Purchasing Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Purchasing Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) – Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Kenya Job Details

About the Role

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is recruiting a Purchasing Officer for its Nairobi office to manage procurement activities across the supply chain. This is a full-time position within the supply operations department, responsible for sourcing goods, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring compliance with MSF procurement standards. The role sits at the centre of logistics operations, directly supporting field missions and projects across the region.

As a Purchasing Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), you will work within a structured supply office environment, coordinating with supervisors, storekeepers, and order processing teams to maintain reliable inventory and cost-effective procurement. NGO jobs in Nairobi often require both technical skill and adaptability—this position demands both, with responsibility for managing supplier relationships, processing orders through the ERP system, and maintaining meticulous documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing assessment of local market conditions, identifying suppliers and products that deliver optimal value while maintaining quality standards in line with MSF requirements
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers and update supplier-item-price data regularly, communicating all changes to the Supply Supervisor or Logistics Supervisor
• Request and verify quotations from suppliers according to MSF procurement policy, then prepare and place purchase orders with pre-agreed suppliers
• Collect invoices and receipts for all purchases, validate their accuracy, and translate documentation where written in local languages before forwarding for approval
• Handle administrative and accounting functions related to purchases, including completing purchase orders, verifying delivery notes against original orders, and managing advances from the Finance Department
• Assist the storekeeper with goods reception and control processes to confirm deliveries match orders
• Encode and prepare purchase orders in the MSF ERP system (UniField), ensuring accurate data entry and system compliance
• Archive all procurement files systematically according to MSF Switzerland policies and maintain up-to-date purchase lists following each transaction
• Collaborate with Order Processing Officers to compile Internal Requests and Field Orders
• Source suppliers for regularly consumed and replenishment items to ensure continuity of supply

Requirements & Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent qualification
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in supply chain roles, with specific experience in procurement functions
• Proficiency in English and Kiswahili (written and spoken)
• Strong computer literacy including Excel, Outlook, and email systems; experience with UniField ERP system is desirable
• Previous experience working with MSF or other NGO organisations in developing countries is advantageous
• Demonstrated competence in results orientation, quality assurance, teamwork, and stress management in demanding environments
• Commitment to the principles and values of MSF, including neutrality and impartiality in humanitarian work
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements

What to Expect

• You will work in a mission-driven NGO environment where procurement decisions directly impact field operations and beneficiary care across multiple projects
• The role requires attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple supplier relationships and purchase orders simultaneously
• This Purchasing Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) position in Nairobi is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.