Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid to individuals affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. Established to deliver assistance based solely on need, MSF operates without regard to race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity uniting MSF's 24 sections, 27 associations, and 18 branch offices, with its headquarters registered in Switzerland. The organization is dedicated to coordinating, informing, and supporting the MSF Movement while implementing international projects and initiatives as required. MSF's commitment to humanitarian principles and operational independence has allowed it to respond effectively to crises worldwide, making it a leader in the field of humanitarian aid.

Job Overview:
The Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor plays a vital role within the Global Procurement Unit (GPU) of MSF International, which is responsible for overseeing procurement strategies and ensuring compliance and efficiency across MSF operations. This position is critical as procurement represents a significant portion of MSF's operational expenses. The advisor will support procurement activities in the field, ensuring that best practices are implemented and tailored to meet the global needs of MSF. The role involves a combination of strategic oversight and hands-on support, requiring the advisor to work closely with field procurement teams and other stakeholders to enhance procurement processes and foster collaboration across missions. The advisor will also be responsible for developing awareness of procurement practices within operational centers (OCs) and facilitating mutualization discussions to improve procurement governance at the country program level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing front office support for both mutualized and non-mutualized procurement in country programs, offering strategic and technical assistance to country programs through Integrated Procurement Managers (IPMs) or Operational Center (OC) supply teams, and developing awareness of procurement practices among stakeholders involved in field procurement. The advisor will actively participate in discussions regarding the mutualization of field procurement and ensure effective governance structures are established at the country program level. Additionally, the advisor will provide operational procurement support as needed, including conducting needs assessments, market assessments, sourcing, negotiation, and supplier performance monitoring. The advisor will also serve as a functional manager for field IPMs, guiding them through their onboarding process and supporting their roadmap of activities. Furthermore, the advisor will contribute to strengthening procurement processes and tools at the field level, identifying gaps, and collaborating with the global procurement team to address specific needs. The advisor will also play a key role in fostering a procurement community by facilitating communication and collaboration among IPMs and supply teams, promoting capacity-building initiatives, and improving market intelligence within the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor position should possess a strong background in procurement and supply chain management, with a focus on humanitarian or development contexts. A deep understanding of procurement processes, compliance, and risk management is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex procurement challenges in diverse environments. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as the advisor will work closely with various stakeholders, including field teams and global procurement units. Additionally, candidates should be adaptable and able to work effectively in high-pressure situations, demonstrating a commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and values.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is required for the Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor position. Advanced degrees or certifications in procurement or logistics are highly desirable and will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of procurement regulations and best practices, particularly in the context of humanitarian operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably within the humanitarian or development sectors. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing procurement processes and leading teams in complex environments. Experience working in international settings and with diverse stakeholders is essential, as is familiarity with the specific challenges and dynamics of procurement in humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, given the location and operational context in Abidjan. Proficiency in English is also highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with international teams and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 1 year, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The advisor will be required to travel approximately 50% of the time to field locations, necessitating flexibility and adaptability to various working conditions. Compensation and benefits will align with MSF's practices, reflecting the current package offered in the MSF entity establishing the contract. The organization is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.