Head of Supply Chain

• Location: Based in Johannesburg, South Africa or Nairobi, Kenya, with 20% to 50% annual travel required.

• Duration: This is a full-time, Senior Management position, and the successful candidate may be required to work extended hours during emergency operations.

• Deadline: The vacancy closing date for all local and international applications is March 6, 2026.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, and natural or human-made disasters and excluded from healthcare. We provide this assistance without discrimination, irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

MSF Ubuntu is the newest Operational Directorate (OD) of Médecins Sans Frontières, grounded in the principles of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”. With a base blended between the offices of MSF Southern Africa and MSF Eastern Africa and a strong emphasis on interdependence, interoperability, and maximizing sustainable outcomes, MSF Ubuntu seeks to add a new approach to the delivery of medical humanitarian action to the movement by placing communities at the heart of decision-making

The Head of Supply Chain for Ubuntu provides strategic, technical, and transformational leadership in designing, developing, implementing, and continuously improving supply chain systems that enhance operational efficiency and align with organizational goals and the joint MSF Ubuntu–MSF OCB Supply Chain Ecosystem.

Delegated by the Director of Logistics and Supply, and through close collaboration with key stakeholders, the Head of Supply Chain will play a pivotal role in building foundations, designing processes, and championing a culture of continuous improvement and partnership.

• Reports to: Director of Logistics and Supply

• Direct Reports: Supply Chain Operations Leads | Procurement Leads | Warehousing, Transport & Distribution Leads | and Supply Information Systems Leads

• Key Internal Interfaces: Finance (budget monitoring, invoicing/rebilling) | Medical & Pharmacy (stock management) | ICT (ERPs and systems)

• Key External Interfaces: OCB Supply Chain Department | Global Procurement Unit | Regional Regulatory Authorities

1. Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Act as a primary advisor to the Director of Logistics & Supply on all supply chain matters, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities for improvement and innovation.

• Co-shape, with OCB Supply Chain leadership, the strategic direction of the joint Ubuntu–OCB Common Supply Chain Ecosystem, ensuring alignment with MSF's broader Supply Chain ambitions as well as coherence with Ubuntu's specific operational ambitions.

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of MSF Ubuntu’s supply chain operating model.

• Co-develop strategies, policies, and frameworks with OCB Supply Chain leadership.

• Provide strategic and technical input for budget forecasting and ecosystem-wide financial planning.

• Ensure Supply Chain Priorities contribute to the Ubuntu's organizational strategy, while developing with OCB Supply Chain a multi-year roadmap for the joint ecosystem, with clear priorities, ownership, and alignment across stakeholders.

2. Supply Chain Operations

• Oversee procurement, warehousing, inventory, distribution, customs, and related systems.

• Ensure efficient, interoperable stock control and order fulfillment systems according to agreed standards and processes, while safeguarding the operational identity of Ubuntu.

• Strengthen last-mile delivery systems and lead ERP deployment and improvements across the ecosystem.

3. People Management & Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor, and coach supply chain teams to achieve high performance.

• Support joint OCB–Ubuntu capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiatives, ensuring that Ubuntu’s specific approach and organisational culture are fully represented and embedded within the joint Supply workforce.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and performance-driven culture across teams; promote diversity, equitable opportunities, and empowerment.

• Facilitate change management ensuring efficient execution.

• Contribute to workforce planning and competency development aligned with future supply chain needs.

4. Compliance, Risk & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procurement laws, medical quality requirements and regulatory frameworks.

• Implement internal controls, audits, and corrective actions.

• Identify and mitigate operational risks; ensure sustainability and resilience.

• Produce periodic performance reports and management dashboards.

• Promote ethical sourcing, transparency, and environmental responsibility within supply chain practices.

5. Partnerships & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary interface between MSF Ubuntu and OCB on supply chain matters.

• Align internal Ubuntu teams and external stakeholders to maintain a unified ecosystem approach.

• Build and manage relationships with authorities, suppliers, and logistics partners.

• Represent MSF Ubuntu in joint forums and coordination platforms.

• Act as a trusted advisor and facilitator to resolve cross-directorate supply chain challenges.

• Promote cross-departmental coordination to ensure integrated planning and decision-making.

Education:

• University degree or equivalent certification and experience in Supply Chain Management or related field of expertise.

• Professional certification (CIPS, APICS, or equivalent) preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience, with at least 5 years in Supply Chain management in MSF; logistics and/or pharmacy experience being a distinct advantage.

• Proven track record in:

  • procurement, contract management, fleet, and warehouse operations.

  • designing and implementing supply chain operating models

  • multi-year strategic planning and roadmap development

  • process harmonization across diverse entities or regions

  • leading change management initiatives

  • managing cross-functional or cross-organizational collaboration

• Strong command of ERP systems and supply chain analytics.

Key Competencies

• Commitment to MSF Principles

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.

• Advanced understanding of supply chain systems, ERP, and data analytics.

• Familiarity with digital transformation

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Integrity, transparency, and high emotional intelligence.

• Ability to lead in complex, fast-paced, and multicultural environments.

• Results and Quality Orientation

• Behavioural Flexibility

• Teamwork and Cooperation

• Service orientation.

• Conflict resolution

Languages:

• Essential: Proficiency in English.

• Desired: other MSF working languages.

• Location: Johannesburg or Nairobi

• Contract: Full-time.

• Grade: Senior Management.

• Starting Date: To be confirmed (aligned with Ubuntu operational rollout).

• Travel: 20% to 50% a year (projects and inter-hub Programmes).

• Salary and Benefits: Based on the compensation and benefits package in the MSF hosting entity (Eastern Africa / Southern Africa).

• May be required to work extended hours during emergency operations

• The vacancy closing date is: 06th of March 2026.

• This vacancy is open to Local and International Applicants.

• By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with MSF Charter and MSF Behavioral Commitments and Data Privacy Policy.

• In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes background checks and self-declaration.

• If you recognize yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via the APPLY NOW button below

• The vacancy can be found on various MSF websites, digital channels, ReliefWeb and other job boards.

• Applicants are required to upload a Letter of Motivation and Curriculum Vitae (in English) as per prescribed formats. Applications missing the motivation letter will not be considered.

• If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact [email protected] before the vacancy closing date.

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way, not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/ recruitment fee.

Lately, 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 applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.