MSF recruits 01 TIC-MOL Logistics Manager

MSF recruits 01 TIC-MOL Logistics Manager

GENERAL CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

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 an association.
Each individual working with MSF does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

The MSF movement is built around five operational directorates supported by MSF’s 21 sections, 24 associations and other offices together worldwide. MSF OCBA is one of those directorates. The operations are implemented by field teams and the mission coordination teams; together with the organizational units based in Barcelona, Athens and decentralised in Nairobi, Dakar and Amman. The field operations are guided and supported by 5 Operational Cells, the Emergency Unit and other departments supporting operations.

OCBA is leading one TIC (Transformational Investment Capacity) project entitled “Mobile Laboratory for Outbreaks Control” looking towards to create Laboratory Capacity (equipment and team) rapidly deployable to the field when an alert appears, to investigate and confirm epidemic outbreaks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the MSF operational response.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

In the emergency setting where MSF works, the diagnosis capacity for outbreak detection is not always available at field level. There are also many deficiencies in the outbreak confirmation process in national reference laboratories to timely react; many times due to vertical approaches (one disease targeted at a time and in case negative, there is need to restart the investigation) but also due to lack of capacities.

All these together provoke delay in identification of the causative agent of an outbreak and could result in inadequate and/or late responses to outbreaks. On the other hand, more and more, technology is advancing and new diagnosis tools that can be used in a decentralized manner for outbreak investigation are available. The combined operation of a field and reference laboratory allows improving diagnostic capacity under difficult circumstances and proving it to be accurate, efficient and safe in operations.

We want to develop a Mobile Outbreak Laboratory (MOL) capacity (equipment and mobile team) rapidly deployable to the field when an alert appears. Autonomous, but in a coordinated manner with the different resolution/technical levels at the country, the MOL will ensure a rapid turnaround time diagnostic and an improved  “alert investigation” circuit and; therefore will improve the set-up of timely and adequate operational response .

We will need to work on defining Infrastructure, Equipment and Diagnostic tools, Training mobile human resources, and Review of process and procedures all that with the basic of lightness, modular and rapidity.

The MOL Logistics Manager will work closely with the Laboratory Project Manager to develop the MOL Capacity. Rather than having a unique structure to use, we aim to have different possibilities adjusted to the site of the alert (could be using an existing place or taking an infrastructure with the team). The main criteria will be the faster the better. On the contrary the circuit to stablish will be unique as to accomplish with all the efficient and biosafety criteria.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES, FUNCTIONS AND TASKS

The MOL Logistics Manager depends hierarchically to the MOL Project Manager and functionally to the Head of Logistics Technical Unit.

According to the context, in the initial phase, an improved concept of the MOL (algorithms, infrastructure, equipment) will be developed focused on the diseases targeted in this project. The list of tests to be considered will be selected although it would be possible to adjust with other options available in the market (e.g. new generation of rapid test).

According to the Improved Outbreak Algorithm defined, the MOL Logistics Manager will be responsible to define the equipment’s and logistic infrastructure, biosafety and biosecurity management of the project (including the waste treatment and/or management, transport, energy, cold chain, biomed, shelter, fences, water supply, team capacity building, communication devices…).

S/he will work in close collaboration with the Technical Referents to ensure the alignment of the priorities of the project with the operational need and strategies within the framework of the Strategic Plan, Operational Policy, Departmental plans and best practices of MSF OCBA.

Responsibilities

• Contribution in the mobile strategy decision (technical inputs and constraints regarding different mobile technology).
• Identification of the main logistics constrains according to the context and the algorithms proposed
• Analysis and design of the potential log technical solutions for each constrain identified
• Co-design of the adapted solution and all logistic support needed
• Determine all the logistic resources necessaries for the deployment of the pilot
• Learning materials design and development
• Pilot testing (including field training and deployment), capitalization and improvement
• Monitor and evaluate the Logistics MOL Capacity development, results and impact; propose adjustment or reorientation when needed
• Ensure coordination of the activities of several technical referents within MSF in order to avoid duplication of efforts, ensuring efficacy and fluidity in the achievement of the project objectives

Main Tasks

• Propose and steer on the different innovation technologies or methodologies that might be considered in order to improve the MOL Capacity response and its monitoring
• Be aware of similar logistic technical solution proposals that might arise within MSF and beyond to coordinate and complement efforts, capitalize on achievements and avoid duplication
• Coordinate work evolution initiated by support stakeholders (Internships, University partners, external companies, …)
• Identify indicator of success and risk of failure for each innovations implemented Capitalize on the lessons learned on the innovation and activities conducted
• Coordinate and monitor project activities with the different Logistic Technical Referents and focal points
• Develop MOL logistic guidance, tools and SOP
• Develop the content of logistic’ training packages, including deployment, running life and refurbishing of the technical solutions (linking with other existing training initiatives such as Tembo and within collaboration with the Logistics Learning Referent)
• Organize regular meetings to update the project and lead communication among the different logistics stakeholders
• Network with key logistics stakeholders in the humanitarian sector that are leading the mobile lab capacity
• Defines, compiles and analyses the key indicators that monitor the appropriation of the MOL capacity in the field
• Gather all Logistics interested parties fully informed on the progress and engagements accomplished

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education and Experience

• Secondary or Higher Education in some technical areas related to humanitarian logistics (Engineering, Construction, Supply…)
• Minimum experience of 1 year as a Logistic Manager
• Experience with MSF will be an asset
• MS Office as an advanced user
• Fluent written and spoken French and English
• Knowledge of Spanish will be considered an asset
• Ability to set priorities and organise his/her own work
• Experience in project management and/or engineering in systems and design

Competencies

• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Service Orientation
• Planning and Organising
• Initiative and Innovation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Leadership
• People Management and Development
• Networking and Building Relationships
• Availability to travel to field locations

CONDITIONS

• Position preferably based in Barcelona, at the Médecins Sans Frontières-Spain Headquarters (with frequent traveling to the field), negotiation towards alternative locations is available
• Temporary position -> 9 months
• Full time position
• Annual gross salary (divided in twelve monthly payments) + Secondary Benefits based on MSF-OCBA Reward Policy
• Starting date:  June 2019

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, all applicants should please send their CV and cover motivation letter under the reference “MOL Log Manager” to recruitment-bcn@barcelona.msf.org.

Please submit your CV and cover letter in ONE file and name the file with your LAST NAME

Closing date: 13^th June 2019

Replies will only be sent to short-listed candidates.

MSF OCBA is a people-focused humanitarian organization that offers a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. We believe this approach enhances our work and we are committed to equity in employment. We embrace diverse backgrounds of people working together to exhibit their passion in action for the social mission of MSF.

Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under article 38 of “Ley de Integración Social del Minusválido de 1982 (LISMI)” invite those persons with a recognized disability and with an interest in the humanitarian area to apply for the above mentioned position.