Head of Logistics | MSF Ubuntu at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

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.

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.

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.

Languages:

• Essential: Proficiency in English
• French is a strong asset

Conditions and benefits:

• Location: Johannesburg or Nairobi (with frequent travel to field missions and partner platforms)
• Contract: Full-time.
• Position Grade/Level: 11 (Senior Management).
• Starting Date: To be confirmed (aligned with Ubuntu operational rollout).
• Travel: 20% to 50% a year (projects and inter-hub Programmes).
• Salary and Benefits: Based on the compensation and benefits package in the MSF hosting entity (Eastern Africa / Southern Africa).
• May be required to work extended hours during emergency operations