Head of Logistics | MSF Ubuntu

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.

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, etc.) 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 capitalization 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 analyzing logistics risks, gaps, and needed improvements.
• Monitor adherence to essential standards (Log Basics, safety, maintenance).
• Support logistics reviews, audits follow-ups, and readiness assessments.

Localization & 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.
• Provide hands-on operational logistics support where coordination structures are limited or still being built.
• Define and refine Ubuntu’s logistics operational model, grounded in field realities.
• Support missions directly during start-up, transition, and scale-up phases.

Capacity Building

• Identify and prioritize learning and development needs for LogCos, LTLs, technical staff, and national logisticians.
• Provide briefings, coaching, and targeted support to LogCos and LTLs, strengthening leadership and technical capacity.
• Liaise with L&D and partner ODs to ensure the availability of practical learning tools and training opportunities.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.
• Field Experience: Field-based logistics coordination roles in complex or insecure contexts; involvement in 3–5 missions, ideally as a Logistics Coordinator (LogCo).
• Technical Expertise: Experience designing and adapting logistics systems and tools; supporting and coaching field logistics teams.
• Environment: Experience working in interdependent or matrix organizational settings.
• Languages: Proficiency in English is essential; French is a strong asset.

Conditions and Benefits

• Location: Johannesburg or Nairobi (with frequent travel to field missions).
• Position Grade: Level 11 (Senior Management).
• Travel: 20% to 50% per year.
• Additional Requirements: May be required to work extended hours during emergency operations.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the MSF SA BambooHR portal by following the link provided in the application section below.