Distribution Footprint Program Manager

Location: Any MSF Office with field visits*

Contract: Fix term contract at 100%

Duration: 12 months

Deadline to apply: 19.02.2025

Starting date: ASAP

Compensation and benefits: MSF practice is to offer the C&B package current in the MSF entity establishing the contract.

*By default, the successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office of their country of residence at the time of application.

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of origins, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 27 associations and 18 branch offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

II. POSITION BACKGROUND

MSF’s supply chain consists of activities in 6 Operational Centres (OCs), 3 European Supply Centres (ESCs) and regional initiatives. Supply chain represents for MSF more than 30% of social mission expenses, around 15% of MSF workforce involved in processes related to supply and more than 50% of total CO2 emissions through the procurement of goods and services and transport. Moreover, supply chain is a critical enabler for the quality of care of MSF beneficiaries.

The governance body for supply chain in MSF is constituted by the Executive Supply Chain Committee (ESCC) and the Supply Chain Tactical Committee (SCTC), both with representatives from the different MSF entities. MSF´s International Office (IO) facilitates collaboration in the MSF movement between different entities and the IO supply team consists of a unit focused on procurement (Global Procurement Unit, GPU) and a unit focused on supply chain transformation & support.

The ESCC, in collaboration with the IO supply team, are leading the Supply Transformation Topics Program, with the goal of establishing a supply chain by 2031 that aligns with MSF's evolving challenges. This program focuses on five key supply chain pillars: medical sourcing, distribution footprint, mutualization of the supply at both field and headquarters levels, medical stock and demand management, and information systems and data management.

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

As part of the IO supply team, the Distribution Footprint Program Manager will:

• Report hierarchically to the Head of the Supply Chain Transformation.

• Work closely with the General directors and Heads of Supply chain of the 3 ESCs, the heads of the regional supply initiatives, the supply chain directors of the 6 OCs), as well as the Head of Global Direct Procurement in the GPU.

• Interact with other stakeholders within the MSF movement: Other members of the IO supply team, and the Global Procurement Unit team, the International Legal department and the Quality Insurance Team

• Lead a team of 1-2 persons focused on distribution footprint activities.

I. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The overall objective of this position is to coordinate the smooth deployment of MSF supply chain transformational roadmap related to the distribution footprint and lead all related initiatives to ensure that they remain pertinent to the accomplishment of the objectives set for the transformation of MSF’s supply chain.

II. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct a strategic analysis for improving the efficiency of MSF’s distribution footprint.

• Conduct in-depth footprint analysis across Africa, Middle East, Americas, and Asia to identify growth opportunities, emerging trends, and potential regions for expansion beyond East Africa and the Middle East.

• Evaluate and analyse the feasibility of outsourcing options for operations in the targeted regions, assessing cost-effectiveness, local regulations, logistics, and potential partnerships.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide strategic insights and actionable recommendations based on the findings from the footprint analysis.

• Identify potential risks and benefits of expanding into new regions, guiding stakeholders involved in the decision-making process.

2. Ensure that distribution footprint projects respond to the needs of MSF entities and are in line with the strategic objectives set by the transformational roadmap.

• Oversee all initiatives related to MSF’s distribution footprint lead by other entities, providing them with the strategic overview and ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the transformational roadmap. Follow up on their progress and results and support them on addressing blockages or readjustments needed.

• Actively participate in the governance bodies of all initiatives related to distribution footprint including implementation of regional structures.

• Define, monitor and analyse the key indicators to follow up the implementation of the distribution footprint roadmap as well as the results. Identify improvement areas and capitalize on them.

3. Foster collaboration between the different teams working in distribution footprint activities or projects and the stakeholders working in the different entities.

• Know the main actors and key stakeholders for the activity. Develop and mobilise a network required to smoothly carry out the activities under your responsibility.

• Develop and maintain a smooth flow of communication and feedback on the distribution footprint projects to keep your stakeholders up to date and capture their feedback and areas of improvement.

• Collaborate with other members of the IO Supply Team on the implementation of the Supply Transformational Topics roadmap

• Facilitate the International Platform that will engage stakeholders involved in distribution footprint projects and ensure alignment between their activities

Practical / technical knowledge

• Bachelor or master’s degree in supply chain management or other relevant field (e.g. Pharmacy, Engineering or Business).

• 6+ years of relevant experience in management of supply chain related projects/programs in complex organizational contexts, including planning, risk management, cost control and change management.

• Experience with management of supply or distribution centres and distribution footprint optimization.

• Experience with MSF or another humanitarian organization is mandatory.

• Certification or knowledge of project management methodologies and tools is a plus.

Planning and organising

• Excellent strategic planning and analytical skills.

• Strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple priorities at one time.

Communicating and influencing

• Demonstrate independent initiative, drive for change, improvement and innovation.

• Excellent communication skills, assertiveness, negotiation and influencing skills.

• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment.

• Team player with strong customer orientation.

Practical requirements

• Proficiency in standard office tools including Word and PowerPoint.

• Fluent spoken and written English. Good command of French is a strong asset.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.