Belgium: LOG CELL – CELL 6 WANA (m/f)

BACKGROUND

· Logistics is a specific and well-known force of MSF. Beyond the fulfillment of basic logistical needs, logistics is a solution-driven and innovative force that helps to build and realize operational objectives;

· The LogCell plays a front role in developing operational tactics: Our capacity to unfold and maintain our activities in the field, even under the most critical conditions;

· In other words, the LogCell collaborates closely in the definition of the how of operations’ strategy in order to be able to anticipate and define the appropriate tactics;

· To feed the Operational Cell dynamics, he/she brings an analysis complementary to that of other cells’ members.

On operational topics and problems addressed in the scope of the HQ functioning and organisation:

· The LogCell ensures -with the medical actors- the implementation of actions via his/her understanding of operational strategies and objectives;

· He/she is appointed to a cell in order to elaborate and monitor the deployment of operational tactics;

· He/she supervises and supports the Logistics Coordinators and is accountable for them;

· He/she is the representative of operations for his/her Cell within the logistics department;

· His/her input to the Logistics Back-Office will define and guide their actions and developments;

· He/she is the interface between the logisticians under his/her supervision; the cell and the logistics Back-Office.

In the portfolio of programs of the future cell, there should be the operations of MSF in Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Libya and Tunisia – those operations are currently managed by the Emergency Unit. Exploratory missions in several countries in the region are foreseen. The members of the cell will be based in Brussels.

JOB PROFILE

1. Defines / Workouts the methods and means to deploy and run our operations:

• Co-defines with the medical teams the necessary quality of environment for the beneficiaries;


• Co-defines with the medical teams the necessary quality of services needed for the medical teams’ activities.

And:

• Works out the logistics set-up and management required to realize operations objectives;


• Works out the expected results within a well-defined timeframe;


• Works out the effective use of all necessary log-related means mobilizes and maintains their operational capacity;


• Works out forecasts of non-medical products;


• Estimates and manages the budget of the logistics planned and monitors the results.

2. Defines and capitalizes on the use of specific products for operations:

• Defines & validates the necessary products for our operations;


• Defines & validates the support line and resources for those products;


• Defines, validates & works out the methods and means of monitoring, evaluating and readjusting these products;


• Defines, validates and works out the methods and means of collecting lessons learnt in order to readjust and define standards.

3. Ensure smooth running of MSF facilities:

• Works out the necessary products and facilities – including health structures, bases, offices, stocks, and the packages of equipments necessary for their good functioning;


• Defines an effective and efficient way of using, maintaining and of disposing of them;


• Validates the resources necessary to that effect;


• Works out the methods and means of monitoring, evaluating and readjusting these products/facilities;

4. Specific to Cell 6 contexts:

• Given the contexts, operations might have to be conducted by the cell in remote mode


• Ideal log setups might not always be possible;


• Sometimes, there might even be no actual MSF team of logisticians in the field;


• Remote coaching capability can become very important at times.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Comprehensive knowledge of logistics in humanitarian interventions;


• Minimum 5 years MSF experience;


• Minimum 2 years as Logistics Coordinator for MSF. Experience in the HQ is an asset;


• Experience as Field Co or HoM is an asset;


• Knowledge of the Middle Eastern context is an asset;


• Good oral and written communication in English is absolutely necessary. French and Arabic languages are an asset;

· Transversal: Solution Oriented and positive catalyst; Technical culture; Person oriented; Agile, adaptive, responsive; Prepared to defend his point of view; Capable of unfolding operations in a difficult, volatile and chaotic environment;

• He/she must be available to move to the missions and projects when necessary;


• Currently the portfolio includes: Lebanon – Syria – Turkey – Tunisia – Libya;

NB. The position is not strictly tied to these specific contexts. Countries are indicative, as a re-shuffling of the portfolio within the operations department can occur.

§ He/she is the Mission Logistics Coordinator Functional manager;

§ He/she is under the line management of The Cell Coordinator of Operations and under the functional management of the Logistics Front Office Coordinator.

Development and maintenance of alternatives / so called “out of the box” / flexible approaches to respond to the specificities of the WANA context, is required.

Function challenges

• Versatile context and environment. Working conditions can go from volatile, dangerous and chaotic to stable safe settings;


• The quality of the environment of the beneficiaries and the quality of services to the medical activities are key performance indicators for Logistics;


• Turnover is inherent to the context and HR modalities we are working with; it is a parameter and constraint to be integrated in our management.

CONDITIONS

• Open-ended contract, full-time, based in Brussels


• Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – Canteen


• Deadline for applications is 12/06/2016


• Starting date for position is 01/08/2016