Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that assists in more than 80 countries to populations in distress, victims of natural or manmade disasters, and victims of armed conflicts without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed, or political affiliation.

HVAC & Cold Chain Mobile Implementation Officer (m/f/x) – Brussels or Abidjan – MSF Belgium

CONTEXT

Logistics at MSF aims to provide the best possible environment for MSF beneficiaries and medical teams to operate. MSF’s operations are very diverse and constantly evolving, requiring Logs to constantly adapt to provide appropriate solutions.

The mission of the Logistics Department is twofold. Firstly, it provides the framework of action of Logs in the countries of operations. Secondly, it provides access to support (both in technical and intervention families), knowledge as well as learning & development opportunities for Logs to be able to carry out their purpose.

For these purposes, the Logistics department at MSF Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) is composed of 3 main units:

• The Logistics Support Unit (LSU) provides direct support to Logs in Operations in intervention and technical families and identifies needs to be adressed by other Log entities
• The Workforce Unit (WFU) ensures that the Log workforce is available and prepared to contribute to operational ambitions
• The Knowledge Management Unit (KMU) aims to improve access to information, knowledge, and the variety of support tools for Logs in the countries of operations

The MIO HVAC and Cold Chain position is related to the fact that MSF’s medical activities require continuous support to ensure a healthy, safe, and suitable environment for patients, medical staff, and supplies by delivering the appropriate temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality conditions.

The MIO HVAC and Cold Chain is part of the Log Support Unit (LSU) under the line management of the Energy & HVAC Team Leader. As MIO HVAC and Cold Chain, you aim to implement or improve practices in MSF projects for an effective and efficient design, management, and use of HVAC and active cold chain equipment, ensuring proper air quality and comfort conditions.

• You contribute to the Energy, HVAC & Cold Chain Team Leader by giving feedback on the functional status of the HVAC and Cold Chain conditions in running projects
• You support the OCB projects in all technical aspects related to the management of HVAC and Cold Chain
• You will be able to provide first-line support to the MSF projects and coordinate with the Energy & HVAC Team Leader to improve and implement the MSF process, tools, and related techniques. You will proactively evaluate and propose solutions in line with their technical domain.
• You assist in implementing HVAC and Cold Chain settings in starting or running projects regarding technical needs, human resources, training, and external contractors according to the MSF framework

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide specialized 1st line support

• Support the Logistics Teams on HVAC and Cold Chain design, installation, use, maintenance, and decommissioning
• Support the evaluation of HVAC and Cold Chain setups and propose new solutions to improve them where necessary. In addition, support the implementation of the MSF protocols, tools, and techniques related to HVAC and Cold Chain
• Support the development of competencies of the Project technical focal point through HVAC and Cold Chain content-based training
• Support the development of competencies in Cold Chain management for the country and project responsible
• Support the Logistics teams on functional, active cold chain installation according to the needs (including cold room installation and qualification)
• Evaluate the possibilities and advantages of collaboration with other technical families: construction, Water & sanitation, health facility management, pharmacy, vaccination referents, and Biomedical equipment when applicable

Provide specialized 2nd line support

• Support the Logistics teams at project level in the evaluation of external suppliers, maintenance contracts, local purchases, and outsourced HVAC and Cold Chain services and equipment such as chillers, air conditioners, central heating systems
• Support the Logistics teams at project level in resolving interdisciplinary technical issues affecting the optimal functionality of the HVAC and Cold Chain conditions concerning electrical or water supply, infrastructural concerns, and infection control matters, among others
• Contribute to ensuring that each/most of the 2nd-line support has an impact on the 3rd-line developments and is properly documented with capitalization reports and sharing of lessons learnt.
• Contribute to the Energy, HVAC, & Cold Chain Team Leader in 3rd line support tools development, such as
• Guidelines for the design and maintenance of HVAC and Cold Chain settings and active cold chain equipment
• HVAC and Cold Chain technical training
• Follow up and supervise outsourced developments
• Job descriptions of HVAC and Cold Chain Referents and Technicians in the projects

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Technical education (refrigeration technician/engineer) in energy, mechanics, or other formal HVAC training
• Minimum of 2 years professional HVAC experience
• Minimum of 1 year experience in a related position
• Experience in coaching and training of staff is an asset
• Certificates in technical maintenance are an asset
• Relevant work experience in health structures is an asset
• Experience in developing countries is an asset
• Experience of working with MSF or another international humanitarian organization is an asset

Competencies

• Ability to design and propose HVAC installations, including maintenance, planning, and procurement
• Ability to compare technical specifications of HVAC equipment
• Ability to design & deliver technical training
• Good understanding of sustainable building design (alt. low energy building design, energy-efficient building design, or passive construction energy systems) and insulation techniques
• Good understanding of electricity and electrical safety
• Good knowledge of HVAC design software: HAP, VRV design tools, AutoCAD, etc.…
• Good analytical skills
• Proactive and willing to propose innovative ideas and solutions rapidly
• Ability to work within agreed timeline and prioritize activities/tasks
• Results, quality & service oriented
• Strong ability to work in a team and to work in a multi-stakeholder environment
• Willing to take measured risks and responsibility for their choices
• Good communication skills: active listener, communicates clearly and effectively, sense of diplomacy
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and contexts
• Strong intercultural awareness and adaptability

Languages

• Proficient level in English and French, both oral and written is mandatory
• Other commonly used languages in MSF (Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese) are an asset

Other

• Willingness to travel abroad under difficult conditions in sometimes insecure and remote locations

CONDITIONS

• Expected start date: As soon as possible

• Location*: Abidjan (Ivory Coast) or Brussels (Belgium)

  *Due to administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates may need to already have the permanent right and/or a valid work permit to work in some of the mentioned locations.

  *Other location/s where there is an MSF entity could be discussed in exceptional cases. The outcome will depend on the candidate’s residency, the local legal restrictions (residency, work permit, etc.), and the agreement with the host MSF entity of the location.

• Mobility: up to 50% of the time in MSF projects worldwide

• Type of contract: Fixed term contract – Full time

• Duration of contract: 1-year (renewable)

• Salary according to MSF-OCB international scale

• Medical Insurance 100% covered as per international package – 45 paid holidays

• The contractual conditions will be determined based on the station, on administrative / legal constraints and in accordance with MSF’s function grids and salary policy

• Not a family position

• Adhere to the MSF principles and our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment

• Comply with the MSF Behavioral Commitments