\tStrategic vision
\n\tResults and quality orientation
\n\tService orientation
\n\tPlanning and organising
\n\tInitiative and innovation
\n\tTeamwork and cooperation
\n\tPeople management and development
\n\tNetworking and relationship building
\n\tAbility to work autonomously within a clear accountability framework
\n\tPragmatic, flexible, and solution-oriented approach.<\/p>\n
go to method of application \u00bb<\/p>\n
Apply via company website ( ) or<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_promoted":"","_job_location":"","_application":"","_company_name":"Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF)","_company_website":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_filled":0,"_featured":0,"_remote_position":0,"_job_salary":"","_job_salary_currency":"","_job_salary_unit":""},"job_listing_region":[11],"job-types":[12],"class_list":{"0":"post-34382","1":"job_listing","2":"type-job_listing","3":"status-publish","4":"hentry","5":"job_listing_region-gauteng","7":"job-type-full-time"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings\/34382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/job_listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34382"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"job_listing_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job_listing_region?post=34382"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-types?post=34382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}