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 discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that unites MSF's 24 sections, 28 associations, and various offices, providing coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International also implements international projects and initiatives as required, ensuring that the organization can effectively respond to crises around the world.

Job Overview:
The Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor plays a crucial role within the Global Procurement Unit (GPU) of MSF International, which is responsible for overseeing procurement strategies and ensuring compliance and efficiency in procurement activities across the organization. This position is vital as procurement represents a significant portion of MSF's operational expenses. The advisor will support procurement activities in the field, promote best practices, and ensure that procurement processes are efficient and aligned with MSF's global needs. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including Field Procurement teams, supply coordinators, and mission coordinators, to enhance procurement practices and support the development of the procurement function across all MSF entities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including providing strategic and technical support to country programs, developing awareness of procurement practices, and participating in discussions regarding procurement mutualization. The advisor will also offer hands-on operational procurement support, conduct needs and market assessments, negotiate with suppliers, and monitor supplier performance. Additionally, the advisor will act as a functional manager for field Intersectional Procurement Managers (IPMs), overseeing their recruitment, onboarding, and integration into the team. The advisor will be responsible for developing regional market intelligence, consolidating category priorities, and maintaining relationships with strategic suppliers. Furthermore, the advisor will identify gaps in current procurement processes and tools, liaise with the global procurement team, and promote the use of procurement tools in the field. Lastly, the advisor will contribute to the development of the field procurement community by facilitating communication and knowledge sharing among IPMs and Supply Teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Intersectional Field Procurement Advisor position must possess a Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management, ideally with a specialization in procurement or project management. A combination of relevant education and professional experience is also acceptable. The position requires a minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, including direct or indirect spend, data analysis, sourcing, and complex negotiation and contracting. Additionally, candidates must have at least 3 years of field experience in procurement or supply chain functions, preferably with MSF or another NGO, and experience in people management is essential. Strong strategic planning, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple priorities are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. A specialization in procurement or project management is highly desirable. Candidates should have a solid understanding of procurement processes and practices, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in procurement, with a focus on direct or indirect spend, data analysis, sourcing, and complex negotiation and contracting. Additionally, candidates must have at least 3 years of field experience in procurement or supply chain functions, ideally within MSF or another NGO. Experience in managing teams and people is also a critical requirement for this role, as the advisor will be responsible for overseeing the work of field Intersectional Procurement Managers.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders within the MSF movement and in the field. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a fixed-term contract at 100% for a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. The role is based in Dakar, Senegal, with 50% of the time spent traveling to field locations. MSF is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization is dedicated to preventing abuse and misconduct in its operations and is willing to make adjustments to the recruitment process for candidates with specific accessibility needs.