Intersectional Procurement Manager

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 in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries worldwide, delivering medical assistance based solely on need, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that unites MSF's 24 sections, 28 associations, and 19 branch offices, with its headquarters registered in Switzerland. The organization is dedicated to providing coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement while implementing international projects and initiatives as required.

Job Overview:
The Intersectional Procurement Manager (IPM) plays a crucial role in defining and implementing the procurement strategy that addresses the common needs of all Operational Centres (OCs) within the country. The primary objective of this position is to enhance the availability and quality of goods and services while optimizing procurement efforts to achieve cost savings without compromising quality. The IPM is responsible for simplifying category management and preventing competition among the OCs, ensuring a consistent procurement approach across the MSF movement. This includes harmonizing procurement methodologies, practices, tools, and processes in compliance with MSF protocols, standards, and procedures. The role requires a strategic mindset to assess spending, identify priority categories, and develop an implementation roadmap that aligns with the overall procurement strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive spend assessment to identify priority categories and develop an implementation roadmap based on historical spend, budget, and forecast data provided by procurement focal points of the OCs. This involves mapping out spending to pinpoint key suppliers and categories.
• Collaborate with procurement focal points of the OCs to define the intersectional procurement strategy, including categories to be managed at the intersectional level and the corresponding implementation roadmap.
• Execute procurement activities for each category managed at the intersectional level, aligning with the priorities established in the strategy.
• Gather needs from the OCs and assist them in aligning the necessary information for the supplier selection process, including codes, designations, and specifications.
• Conduct market assessments and benchmark analyses to explore local, regional, and international sourcing options, collecting essential information to refine the procurement strategy.
• Lead the sourcing and supplier selection process, ensuring that OCs procurement focal points are involved in key decisions and that technical referents are consulted as per Log/Med quality policies.
• Establish necessary contracts or agreements and ensure they receive the appropriate endorsements.
• Manage supplier relationships to guarantee the quality of products and services provided.
• Monitor intersectional procurement activities, including contracts, savings, lead times, and supplier performance. 1
• Provide technical support for procurement activities and coach OC staff to foster the development of procurement best practices and capacity. 1
• Verify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that assist the field in tracking and managing procurement activities. 1
• Facilitate smooth collaboration among stakeholders across different OCs, including regular Intersectional Procurement Steering Committee meetings. 1
• Involve OCs procurement focal points in procurement processes led at the intersectional level and ensure alignment on procurement strategies and objectives. 1
• Communicate timely updates regarding issues, opportunities, or significant developments related to intersectional procurement activities. 1
• Provide training and capacity building for the Supply Team on procurement topics and tools, ensuring collaboration among Procurement Focal Points, Steering Committee, Technical and Legal Advisors, and other relevant stakeholders. Note: Order placements to Supply Centres and technical validation of sources for Log and Med items requiring such validation are out of scope. Transactional activities such as order placement, goods reception, and invoicing remain within the responsibilities of each OC.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Intersectional Procurement Manager position should possess a strong background in procurement and supply chain management, with a proven track record of developing and implementing procurement strategies in complex environments. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical skills, with the ability to conduct spend assessments and market analyses effectively. Strong negotiation skills and experience in supplier relationship management are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with humanitarian procurement practices and MSF protocols is highly desirable. Candidates should also exhibit strong leadership qualities, with the ability to coach and mentor staff in procurement best practices.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field is required. A master's degree or professional certification in procurement or supply chain management is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of procurement methodologies and practices, particularly in the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in procurement and supply chain management, preferably within the humanitarian or non-profit sector. Experience working in complex and challenging environments, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is highly advantageous. Proven experience in managing procurement processes and supplier relationships is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive procurement initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local suppliers and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with a full-time commitment expected. The starting date is as soon as possible, and the role may involve field visits within Syria or neighboring countries. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with MSF's practices and the current package offered in the MSF entity establishing the contract. The position may require international travel and the ability to adapt to various working conditions.