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Logisticians

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Where we are working


Darwin

Date: Wednesday, 3rd July

Time: 6.30pm

Venue: Charles Darwin University, Room Blue 5.1.01, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin

Penrith

Date: Tues 30 July

Time: 6:30pm

Venue: Penrith School of Arts, U3A main hall, 3 Castlereagh St, Penrith 2750

© Stephan Grosse Rueschkamp/MSF

Whether coordinating the purchase and transport of supplies locally or internationally, organising the transport of vaccines, rehabilitating health structures, setting up feeding centres or overseeing the maintenance of vehicles and communication systems, the logistician is crucial to absolutely every Médecins Sans Frontières project.  You may be required to interact with local authorities and other organisations, and oversee the implementation of project security protocols.

Being able to manage large numbers of national staff is another important element of this essential role. It is not necessary to have experience in all the areas listed below but if you have strong practical skills, enjoy 'hands on' work and have a 'can-do' attitude, this can be an excellent base.

People with professional backgrounds ranging from construction and architecture to engineers (marine, civil, water sanitation, mechanical, electronic, electrical or even software), supply chain workers to farm managers have worked with us in this role.  After building solid field experience many have gone on to fill management roles, such as supervising the logistical component of all projects in a particular country.

NOTE:

Individuals recruited as logisticians may have the opportunity to undertake an internal training course prior to their first placement. The course outlines specific technical policies, procedures, tools and software we use to manage logistics in the field.  Médecins Sans Frontières covers basic costs to attend this course.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Compliance with Essential Criteria for all potential Field Workers
  • Practical skills and experience in at least 3 of the following*: mechanics, energy and electricity, procurement & supply chain management, construction, architecture, water and sanitation, ICT (information, communications, technology systems management), biomedics (installation and maintenance of medical equipment)
  • Available to work in the field for a minimum of 9 months

* Opportunities are occasionally available for specialists in most of these areas; if you have worked in just 1 area but you have 5+ years professional experience, there may still be a path for you.

ASSETS

  • Valid and current, clean driving license
  • Experience in administration (finance, human resources), project or event management

Logisticians working with Médecins Sans Frontières



STORIES FROM THE FIELD

Damien Moloney talks about his various field placements.

Grant Somers writes of his work in Afghanistan.

Richard Urmonas writes of his work in Sudan.

Rachel Creek talks about her placement in Colombia.

Don McCallum shares his experiences from Kenya.