Purchasing Manager – Intersection (M/F) – Based in Niger At Doctors Without Borders

CONTEXT AND MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

MSF is present in Niger through five sections (OCG, OCBA, OCP, WaCA and Epicentre). For years, MSF has been conducting medical activities in support of the Ministry of Public Health/Public Hygiene in several regions of the country at the health district level:

• OCG is working in the Magaria district hospital
• OCBA operates in the health districts of Agadez, Diffa and Tillabéry.
• OCP is involved in the Madarounfa district hospital.
• WaCA intervenes in the Madaoua district hospital
• Epicentre is working in the Madaoua district hospital

The evolving regional and national political and security context, respectively in the West African sub-region and in Niger, has impacted the humanitarian supply chain in Niger. This situation is largely due to border closures and the complex relationship between Niger and its neighboring countries, such as Benin, which was its main entry point for imported goods. This political and security crisis between states could not remain without consequences: the inflation rate and the unavailability of certain products on the local Nigerien market are a clear example. In this context, MSF’s missions in Niger require an agile supply chain capable of helping them achieve their operational objectives.

Among its initiatives, the MSF movement is leading a project to capitalize on shared resources across the various countries where MSF operates. Pooling supply chain activities is one of the essential pillars for the success of this project. At the heart of this approach are procurement activities, the objective of which is to harmonize and standardize practices across the different departments.

The Intersection Purchasing Manager (IPM) defines and implements the purchasing strategy to meet the common needs of all sections within the country. The objective of this position is:

• To improve the availability and quality of goods and services and to reduce delivery times;
• To pool purchasing efforts in order to achieve savings without compromising quality
• To simplify category management and avoid competition between OCs
• To establish a coherent procurement approach within the MSF movement, by harmonizing procurement methodologies, practices, tools and processes, in accordance with MSF protocols, standards and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Intersection Purchasing Manager aims to define and implement the Intersectional purchasing strategy adapted to the common needs of each section present in Niger.

Specific objectives:

• Pooling purchasing efforts to achieve savings without compromising quality, simplifying category management, and avoiding competition between sections,
• To establish a coherent procurement approach within the MSF movement, by harmonizing procurement methodologies, practices, tools and processes, in accordance with MSF’s standard protocols, norms and procedures.

Geographic Scope:

• All the coordination offices for the different sections are located in the capital (Niamey), and this is where most strategic purchases are made. However, the regional cities (Maradi, Zinder, Magaria, Diffa, etc.) near which MSF conducts its activities offer significant potential for both planned and unplanned purchases. These two advantages will contribute to defining the Intersectional Purchasing Strategy and will allow for the mapping of markets and suppliers.

Methodical approach and implementation method.

• The IPM will work on behalf of all sections and will report to the Intersectional Supply Steering Committee (ISSC). It will define, with the ISSC, an activity schedule and a weekly attendance plan for each section.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE MSF SECTION / CONTEXT

1. Conduct an expenditure assessment, identify priority categories, and establish an implementation roadmap.

• Based on the information (historical expenditure, budget and forecasts) provided by the focal points in charge of procurement for each OC (logistics and supply coordinators, Supply Team Leader and/or purchasing managers), establish a spending map (spending assessment) in order to identify purchasing priorities: main suppliers and categories.
• In collaboration with the OC procurement focal points, define the intersection procurement strategy including the categories to be managed at the intersection level and the implementation roadmap.

2. Conduct purchasing activities for each category managed at the intersection level and in accordance with the priorities defined in the strategy.

• Gather the requirements of the OCs and help the OCs to harmonize the information necessary for the supplier selection process (codes, designation, specifications…).
• Conduct market assessments and comparative analyses, including local, regional and international purchasing options, to gather all the information necessary to inform and adjust the purchasing strategy.
• Lead the supplier identification and selection process by involving the OCs’ procurement focal points in every major decision, as well as the technical lead, in accordance with Log/Med quality policies.
• Establish the required contracts or agreements and ensure their proper validation.
• Manage relationships with suppliers to ensure the quality of products and services provided.
• Monitor intersection supply activity: contracts, savings, lead times, supplier performance, etc.
• Provide technical support in their area of ​​activity and mentor OC staff to contribute to the development of best practices and capabilities in procurement.
• Review key performance indicators (KPIs) that can help field teams monitor and manage activities

3. Ensure harmonious collaboration between procurement stakeholders working in different OCs.

• Regularly facilitate the meetings of the Purchasing Intersection Steering Committee.
• Involve the procurement focal point of each OC in the procurement processes conducted at the intersectional level.
• Ensure that the OCs are aligned with the strategy and objectives in terms of procurement.
• Ensure adequate participation of key stakeholders, including technical experts responsible for supplier validation, to ensure the successful implementation of the purchasing strategy.
• Communicate in a timely manner regarding issues, opportunities, or any important updates related to intersection purchasing activities.
• Training and capacity building for Supply teams in relation to Purchasing tools.

Outside the scope of responsibilities:

• Orders placed with Purchasing Centers.
• Technical validation of suppliers for Logistics and Medical products for which technical validation is required.
• Transactional tasks: issuing purchase orders, receiving items, managing invoicing,… These activities remain the responsibility of each section.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• University degree in business administration, supply chain management, purchasing or in a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in purchasing, including data analysis, sourcing, complex negotiations and contract awarding.
• International and field experience in procurement or supply chain roles within MSF or another NGO is a major asset.
• Experience in project management will be considered an asset.
• Fluency in French and English (spoken and written) is required, with a minimum level of B2 in English. Knowledge of other local languages ​​is a major asset.
• Good command of Microsoft Office, ERP systems and databases.
• Strong skills in analysis, organization, leadership, team management and collaboration in multicultural and remote environments.

CONDITIONS

• Position based in Niger.
• This is a Level 12 position according to the International Reference Field Function Grid (IRFFG). The final salary will be determined in accordance with MSF’s IRP2 framework. Benefits will be provided in accordance with MSF-OCBA policies.
• Full-time position.
• Contract duration: 12 months.
• Start date: September 2026.

How to apply

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter to the following link: INTERSECTION PURCHASING MANAGER Job Details | medicossin

INFORMATION ON THE STEPS IN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• After the application deadline, the recruitment process typically takes between 6 and 8 weeks.
• All applicants will be notified once the process is closed. Due to the large number of applications, individual feedback will generally not be possible.
• If you do not hear from us, it means that the process is still ongoing and other candidates may still be contacted.
• Reference checks will be required in the final stages of the process. Candidates will need to provide references from previous employers using professional or institutional email addresses (personal accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc. will not be accepted).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. MSF offers a work environment that reflects the values ​​of gender equality, teamwork, integrity, and work-life balance. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, nor any form of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination.