Job Description

MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation. We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. We are a non-profit, self-governed, member-based organisation. MSF was founded in 1971 in Paris by a group of journalists and doctors. Today, we are a worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people. 

MSF coordinates operations through collaborations between global offices. The ‘MSF Operational Centre Amsterdam’ (OCA) is a partnership that is composed of the partners MSF-Canada, MSF-Germany, MSF-SARA, MSF-Sweden, MSF-Holland and MSF-United Kingdom. MSF-OCA has a team of more than 11,000 staff working in 115 emergency projects in about 31 countries. 

The office of MSF-Holland located in Amsterdam hosts more than 400 employees, offering direct support to MSF-OCA operations. Around 50 staff focus on recruitment, communication and fundraising and 350 staff are focused on supporting MSF-OCA operations.  

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such, MSF is by choice (Chantilly) an association. Each individual working with MSF does it out of conviction and commitment and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.  

At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) / Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, disability status, and all other diversity characteristics. 

Technical Logistician

Objectives and responsibilities of the position
As a technical logistician (TechLog), you will provide daily technical support to all activities in our medical facilities.

You will be responsible for vehicle maintenance and planning of movements. Construction, fitting out and maintaining medical facilities, offices and staff accommodation will also be part of your duties. You will set up, manage and maintain the water supply and hygiene/sanitary facilities. You will be in charge of the electricity supply and supervise the installation and maintenance of related equipment such as generators, solar panels and batteries. You will hire and manage technical staff and contractors and oversee their work. You will maintain contact with other non-governmental organizations, MSF sections, and local and international technical counterparts within the same mission.

• Assisting the Project Coordinator or Logistics Coordinator in the definition and follow-up of logistics activities in the project or capital, in conjunction with other medical project managers in order to identify and give a response to the needs of the targeted population in terms of construction, transport, communication, food, shelter, water and sanitation, and essential non-food items.
• Ensuring and monitoring the implementation of logistics/technical activities in the project / capital (construction, transport of goods and staff, communications, water and sanitation, vehicles and engines, equipment/installation and infrastructures, communications, etc.) ensuring compliance of MSF standards, protocols and procedures, and reporting to the Project Coordinator or LogCo on the development of the ongoing programs. This includes the following:
• Implementing all administrative related activities linked to logistics (orders, insurances, vehicle contracts, etc.).
• Participating in the planning and implementation, together with the Logistics Coordinator, the Project Coordinator and the HR Coordinator, the HR associated processes (recruitment, training, briefing/debriefing, evaluation, detection of potential, development and communication) of the logistics staff in the project / capital in order to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required to correctly perform all logistics activities.
• Ensuring technical reference for all logistics/technical issues in the project and providing coaching to logistics staff under his/her responsibility. Ensuring all staff in the Project is properly briefed about use of communication tools (handsets, HF/VHF, etc.).
• Ensuring installation and maintenance of functional office space(s) and lodging facilities for international staff in adequate living conditions
• Defining and monitoring technical aspects of the project risk reduction policy, transport, communication, protection, identification and preparation of the technical aspects of the project security policy and guidelines, evacuation plan and contingency plan, performing day-to day monitoring of the application of security rules and reporting to the Project Coordinator any problem that may arise. For this purpose, the Project Logistics Manager will have to create an appropriate environment to facilitate security exchange of information.
• Participating in monthly reports according to guidelines

Candidate profile

• At least 2 years hands-on work experience and technical skills in 3 or more of the following fields: vehicle mechanics; energy and electricity; IT; communications; construction; water and sanitation
• Experience in training, coaching and supervision of staff
• Work or travel experience in developing countries
• A good command of the English and French language (minimum B2)
• Ability to cope with stress and to organize and prioritize workload
• Ability to work in an international team
• Willingness to work in an unstable and insecure environment
• Availability of at least 12 months

Strong Assets

• Analytical capability and strong skills in the use of spreadsheet software
• Experience with a similar non-governmental organization abroad
• A good command of the Arabic language

Only applications that meet the above requirements will be considered

Information and Application

If you recognise yourself in this profile and meet the requirements, we welcome you to apply directly via the Apply button on this page and upload the following documents:

• Your most recent English CV not exceeding 3 pages
• A cover letter explaining your motivation to work with MSF
• A clear scan of your relevant diploma’s and certificates

In MSF we are strongly committed to professionalism and responsible behaviour and therefore the final phase of the application process is a background screening. Such screening can consist out of an identity check, check of employment history, reference check and declaration on behaviour.

If you are interested and would like to have additional information, please contact Recruitment, recruitment@amsterdam.msf.org.