Technical logistician
Technical logistician

Technical logistician

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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MSF UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support vital operations by managing logistics, maintaining equipment, and training local staff.
  • Company: Join Médecins Sans Frontières, a leading humanitarian organisation making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Gain invaluable experience, travel opportunities, and the chance to work in diverse environments.
  • Why this job: Be the backbone of impactful missions and help communities in need around the world.
  • Qualifications: Experience in logistics or construction, strong management skills, and adaptability.
  • Other info: Work in challenging environments with a multicultural team and grow your career.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Our technical logisticians are the backbone of all our operations. From conducting exploration missions into new areas with the medical team to setting up temporary tented hospitals and maintaining a fleet of Land Cruiser vehicles, Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) technical logisticians ensure everything runs smoothly, no matter what happens.

Responsibilities

  • Logisticians are usually based in the projects, although there are also capital logistics positions as well.
  • They keep MSF’s programmes functioning.
  • Their work varies widely, depending on the mission, and they can find themselves in charge of:
  • Managing international and national staff accommodation bases
  • Constructing bomb shelters
  • Fixing electrics in the hospital
  • Training local staff to maintain the vehicle fleet

Our technical logisticians come from a range of backgrounds, with skills in electrics, mechanics, construction and plumbing. It is a challenging and rewarding role and you will be responsible for some or all of the following:

  • Maintenance and renovation of structures, including hospitals, clinics, offices and team accommodation
  • Setting up feeding centres, hospitals, mobile clinics
  • Organising the transport of medications and supplies
  • Ensuring the project’s power supply is reliable
  • Maintaining vehicles and communication systems
  • Managing security in the project when the project coordinator is not around
  • Training, supervising and managing local logistics staff
  • Building local staff capacity and ensuring safe and fair working conditions
  • Managing administration for the department
  • Interacting with local authorities and organisations
  • Overseeing the implementation of security protocols

Construction Logisticians

At times MSF recruits specifically for construction logisticians - usually when a new project is being started or an old one rehabilitated or expanded. Construction logisticians may design the structure and will have to prepare all resources required (i.e. labour, budget, materials) as well as supervising the progress of construction work.

Role Requirements

Technical Logistician Requirements

  • Significant experience in logistics related roles
  • Experience in supervising and managing others in a logistics capacity
  • Experience in preventative maintenance of equipment including vehicles, generators and other equipment used in our energy set-ups, biomedical equipment, and communication equipment (e.g. HF, VHF, satellite-phones, V-SAT, mobile phones)
  • Experience in supervising and training staff involved in technical installation and minor repair works of generators, cabling, chargers/inverters as well as vehicle management
  • Experience in recruitment and management of contracted daily labourers
  • Skills in management of IT equipment including the provision of internet services

Construction Logistician Requirements

  • Significant experience in construction-related roles
  • Experience in supervising and managing others in a construction capacity
  • Experience in building design including the planning of financial and human resources
  • Previous experience in the analysis of construction plans and resources for the project including labour, equipment, materials, quotes and budget
  • Awareness of water and sanitation issues
  • Good negotiation skills
  • Experience in overseas building projects and experience with negotiating with local authorities is an asset

Requirements for Both

  • Available for a minimum of nine months
  • Minimum of three months’ work, volunteering or travel experience in low-income countries
  • Willingness to work in unstable areas
  • Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
  • Flexible and able to manage stress
  • Able to provide training and supervision to others

Languages

  • Minimum of C1 level in English and A2/B1 level in French (according to CEFR).
  • Proficiency in Spanish and/or Arabic are considered an asset.
  • Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.

Technical logistician employer: MSF UK

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an exceptional employer for technical logisticians, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in challenging environments. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, MSF provides extensive training and support, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to vital humanitarian efforts. Working in diverse locations, you will not only develop your technical skills but also engage with local communities, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
MSF UK

Contact Detail:

MSF UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical logistician

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics field, especially those who have worked with MSF. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal meet-up, be ready to discuss your experience in logistics and how it relates to the role of a technical logistician.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a position that fits your skills on our website, don’t hesitate to apply. Tailor your approach to highlight your relevant experience in maintenance, construction, or management.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding MSF’s mission. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their operations and keep everything running smoothly!

We think you need these skills to ace Technical logistician

Logistics Management
Supervision and Management
Preventative Maintenance
Technical Installation
Training and Capacity Building
IT Equipment Management
Construction Planning
Negotiation Skills
Water and Sanitation Awareness
Adaptability
Multicultural Teamwork
Stress Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the technical logistician role. Highlight relevant experience in logistics, maintenance, and any supervisory roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with MSF and how your background makes you a great fit for the team. Keep it concise but impactful!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled challenges in logistics or construction. We love seeing how you think on your feet and adapt to changing situations!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at MSF UK

✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your logistics knowledge, especially in areas like maintenance, transport, and construction. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in managing logistics operations.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Technical logisticians often face unexpected challenges. Prepare to share stories where you successfully navigated tricky situations, whether it was fixing a vehicle under pressure or managing a last-minute supply issue. Highlight your adaptability and quick thinking!

✨Demonstrate Team Leadership

Since you'll be supervising and training local staff, it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Think of examples where you've effectively managed a team, resolved conflicts, or built capacity among your colleagues. This will show that you're not just a doer but also a leader.

✨Cultural Sensitivity is Key

Working in diverse environments is part of the job. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with multicultural teams in the past. Show that you understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and can adapt your communication style accordingly.

Technical logistician
MSF UK
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