Supply logistician

Supply logistician

Caption An MSF logistician pictured in the northern Sumatra province of Indonesia. © Francesco Zizola/Noor

Our supply logisticians make sure our projects are equipped with everything that's needed to deal with an emergency.

From collecting supplies from a Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) plane on a makeshift runway to working with the Pharmacy Manager and medical team to forecast medical supplies months in advance, the work of a supply logistician is far-reaching and vital to the whole team.

Application notice

We particularly welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area of work

We particularly welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area of work

Responsibilities

Our supply logisticians are responsible for ordering all supplies for the project. They often have experience in supply chain management and have strong skills in managing spreadsheets and databases.

The supply logistician is either based in the project or the capital and works closely with all departments, ensuring that accurate forecasting is done so that the project has the capacity to respond immediately to urgent medical needs as they arise.

Managing local staff

Training, supervising and managing local staff is a key responsibility, and the supply team may be comprised of storekeepers, purchasers, supply logistics assistants and labourers.

A large part of the supply logistician's work is to build the capacity of these local staff, as well as to ensure safe and fair working conditions and manage the administration of the department.

Supply logisticians also have frequent interaction with local authorities and organisations and often oversee the implementation of security protocols to ensure the safe movement of cargo into the project.

Application guide

Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles

Read our guide >

Role requirements

• Significant experience in logistics-related roles
• Experience in supervising and managing others in a logistics capacity
• Experience in supply chain management, e.g. needs assessment, order management, purchasing, stock management and freight management
• Experience with organisation and set-up of supply administration and related supply procedures
• Warehouse management skills
• Familiarity with cold chain maintenance and procedures
• Available for a minimum of nine months
• Minimum of three months’ work, volunteering or travel experience in low-income countries
• Willingness to work in unstable areas
• Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
• Able to provide training and supervision to others

Languages

Minimum of C1 level in English and A2/B1 level in French (according to CEFR).

Proficiency in Spanish and/or Arabic are considered an asset.

Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.