Doctors Without Borders is looking for a Head of Global Procurement

Location: Any MSF office*

Contract: Temporary contract at 100%

Duration: 6 months interim

Starting date: April 1st, 2026

Deadline to apply: 20th of March 2026

Compensation and benefits: MSF practice is to offer the C&B package current in the MSF entity establishing the contract.

*By default, the successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office of their country of residence at the time of application.

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 28 associations and other offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

II. CONTEXT

Procurement of products and services is a critical activity for MSF operations and represents approximately half of MSF’s expenses. Therefore, MSF has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to strengthen and re-organize its procurement function, which have led to the creation of the Global Procurement Unit (GPU). The primary aim of the GPU is to streamline procurement activities and increase compliance, efficiency, and risk management.

Situated within MSF International Office (IO), the role of the Global Procurement Unit is to lead global procurement strategies, to coordinate procurement efforts in the organization and to support the development of the procurement function across all MSF entities to efficiently contribute to MSF's social missio n. This unit is responding to the need of all MSF entities and is collaborating closely with the supply centres, the headquarters and the countries of operations of MSF.

As part of the Global Procurement Unit, the Head of the Global Procurement will:

• Report hierarchically to the International Supply Chain Coordinator.
• Be accountable to the Executive Supply Chain Committee (ESCC) for the results of the Global Procurement Unit.
• Work closely with the supply and procurement directors of the 6 OCs and the 3 ESCs, the Head of Quality Assurance (IMQPP) in IO
• Interact with other stakeholders within the MSF movement: International Legal Department, LOG, HR, ICT and Finance coordinators and director of resources of the International Office.

III. PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The overall objective of this position is to develop the strategic orientations and coordinate the smooth running of global procurement activities across MSF entities to ensure that they are pertinent, efficient and respond to the global needs of MSF.

The Global Procurement Unit coordinates the procurement at movement level (with currently a total spend of 1 Bio€/year) and for this purpose collaborates with MSFs operational entities, partner sections and supply centres to optimize and mutualize the way procurement is done. On one hand this implies giving direct support to the field and different entities, and on the other hand directly leading certain categories through global category management.

IV. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Lead the definition and implementation of the strategic orientations the Global Procurement Unit

• Based on the priorities expressed by the different entities and scopes of procurement (direct, indirect and field), the key orientations of the movement and of the supply chain department, propose to the ESCC the strategic orientations for the procurement function and the global procurement unit.
• Ensure consistency and synchronisation between the GPU strategic priorities and the procurement and supply priorities of the different entities.
• Operationalise these strategic priorities into an action plan. Anticipate risks, resources and stakeholders to be engaged.
• Together with your team, define the resources needed to achieve the strategic objectives set and advocate for the obtention of these resources.
• Report to the ESCC on the GPU key achievements, risks and issues, and look for buy in from the entities on key decisions.

Ensure that global procurement activities respond to the needs of MSF entities

• Together with your team, establish the right channels of communication and processes to capture the needs and feedback from the different entities for each scope of procurement (direct, Indirect and field).
• Based on these needs and feedback, establish with your team the adjustments needed in the action plans and priorities to enhance the value delivered by global procurement activities to MSF (risk management, cost optimisation, quality, etc).
• Define, monitor and analyse the key indicators to follow your activity. Identify improvement areas and capitalize on them.
• In case of an emergency, be ready to support MSF operations with the requested support: coordination, sourcing task force or temporary detachment of team members.

Lead the team working in the Global Procurement Unit (25-30 team members), coordinate and ensure coherence between the different activities managed by them.

• Set the working framework for your team. Bring them together around a common vision and objectives of the activities under your responsibility.
• Accompany each member of your team in order to improve their contribution to the common objectives and promote their professional development.
• Promote a working environment that takes into account diversity of approaches and encourages trust and collaborative work. Regulate individual and collective tensions.
• Put forward the work stakes of the GPU team to the other teams in the different MSF entities.

Foster collaboration between GPU team and the procurement stakeholders working in the different entities.

• Know the main actors and key stakeholders for your activity. Develop and mobilise a network required to smoothly carry out the activities under your responsibility.
• Develop and maintain a smooth flow of communication and feedback on global procurement activities to keep your stakeholders up to date and capture their feedback and areas of improvement.
• Closely collaborate with the Executive Supply Chain Committee in order to engage global procurement stakeholders and ensure alignment between their activities.

Plan and manage the resources allocated to the activities under your responsibility.

• Lead the construction of the budget necessary for the running of the activities under your responsibility.
• With your team, discuss the HR needed in terms of number and profile (profession, experience, complementarity with other team members) in order to achieve a team composition adapted to the needs of your activities.
• Conduct recruitment interviews and select your team members according to previously established criteria and MSF recruitment policy.
• Ensure the proper use and monitoring of the resources made available for the activities under your responsibility.

Practical / technical knowledge

• Master’s degree in business, with ideally a specialization in purchasing, supply chain or project management, or a combination of relevant education and professional experience.
• 10+ years of experience in Procurement or Supply-related function
• Proven experience with people management.
• Direct work experience in a complex multi-entity’ organization.
• Experience in global contracting and negotiations.
• Experience with MSF in procurement or supply chain is mandatory

Planning and organising

• Excellent strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple priorities at one time.

Communicating and influencing

• Demonstrate independent initiative, drive for change, improvement and innovation.
• Excellent communication skills, assertiveness negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment.
• Team player with strong customer orientation.

Practical requirements

• Proficiency in standard office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and data management.
• Fluent spoken and written English. Good command of French is a strong asset.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.

MSF is committed to preventing abuse, inappropriate behaviour, lack of integrity and financial misconduct in its work and care spaces. MSF expects all staff to share this commitment and promote an environment where abuse and misconduct is not tolerated.

We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know from the beginning of the selection process.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to reference checks and to appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her/their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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