Background

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical humanitarian organisation, providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. Operating in over 71 countries, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities.  MSF Netherlands in Italy coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with own ship.

Scope and objectives of the position

Deputy Logistics Coordinator will support Logistics Coordinator in Technical logistics and Supply Chain Management, replacing him/her in his/her absence. S/he will support and collaborate in designing, planning and coordinating implementation of logistical strategies in accordance to and compliance with MSF standards and protocols.

Main responsibilities 

PLANNING: Strategy and Design

  • Supports Logistics Coordinator in defining mission-wide technical/supply logistical strategies and implementation.
  • Provides guidance on budgeting and resource planning.
  • Ensures that staff and management are aware of technical logistics and supply strategies and plans.
  • Coordinates common supply needs across project (medical items, spare parts, ICT equipment, etc.)

IMPLEMENTATION: Coordination & Steering

  • Supports Logistics Coordinator in coordinating the mission’s logistics function across Supply Chain, Biomed, Lab Fleet, ICT, Power, Water & Sanitation, and other areas as relevant.
  • Provides technical guidance and support to supply team and other department as needed.
  • Offers advice and follow-up for logistics and supply issues across projects.
  • Coordinates installation and maintenance of office and lodging facilities, as well as all the equipment required.
  • Reviews and approves supply and technical aspects of contracts, purchase orders and expenses, in line with mission authorization table.
  • Ensures proper use and maintenance of IT equipment and communication tools.

MONITORING REPORTING & EVALUATION

  • Assists Logistics Coordinator in monitoring and evaluating logistics activities to ensure objectives are achieved and adequate support is provided to the medical team.
  • Supports Logistics Coordinator in reviewing and finalizing internal supply and technical logistics (data) reporting.

 

Specific Accountabilities

Supply

  • Responsible for the evolution of the mission supply strategy, as to continuously adapt to the shifts in context and operational needs.
  • Ensure redundancy and resilience in the Supply strategy, so that SAR Operations as well as the management of the vessel are adequately and efficiently supported for unimpaired continuity.
  • Ensure compliance and diligence in the supply systems, specifically on areas such a customs, import/export, and medical supply.
  • Develop policies and structures to ensure institutional knowledge and memory of the SAR context’s proclivities and non-standard procedures.
  • Lead in the development of environmental practices in the supply chain, finding ways to maintain quality of service, whilst reducing environmental impact.
  • Engage in networking amongst NGOs, specifically those in Civil SAR fleet, to improve collaboration and find mutually beneficial synergies to support each other’s operations.
  • Technical referent for the Supply Manager

Tech-Log

  • Ensure policy frame work is well adapted to the needs of the operations, and as such adhered to.
  • Where feasible and beneficial, ensure adherence to MSF OCA’s standards. When specificities of the SAR context require non-standard equipment or practices, consult with relevant stake holders to develop solutions that incorporate institutional knowledge while fostering innovative ideas.
  • Overall responsible for non-maritime technical families;
  • Onshore; fleet, energy, Water & Sanitation, construction/maintenance
  • Onshore and at sea; cold chain, biomed, facility management for the medical space onboard the vessel.
  • Ensure all assets and systems with the technical scope of the role are properly used, maintained and supported with adequate redundancy to guarantee uninterrupted service.
  • Overall responsible for the technical upkeep and maintenance of onshore facilities across the country.
  • Responsible for identifying, securing, and supporting the setup of required facilities (offices, guesthouses, and related infrastructure).
  • Liaise with maritime crew to ensure all aspects of the technical support for the vessel are well adapted to use at sea and compliant to vessel regulations.
  • Technical referent for the Log Ashore

Operational Logistics

  • When necessary, stand-in for the Logistics Coordinator to cover Vessel Management needs.
  • Support the Logistics Coordinator to ensure the SAR Operations are sufficiently supplied and technically enabled to continuously run operations.

Requirements 

Education
  • Essential supply/technical/logistics degree/diploma.

Experience
  • Essential working experience of at least two years in relevant jobs
  • Essential Experience with MSF or other NGOs in developing countries.
  • Essential previous experience in a maritime or boating context, ideally Civil SAR.

Languages
  • Fluent written and spoken English essential (C1)
  • Essential Italian (B2)

Knowledge
  • Essential computer literacy (word, excel, power point and internet)
  • MSF’s logistics and supply training
  • Maritime understanding
  • Desirable: Unifield

Competencies
  • Results and Quality Orientation
  • Initiative and Innovation
  • Analytical Thinking

Conditions 

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months), full-time. Level I of Italian CCNL Commercio Terziario Distribuzione e Servizi.

Candidates should hold a work permit to work in Italy.

Gross Annual Salary: euro 40.600 – 44.660 depending on MSF experience of the candidate

Location: based in Rome, with travels to SAR vessel, and/or ports of disembarkation if and when necessary with specific ToR.

Starting Date: As soon as possible

 

Application procedure: 

To apply for this role, please submit your application to sar-jobs@oca.msf.org 

Subject: Deputy LogCo_Your Surname

Including the following:

  • CV (in English)
  • motivation letter (in English)
  • Availability
  • 2 contacts for references

The application deadline is 30th October 2025 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants not invited for interview within 4 weeks from the closure of the vacancy may consider their applications unsuccessful. MSF-Netherlands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee, or applicant for employment, shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We expect this same commitment from our staff.