Operational Cell-based Logistics Advisor (TELOCO)

Do you want to be part of an interesting and exciting project with prospects and potential for personal growth in Médecins sans Frontières OCBA?

We want you on board!

We want your expertise and your commitment towards MSF!

We want your contributions to build an innovative and exciting project in which you can learn, develop and grow along with MSF OCBA {OCBA stands for Operational Centre Barcelona - Athens, operating in 23 countries through the five operational units (i.e. Operational Cells – OCs), an Emergency Unit (EU), Humanitarian Affairs Advisors and other departments and areas that supporting Operations and the social mission.}

Background

The decentralization of the management of operations is one initiative amongst the many that are part of IONI (International Operational Network Initiative).

In a few words, IONI is the very big frame in which we will invite new stakeholders to help us define, execute and govern the next operational project in a network approach as opposed to a central (OC) approach.

Consistent with that, we will manage operations through a decentralised model within the bigger
frame.

The objectives of the decentralization of operations are: to deliver high quality and relevant operations fed by diverse thinking and meaningful partnerships; to increase reactivity to respond to needs of population thanks to an agile and effective decision-making process; to make informed decisions more adapted and flexible to environmental changes and finally to allow the organization to grow in scope and number of programs.

OCBA visualizes a medium term construction with operational units in two regions of the world:

• one unit based in Eastern Africa (Nairobi)
• one unit is already working in Barcelona and after, taking into consideration the lessons learned from the first decentralised unit in Eastern Africa, it will be decentralised to Argentina around middle of 2012.

Currently the Cell, included in the Unit of Eastern Africa, manages three missions: Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

What would your mission be?

The Operational Cell-based Logistics Advisor (TELOCO) will disseminate and implement the policies and standards defined by the Logistics Department and will ensure the alignment of the Logistics Dept. policies and standards with those of other departments represented in Cell, and that result is appropriate with the context of the missions assigned to the operational portfolio of the Op-Cell.

Ensure the quality of the programmes as well as the respect for MSF humanitarian principles in the missions managed by the cell, through technical supervision, follow-up and advice.

The TELOCO is part of the Operational Cell (OC). The Operational Cell is a matrix-like “team set-up” integrating members of the different services or departments of MSF OCBA as the basis for direct support and guidance to the missions within the Cell’s portfolio.

Each OC is made up of a person in charge of the Cell (RECO), one Medical Deputy RECO, one Logistics Advisor (TELOCO), one Finances Advisor (FINOCO) and one Human Resources Advisor (REHUCO).

S/he is hierarchically accountable to the Head of the OC (RECO), while functionally linked to the Head of the Operational Logistics Unit of the Logistics Department.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum experience of 2 years as a Logistician in MSF, including 1 year as Logistics Coordinator.
• Fluent English, French and Spanish are all essential to manage the portfolio of countries, (at least two languages).
• IT knowledge as advanced user.
• Technical experience in technical areas such as: Supplies, Water, Hygiene and Sanitation, Cold Chain, Construction, Transportation, etc.
• Competencies: Identification with MSF, Analytical Thinking, Quality and Results orientation. Planning and Organising, Capacity of Influence, Teamwork.

Which will your responsibilities be?

• Provide strategic and technical support to field teams in all phases of the project cycle for regular, exploratory and emergency missions.
• Define and justify the logistic strategy of the projects within portfolio, ensuring it aligned with both Operations and Logistics Dept’s objectives, providing logistics advice when drafting the annual planning of the projects.
• Supervise and give support in the implementation of logistical policies and plans. Ensure that the Organisation’s logistics principles, guidelines, and policies are implemented.
• Ensure appropriate procurement, monitoring and management of logistical resources.
• Ensure that emergency buffer stocks in the missions are consistent with the EPP (Emergency Preparedness Plan) jointly with Technical Referents.
• Follow up, jointly with the Technical Referents, the logistical content of the projects through field visits and technical reports.
• Support the logistical teams in the field when drafting the technical parts of reports for donors, ratifying them with his/her Deputy RECO before submitting them to the corresponding donors.
• Participate in ITC processes, ensuring that the Organization’s ITC principles, guidelines and policies are implemented.
• Transmit missions’ ITC resources requirements and support needs to Communication and Systems Unit, making sure they are pertinent to ensure appropriate procurement of resources and support to missions.
• Participate in security management following up that the agreed practical security measures are implemented in the field in the necessary time frame.
• Participate in Human Resources processes and training, collaborating with the REHUCO (JDs, field positions assignment, LogCos development, Bf/Dbf, courses/information sessions, etc.)
• Contribute to his/her Operational Cell participating actively in decision making processes within his/her Operational Cell.
• Manage the communication channels with the teams in the missions and /or the Logistics Department, for issues that affect assigned portfolio.

This Job Description may undergo some changes in the future depending on the decentralized new setup.

What are we offering?

• Based in Nairobi at the OCBA Office.
• We offer a very competitive annual gross salary in the Kenyan Market: between 4,051,651 and 4,630,458 KES, plus secondary benefits based on the OCBA salary policy.
• For international applicants we top the salary with a reward package which includes a bonus (in Euros) between 29% or 54% of the salary base, depending on the chosen package, e.g.: if Spanish contract we foresee a bonus of 29% of the salary base; if local contract we offer a bonus of 54% of the salary base. The document about the salary and working conditions for the position will be sent to all candidates in this position who meet the requirements.
• Full time job.
• Travel to the projects 25-30% of the time.
• Moral commitment: 3 years.
• Starting date: as soon as possible.

How can you apply?

Applicants should send their CV and a covering motivation letter under the reference "LOGISTIC ADVISOR CELL NBO" to: recruitment-bcn@barcelona.msf.org

Closing date: 18th March 2012

Replies will only be sent to short-listed candidates.