Strategic Buyer - Indirect Spend

About MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man made disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.

MSF consist out of 5 Operation Centres (OCs), 3 European Supply Centres (ESCs) and 22 Partner Sections (PS).

Context:

In recent years, there has been a significant development in MSF’s medical and operational activities that has been sustained by an upsurge in MSF’s operational budget and complexity. Every year, approximately half of MSF’s budget is spent in procurement (services and goods).

We are looking for a Strategic Buyer for MSF Southern Africa. The total annual spend at the Section amounts to Approximately ZAR 40 million. All annual operational expenditure with a spend value higher than 40 million will be within scope. Main procurement categories to procure are communication, fundraising, consultancy, ICT, and HR (not exhaustive list).

Department: General Direction

Position level: 08

Report to: Deputy Director

Objective:

The overall objective of this position is to develop and implement best procurement practices in the Section in order to increase effectiveness, efficiency, quality and accountability on procured goods and services while reducing risks.

Specific Objectives:

1. Develop and implement Procurement process and guidelines

2. Support in developing best procurement practices

3. Lead tenders according to Partner Section’s priority categories

4. Develop awareness on procurement domain and build capacity for the key stakeholders

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the development and implementation of a procurement process, guidelines, and governance for Partner Section (aligned with key stakeholders: Finance Coordination, Legal, Board, Procurement Department)


•  Analyze the indirect spend in scope, categorize and define opportunities in collaboration with key stakeholders. Follow up on budget and project portfolio on a regular basis;


•  Connect with the relevant stakeholders to define their needs and identify opportunities;


•  Analyze the market, and follow-up trends, bringing market intelligence and innovations to Partner Section for the relevant categories;


• Take the lead in the supplier selection process, drawing up RFx templates and analyzing the offers;


•  Define, in collaboration with the requesting departments and the other indirect buyers, the best procurement strategy for the priority categories defined by the Partner Section;


• Closely collaborate with Legal Department for reviewing new contracts. Negotiate and renew existing contracts;


•  Follow up on supplier performance by organizing Business Review Meetings and striving for continuous improvement;


•  Along the entire procurement process, be responsible for the supplier relationship for the priority categories;


•  Support the different departments in their relationship with their suppliers, if needed (negotiation, dispute etc);


• Be accountable for supplier risk management, keep processes, procedures and templates up to date, and deliver continuous savings, whenever possible.


• Perform daily tactical activities.


•  Train and empower key actors within the procurement process;


• Develop a network with the key internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration between the other indirect buyers and Regional Procurement Manager.


• Train, mentor and lead the work direction of support staff (if applicable).

Requirements

Education: Postgraduate degree in International Business, Supply Chain or Procurement.

Experience

Required:

- Minimum 5 years of related experience/ in a similar position.

- Proven experience in negotiating, contract and supplier management principles.

- Experience in working in a complex environment managing multiple stakeholders across different entities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – Mastering Excel


• Negotiation skills – Mastery


• Communication and diplomatic skills


• Strong stakeholder management skills


• Knowledge about contract management


• Strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple priorities at one time


• Discipline and organization skills


• Autonomous


•  Drive for change, improvement and innovation


• Transversal teamwork and networking


• Project management


• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust, and Empowerment. 


• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.

Languages:

• English essential – speaking and writing

Remuneration and resources:

• The Salary R44 479-49


• 13th Cheque in November.


• 100% Medical aid contribution.


• 10% additional pension allowance.


• Transport allowance.


• Cell Phone Allowance.


• Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.

Commitment/Contract Duration:

Length of commitment: 6 Months.

Closing date: 30 April 2025

Start date: 1 June 2025 

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB: Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF SnA. 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 SnA will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, and all other diversity characteristics.

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.

By applying, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accept this document.

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