Epicentre is a research organization created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and research activities for MSF interventions. Epicentre conducts research and supports MSF’s goal of proving medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or have poor or non-existent access to health care. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and are conducted with MSF and other international research partners.

The Ugandan Research Center conducts research activities on public health issues relevant to Africa, according to GCPs (Good Clinical Practices) quality standards, in close collaboration with MSF, Mbarara University of Science & Technologies, and other stakeholders in health sector. Current projects, include clinical and vaccinal trials, focus on TB, HIV, central nervous system infections, and yellow fever. 

Are you looking for a meaningful professional experience? 

Epicentre is looking for a Logistic Technical Leader to the benefit of its Ugandan Research Center. The main purpose of this position is to provide technical logistics support to the Research Center, by ensuring the pertinence and coherence of logistics and supply activities, adequacy of the means provided and the compliance to Epicentre standards, (GCP, GCLP and GPP), protocols and procedures to enable the development of the Research Center. 

The Logistic Technical Leader position is under the hierarchical management of the Director of the Research Center in Mbarara, and in functional link with the technical logistic Referent in Paris. 

What will you bring? 

Technical skills: with distance support from Epicentre Technical Logistic referent, and in collaboration with the Director, you will implement and monitor logistics support. You will contribute to the development of the Research Center policy and annual plan, annual budget, studies proposals, and studies budget reviews. You will be able to support the activities of the Research Center with the logistics resources, procedures and tools. 

You will be responsible for implementing and maintaining an appropriate supply chain management of local and international supplies for the studies and the center. It requires to: 

• ensure local supply policy is followed with relevant updated documents (market assessment, suppliers / price lists, quotation analysis, roles and responsibilities, validation table and process of procurement). 

• update the International / Local purchase policy and procedure documents which is outdated. 

• deal with MSF in Kampala about collaboration on Office setting, supply, car maintenance and any other related issues. 

You will be requested to monitor and manage on a day-to-day basis the implementation and follow-up of all logistics families’ activities: construction, transport, communications, water and sanitation, vehicles, cold chain, infrastructure, biomedical equipment, etc.

Under your monitoring, all technical activities in the Centre shall remain in compliance with Epicentre standards, protocols, and procedures. You will ensure the reporting to the Director on the development of the ongoing programs.  

You will ensure Epicentre compliance with reduction of Carbon Footprint through using low emission energy sources as well as rationalization of movements, cargo, people movement and practices.  

You will regularly report to the Director on the development of the ongoing studies, and on your following responsibilities: 

• assist and reorganize the center vehicle park by following up on Govt. tax payment process, selling, buying new vehicle and selection of suitable vehicles for the center with the validation of the technical referent of Epicentre. 

• ensure good functioning of vehicle fleet and all other equipment in the center. 

• ensure installation and maintenance of functional office space(s) and lodging facilities in the project in an adequate living condition as well as all the equipment required.  

• implement water sanitation and waste management activities as planned.  

• provide all logistics support to the outreach medical team as per their study needs and ensure the security of the team in the field. 

• develop reporting tools for logistic activities. 

• participate in the organization and management of the MEMO tool as per Epicentre setting to ensure quality control and material management including maintenance and reporting. 

Team management skills: In order to provide technical support to logistics team through self-knowledge and policies, you will demonstrate willingness to share your expertise. 

You will supervise the logistic team and plan, in close collaboration with the FIN HR Coordinator, the associated processes related to the logistics staff of the project such as, recruitment, induction, training, briefing/debriefing, performance evaluation, staff’s development plan, etc. This is to ensure both the sizing and the required competencies of the team as well as ensuring development within the team. 

Security: you will participate in overall security issues and be focused on overall security of the center in close collaboration with the Director for risk analysis, investigation, reporting security incidents and update mission security policy when needed. You will implement the decisions taken by the Coordination team on security issues. 

In the absence and as a request of the Director, you can oversee security management in the center and perform any other duties that may be delegated by the Director. 

• You have a high-level certification in Engineering or technical related expertise.  
• Essential, working experience of at least 3 years in relevant jobs in NGOs in developing countries, managing teams and previous minimum 1 year experience in MSF. 
• Essential computer literacy (Microsoft tools: SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and internet) 
• Essential knowledge in Energy, Biomedical Equipment, Cold Chain, fleet management. 
• Essential English language, local language is desirable, French is a plus. 
• You have proven ability to work in a dynamic and rigorous environment, with skills in teamwork and cooperation, flexibility, stress management, and to have “Results and Quality” orientation, with capacity to manage and develop people. 

What will you get? 

• You will work with a multicultural team in the field of epidemiology research. 
• You will evolve in the humanitarian environment. 
• Your contributions and ideas will be valued and highly appreciated.
• You will participate in the life of the organization and your missions will evolve as you become involved.
• Fixed-term contract of 12 months, extensible, with healthcare coverage. 
• Position to start in July 2024. 
• Position based in Mbarara, with travel to Kampala and Paris if needed. 
• Remuneration according to experience and MSF/Epicentre salary grid. 

To apply :

Please send your application (CV + cover letter) no later than 28/04/2024.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If sufficient qualified applications have been received before the deadline, the advert may be removed. 

Female candidates who meet the requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

At Epicentre, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, beliefs, whether or not they have a disability, and all other diversity characteristics. 

Epicentre pays very close attention to the protection of the personal data of its members, staff and people wanting to join the association. The data collected during your application will be processed in a fair and high-quality manner, only by the staff in charge of recruitment, wherever in the world they may be working for an MSF entity.