Solution Deployment Manager-Single Data Entry(SDE) Program at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Rationale/Objective for Position

Context:

• The Single Data Entry (SDE) project is a transformational initiative led by MSF to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of supply chain data entry in stock management processes (cargo reception, order preparation, stock count) across all OCs. The solution uses QR codes and OCR technologies to automate data capture and integrate with MSF’s existing supply chain tools. With planned deployment across over 70 countries, the SDE project is a complex, multi-OC endeavour requiring a dedicatedD Deployment Manager to lead and coordinate its successful field implementation.

Mission :

• The Deployment Manager is responsible for ensuring the effective planning, coordination,execution, and monitoring of the SDE solution’s deployment in missions across all OCs. Acting as a central operational anchor, they will manage deployment teams, coordinate stakeholder engagement, ensure readiness and training, monitor performance, and continuously improve deployment processes based on field experience and feedback.The Deployment Manager, based in Nairobi, will coordinate deployments in priority MSF missions across Africa and Asia. The role requires frequent travel to field locations (approximately 40–50% of the time). In addition to deployment coordination, the Deployment Manager plays a key role in supporting User Acceptance Testing (UAT), acting as a bridge between the field and the SDE product team to ensure that deployments are grounded in tested, validated solutions adapted to mission realities. This role also demands strong political acumen to navigate the diverse cultures, organizational dynamics, and power structures across multiple OCs.This position will be hierarchically and functionally accountable to the SDE Program Manager. 

Tasks & Responsibilities

Deployment Strategy & Planning

• Develop and manage the SDE deployment roadmap in collaboration with the SDE core team , OCs, ESCs, and field stakeholders.
• Design and continuously improve the deployment methodology, tools, and frameworks (based on Agile principles and field adaptability).
• Lead risk analysis and mitigation strategies related to deployment (logistics, change management, training, technical readiness).
• Ensure deployment strategies and tools are adapted to local mission contexts,infrastructure, and user profiles (e.g. connectivity, literacy, language).

Deployment Execution

• Coordinate deployment operations, including scheduling, resource mobilization, and travel of deployment officers.
• Ensure proper pre-deployment assessment, configuration, data migration, and local tool integration (middleware readiness, scanning devices).
• Supervise and support on-site deployment activities, including user onboarding, Go Live support, and immediate troubleshooting.
• Support or coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities in collaboration with mission teams and technical leads. Ensure proper test planning, user selection, data preparation, and collection of structured feedback.

Team Leadership & Support

• Directly manage the Deployment Officers and ensure technical and methodological alignmepoint
• Ensure coaching, training, and skills development of the deployment team and field focal points.
• Act as the first-line escalation point for field deployment issues and support needs.

Field Readiness & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure missions are deployment-ready by coordinating with field leadership, IT, and supply teams.
• Facilitate local change management and engage stakeholders to ensure user buy-in.
• Monitor user adoption and address resistance or blockers.
• Support capacity transfer to field teams to enable autonomous post-deployment use and troubleshooting; progressively reduce dependency on central support.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Track deployment KPIs (time-to-deploy, adoption rate, error reduction, user satisfaction).
• Capture lessons learned from UATs and field pilots to inform tool refinement, user guidance, and deployment methodology updates.
• Collect lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of tools, processes,and user guidance.
• Produce regular reports for the governance platforms and contribute to the global M&E framework. 

Qualifications

Education

• Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Project Management, IT Systems or related field.
• Relevant certifications (Agile/SCRUM, PMP/Prince2, Change Management) ara assets.

Experience

• At least 5–7 years of experience in project deployment, ideally within ERP or digital systems in complex field environments.
• Strong MSF field and HQ experience in supply chain or logistics (minimum 2 year is highly preferred).
• Proven experience in managing multi-site roll-outs and change management in humanitarian settings.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of supply chain workflows, particularly stock management.
• Solid knowledge of data systems integration, mobile deployment, and middleware architecture is an advantage.
• Familiarity with UniField, Isystock, or other MSF-relevant tools preferred.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills, including managing remote and mobile teams.

Behavioral/General Competencies

• Strong influencing and negotiation skills in matrixed and non-hierarchical environments.
• High communication and interpersonal skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to changing contexts, and maintain performance under pressure.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and fluency in navigating multi-OC environments.