Construction specialist

MSF logisticians help provide a safe, functional, and effective care environment for patients, the communities we assist, and our teams. They do this through a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach, by designing, setting up, and managing a wide range of logistics activities. 

In many countries of operation, MSF runs hospitals and other healthcare structures in diverse contexts. To support these medical activities, the Logistics Department provides the required infrastructure, equipment, and technical expertise. 

As a Construction Logistical Specialist, your role is to plan, coordinate, and support the construction or rehabilitation of a wide range of facilities. This may include setting up tents and temporary structures in emergency programmes, as well as overseeing large-scale construction projects such as hospitals in long-term programmes. 

You work in close collaboration with medical teams and other technical profiles. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Emergency shelters and temporary structures 

In emergency programmes, operational effectiveness is a key factor. You contribute to setting up tents and (semi-)temporary structures, assembling prefabricated units, and/or carrying out rapid rehabilitation of existing structures.  

• Develop the programme with the medical teams, based on collected requirements and specific needs 

• Rapidly assess the site and relevant contextual parameters 

• Plan the construction phases and required resources, and follow up on the budget and timeline throughout the project 

• Coordinate with other technical teams (environmental health, energy, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, biomedical, health facility management) and departments (medical, supply, human resources, finance) to optimise operations 

• Assess the skills within your team, deploy people accordingly, and support skills development as needed 

• Depending on the contract type, manage the tendering process and local contractors, or coordinate skilled and unskilled labourers and suppliers 

• Control the quality of the work and ensure safety on the construction site 

• Identify priority needs and allocate resources accordingly 

• Be hands-on and support others wherever needed 

Long-term construction or rehabilitation projects 

In post-emergency contexts or more stable environments, you contribute to the construction of new health facilities and the rehabilitation of neglected or damaged facilities.  

• Develop the programme with the medical teams, based on operational needs and stated strategic objectives 

• Identify environmental and contextual constraints, explore land options, and carry out site assessments 

• Draft the budget and timeline, and follow up throughout the different project phases 

• Conduct a stakeholder analysis and identify the resources required 

• Co-design layouts and technical specifications with departments (medical, supply, human resources, finance) and technical teams (environmental health, energy, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, biomedical, health facility management) 

• Submit regulatory documentation in line with local requirements 

• Prepare technical dossiers, run the tendering process, and follow up on procurement orders 

• Supervise works on site, carry out quality control, and ensure safety on construction sites 

Team management 

The construction team may include one or several roles, depending on the duration, volume, and budget of the construction activities, as well as their operational and technical complexity. Typical positions include: 

• Construction Manager: plans and follows up on daily/weekly activities; manages the Country Based Staff team (recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and development) 

• Construction Team Leader: leads a team with different technical profiles and is accountable for the resources allocated to deliver construction activities (staffing, budget, materials, etc.) 

• Technical Project Coordinator: leads strategic planning; identifies and analyses needs, objectives, and priorities; assesses and allocates resources; monitors implementation of related activities; and manages the construction team 

Strategic management and reporting 

• Support and coordinate the implementation of MSF policies, protocols and procedures for construction activities, and developing monitoring systems to ensure compliance 

• Documenting, collecting and analysing data on construction activities to ensure consistent workflows and improve existing processes 

PROFILE  

• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in areas such as: architecture, civil engineering, site supervision, or construction trades in general (e.g. carpentry, general logistic with hands-on skills, …) 

• Experience in team management, training and supervision 

• Proficient in AutoCAD  

• Experience in humanitarian settings or previous work experience with an NGO is an asset 

LANGUAGES 

• Proficiency in English and French, both spoken and written is mandatory 

• Good knowledge in Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish is an asset 

COMPETENCIES 

• Collaborate and communicate clearly; build trust with colleagues   
• Lead, support, guide, and motivate teams with confidence and empathy 
• Take initiative, remain solution-oriented, and act proactively 
• Translate strategic vision and operational realities into clear priorities and actions 
• Work independently, plan effectively, and organise your and your team’s work properly 
• Remain resilient and manage stress in challenging situations 
• Practise cross-cultural awareness and work effectively with diverse teams 
• Show flexibility by adjusting plans, locations and ways of working in coordination with others when circumstances and priorities change 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Read the MSF principles and commitments outlined here  
• Availability to work in complex environments and to leave on an assignment without partner/family  
• A health status compatible with the nature of our activities and operational contexts and compliance with all vaccinations for MSF project assignments