Developing and implementing mission-specific logistics strategies, providing expert advice, and mentor Logistics Coordinators to enhance their capabilities. Providing logistics management to emergency operations and contributing to emergency response.
MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.
We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.
People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect together.
With immediate effect, our Logistics department is looking for a:
Operational Logistics Advisor (FO) to the Emergency Support Department (ESD)
Based in Amsterdam
You play a pivotal role in managing and supporting Logistics Coordinators across country programs while collaborating with cross-functional teams at the HQ level. As FO to the ESD (‘E Desk’), your primary focus is providing logistics management to emergency operations and contributing to the organisational emergency response priorities.
This role includes organizing specialized assistance from the Field Support Unit (FSU), adapting policies and procedures to local contexts, and offering guidance to uphold high standards in logistics, safety, and technical operations. You validate HQ trip reports and ensure seamless alignment between field operations and HQ strategies.
In this position, you will develop and implement mission-specific logistics strategies, provide expert advice, and mentor Logistics Coordinators to enhance their capabilities. Collaboration with team members and international partners is essential to align strategies and contribute to the creation of innovative tools and policies. Regular field visits and stepping in to fill gaps for Logistics Coordinators when necessary are integral to your responsibilities.
This dynamic role offers the opportunity to drive impactful logistics solutions, foster global partnerships, and strengthen operational excellence across diverse programs.
As this role is based in Amsterdam with the ESD, the ideal candidate should either already be based in The Netherlands or willing to re-locate to The Netherlands.
Main responsibilities
You steer and guide the tailoring of general logistics policies, strategies, procedures and guidelines to the local situation. You provide advice and ensure the responsiveness, agility, quality, efficiency, and availability of logistics/technical support.
You are the focal point for Logistics Coordinators in assigned country programs being managed by the ESD, as well as the main point of contact for the Head of ESD, regarding country program logistics.
You maintain an effective relationship with the country programs you are assigned to, you are aware of the challenges in the field, and you organise the support to fulfil those needs. You keep yourself informed about development in the logistics/ technical area, inside and outside MSF.
You monitor the quality of the logistic processes and results in the country programs and ensure the appropriate level is attained.
You validate all HQ trips reports and recommendations related to the field logistics in assigned portfolio.
You work closely together with the other OST team members, securing alignment of all actions and keeping an overview.
You represent Operations/Country Missions in the Logistics department, and Logistics department in Operations. You assure that HQ input and involvement in field support is well organized, functioning and aligned, and that, consequently, HQ speaks with “one voice”. You collaborate closely between the Logistics department and ESD.
You are expected to spend significant time in country programs and replace LogCo’s when required.
Specific tasks
Vision of Logistics within assigned portfolio of countries regarding operational & technical logistics / supply chain design and strategy, country specific logistics policy framework: validation, development, implementation and compliance in collaboration with CMT and Log dept.
Oversight and support in management of central Emergency stocks.
Mission specific expert advice including sharing of best practices, including transversal topics e.g., vaccination, shelter and NFI distribution etc.
Validation/ support in development and implementation of mission-specific policies, logistical strategies/ tactical approaches, support structures and service level definition, in logistics, made specific to the mission.
Coaching and mentoring of Logistical Coordinators.Advice to
Operations regarding logistics, including proposed course of action in crisis and evolving emergency situations.
Alignment of strategy and services with counterparts in other MSF sections and international aid organizations.
Contribution to the development and trial of new tools and equipment, operational scenario planning and/or policies.
Reports and expert advice and enable decision making on Applied security, Air Operations, Technical Logistics and Supply chain management.
Validation of all HQ trips reports and recommendations related to the field logistics in assigned portfolio.
Expert advice and guidance on transversal operational logistics themes and/or topics.
Candidate Profile
Higher vocational/BSc/MSc in (an area related to) Logistics.
Current or previous MSF experience of 5-7 years' - experience as Logistics Coordinator or Head of Mission in the field (>5 missions in positions like Log team Leader, Log/Admin, Deputy LogCo, All-round Log).
In-depth knowledge of the domains within logistics (including technical logistics (biomedical, IT, construction), supply chain management, air operations, operational logistics, WASH).
Strong data literacy skills, including proficiency in tools like Excel, GIS and Power BI is a strong asset.
Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) are essential. Arabic and French language skills are desired.
Willingness to travel up to 40% of the time for field visits, short-term gap-fills and emergencies.
Competencies
Results and quality orientation
Planning and Organizing
People Management and Development
Initiative and Innovation
We offer
A full-time appointment (based on a 40-hours workweek) for one year with renewal option based on satisfactory performance appraisal. The preferred start date is 15 May 2026.
A gross monthly salary in scale 16 with a current salary range between € 4,269 - 5,877 gross per month. The exact salary depends on relevant work experience.
Other benefits:
30 paid vacation days annually, contingent upon full-time employment status.
A premium free pension where MSF covers 100% of the monthly pension contribution
8% holiday allowance, paid out with the salary once a year in May
Commuting allowance (terms and conditions apply) & work from home allowance
L&D will support you with a variety of learning and development opportunities with internal and external trainings and courses
Discounted daily lunch at the office
An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and background
Application
If you recognise yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document.
The closing date for applications is 22 February 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Selection will be by means of one interview rounds and scheduled to take place in the week of 2 March 2026
Information
For more information about the recruitment procedure, please contact Recruiter, Irene Tellekamp – irene.tellekamp@amsterdam.msf.org.
***No agencies please***