FSU Log Advisor Front Office at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian-aid non-governmental organization (NGO) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases.

Main responsibilities:

The FSU is responsible for first and second line support to field logisticians and operational decision makers, and for developing relevant mission specific policies, procedures, guidance, and tools to support the field logisticians in their daily work. Daily management of the FSU is delegated to one Coordinator for direct Operational support, and one Coordinator for Technical logistics. The Logistics Advisor (Front Office) reports to the Coordinator responsible for direct operational support (Operational Logistics Coordinator).

The Logistics Advisor (Front Office) works as an advisor to the operational cell managing our activities in a number of countries, and  acts as the first line of contact for senior logistics staff (logistical coordinators) in those missions. He/she co-operates closely with other members of the Field Support Unit (Front & Back office), the Procurement Unit, and other support departments.

Overall objective: 

MSF OCA field missions receive effective and appropriate logistical support

• To pro-actively support and provide expert advice to field staff responsible for the management of logistics and to the Operational Manager (OM), Operational Support Team (Health Program Manager, Operational Advisor and the other members of the OST), Back Office specialists in FSU and members of Amsterdam Procurement Unit (APU)


• To implement the operational policies (development, introduction and continuous improvement of the logistics/technical processes) of the Logistics Department;


• To support, set priorities and guide the missions in creating, maintaining and implementing mission specific logistics strategies and tactics, definition of services and service levels, localised policies and support structures.

Responsibilities and Activities:

• Provides and ensures the quality, efficiency and availability of logistics/technical support to project countries in his/her portfolio. Highlights logistical issues in the supported portfolio and provides regular logistical updates to OM;


• Provides expert advice on the portfolio to Operations, Logistical Coordinators and Heads of Missions regarding the development of operational policies and strategies for their countries in line with the MSF OCA strategic plan, annual plans and MSF medical policies and supports the missions with the implementation thereof. This includes but is not limited to applied security, safety and air operations services, updating field missions’ greenlighted Airlines List and justification and green lighting of the specific logistics items/orders in line with OCA Justification Policy;


• Keeps up with new developments in the logistics/technical area, analyses these and advices about the best suitable solutions taken into account the views from the relevant stakeholders (FSU BO, Watsan Unit, IT, APU), the budget and the circumstances in the countries;


• Monitors compliance to policies and the logistical quality, integrity, outcomes and achievements of programs through field visits, the country planning and control cycle, data analysis, reviewing objectives on a regular basis, identifying problems and initiates improvements;


• Instructs and advises Logistical Coordinators in implementation of the above, if necessary on site and available for (short) field deployments on technical and/or emergency assignments;


• Assists in deciding of human resources by supporting pool management;


• Provides guidance to field staff by organising and/or facilitating in workshops and training and coaching of field staff, and performs briefing/debriefings of field staff, taking action where necessary ;


• Participates in Back Office projects or (logistics) working groups, tests new tools, equipment and guidelines if requested;


• Provides on time logistic/technical specific information as input for all kinds of reporting;


• Assures that HQ input and involvement in field support is well organized, functioning and aligned, and that, as a consequence, HQ speaks with “one voice”;


• Represents APU in OST and flags/highlights to the operational teams on various issues related to the timely provision of the supplies to the field missions and upstream part of the supply chain management of the supported portfolio;


• Aligns strategy and services with counterparts in other MSF sections where opportune or needed;


• Validates all the field trip reports & recommendations/action points provided by FSU BOs/FSU Flying staff/ICT field advisors and responsible for the timely follow-up on all recommendations with the field teams.

Candidate profile:

• MSF experience is a must, preferable with several mission experience


• You are enthusiastic, critical, and flexible with working experience as a Logistical Coordinator in MSF-OCA for regular and emergency missions.


• Willingness to travel of approximately 20 – 40% to the field


• Strong communication skills


• Strong organisational and time management skills


• Superior customer service skills


• Essential computer literacy (word, excel, power point and internet)


• Strong ability to multi-task


• Experience working in a fast paced and demanding working environment


• Excellent knowledge of the English language, both spoken and written.


• Good knowledge of French or Arabic is an advantage.

We offer

• A challenging position within a stimulating, professional working environment in a major international organisation.


• An employment contract from 15th April 2022, based on 40 hours per week is offered.


• A challenging position within a stimulating, professional working environment in a major international organisation.


• An annual salary of KES 5,181,181 corresponding to Level 4C of the MSF Eastern Africa Section (MSF EA) scale. Other benefits including a relocation package for non-Kenyan residents is foreseen where applicable. Other additional benefits and specific work conditions will be applied based on the MSF EA section policy.

The post FSU Log Advisor Front Office at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) appeared first on Jobs in Kenya - http://jobcenterkenya.com/.