Field Procurement Expert - Flying

POSITION BACKGROUND

MSF has missions in over 45 countries around the world and in most there is more than one Operational Centre (OC) present. To foster collaboration on procurement activities between the OCs, the Flying Field Procurement Expert works on temporary assignments or initiatives in a defined country for a limited time-period.

PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

The Field Procurement Expert - Flying is part of the MSF Strategic Procurement Program (MSPP) team of MSF International. He/she reports to the Intersectional Procurement Advisor and works closely with key staff in all six Operational Centres of MSF.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The objective of this position is to enhance procurement practices in order to obtain cost savings, reduce lead times, increase availability and transparency in compliance with MSF protocols, standards, and procedures.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the Assigned Country’s Operational Needs and length of assignment, tasks can be:

• Arrange inter-OC spend analysis, build mapping of spend to identify procurement priorities (key supplier & categories) based on the information (historical spend, budget and forecast) provided by procurement focal points of the OCs (Logistic, Supply Coordinators, Supply Team Leaders and/or Procurement Manager).
• Conduct Market Assessments and benchmark analysis of defined categories (i.e. Medications, Medical Devices, Shelter) in close collaboration with the requesting technical departments (Medical, Logistics) assuring required quality standards (including local, regional, and international sourcing options) in order to collect all required information to feed the procurement strategy.
• Deliver specific procurement files/category from sourcing-to-contracting and assure contract implementation and follow-up are set in place.
• Support on defining intersectional procurement strategy including categories to be handled at intersectional level and its implementation roadmap in collaboration with procurement focal points of the OCs, when deeper inter-OC procurement collaborations planned.
• Support Intersectional Procurement Managers, if needed or fill gaps if occur, to ensure coherent continuation of procurement activities in the missions.
• Ensure a smooth collaboration with the OCs Procurement Focal Points for all procurement related topic:

1. Ensure alignment of the OCs on the procurement strategy and objectives
2. Facilitate regular intersectional procurement meetings in collaboration
3. Involve OCs procurement focal point in the procurement processes led at intersectional level
4. Timely communicate on issues, opportunities or any important update related to intersectional procurement activity

• For each category managed at intersectional level and according to the priorities defined in the strategy:

1. Gather the need from the OCs and support OCs in aligning information required to perform supplier selection process (codes, designation, specifications…)
2. Lead the sourcing and supplier selection process involving the OCs procurement focal points in each important decision and the technical referent as required by the logistical and medical quality policies.
3. Set up the required contracts or agreement and ensure relevant endorsement of them

• Manage supplier relationship to ensure quality of product and services provided, in case the assignment in a particular context allows a timeframe to do so.
• Ensure technical support and provide coaching to staff of the OCs in order to contribute   to the development of procurement best practices and capacity.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in procurement including data analysis, sourcing, complex negotiation and contracting or a position in a different domain entailing the same components; a good knowledge base in supply chain processes and financial budgeting are required;
• Field missions in procurement /supply chain functions with MSF or another NGOs is a plus;
• Experience in project management is an added value;

Knowledge and skills:

• Computer literacy: proven ability to work with Microsoft Office and ERP, a good command of Excel is a must;
• Ability to work transversally, in a multi-cultural environment and in remote mode is required;
• Analytical mindset, organizational skills and autonomy are a must;
• Result-orientation and customer service orientation are necessary;
• Proven diplomacy, ability to develop professional network and listening skills are required;