Strategic Buyer

CONTEXT  

Within MSF OCB (Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Brussels), direct spend (Medical and Logistical items) are being procured through MSF Supply's Procurement Department. Since August 2012, as part of OCB’s supply chain strategy, the Procurement Department has expanded its mandate to include procurement in Countries of operations as well as Headquarters related procurement for goods and services. 

Consequently, two Procurement teams have been added to the OCB’s Supply Chain Department, one focusing on the countries of Operations, the other focusing on the HQ (Headquarters) located in Ixelles, Belgium.  

For the HQ team, we are looking for a new Strategic Buyer. The total annual spend at HQ amounts to € 26 million. All annual operational expenditure with a spend value higher than 50K € will be within scope. Main procurement categories to procure are finance, consultancy, ICT, and HR (not exhaustive list). Next to Ixelles Head Office, MSF Supply, in Neder-over-Heembeek, could potentially require support in the procurement of service-related categories.  

As Strategic Buyer, you contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of OCB head office while strengthening compliance and risk management within procurement. You achieve this by providing operational support and expertise, and by promoting the sharing of procurement best practices through a comprehensive, cross-functional approach. You ensure strong alignment and coordination between all entities and departments involved, including OCB Head Office teams, MSF Supply, and the Global Procurement Unit (GPU). 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Analyze the indirect spend in scope, categorize and define opportunities. Follow up on budget and project portfolio on a regular basis 

• Connect with the relevant stakeholders to define their needs and present opportunities 

• Analyze the market, follow up trends, bring market intelligence and innovations to MSF OCB for the relevant categories 

• Take the lead in the supplier selection process, drawing up RFx templates and analyzing the offers 

• Collaborate closely with the Legal Department to review new contracts 

• Negotiate and renew existing contracts 

• Initiate supplier onboarding, being responsible for vendor master data 

• Follow up on supplier performance by organizing Business Review Meetings and striving for continuous improvement 

• Manage the supplier relationship throughout the entire procurement process. 

• Oversee supplier risk management, maintain processes, procedures and templates up to date, and deliver continuous savings 

• Contribute to GPU (Global Procurement Unit). Support the Category Managers (ICT, Travel and Sections) by connecting them to the OCB stakeholders. Participate in GPU working groups on tools, templates, way of working, sustainability 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience  

• Master’s degree in International Business, Finance, Supply Chain or Procurement 

• Minimum 3 years of procurement experience  

• Knowledge of indirect purchases (services, IT, etc.)  

• Affinity with legal terminology and contract negotiation  

• Experience with change and project management is an asset 

• Experience in working in a complex environment managing multiple stakeholders across different entities is an asset 

• Procurement and/or Purchasing experience with MSF would be a strong added value  

• Affinity with the humanitarian aid sector is an asset 

Competencies  

• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills 

• Strong negotiation skills 

• Basic financial analysis 

• Knowledge of business contracts 

• Project management and organizational skills 

• Ability to work independently and take initiative 

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving 

• Communication and diplomacy 

• Teamwork and networking 

• Cross-cultural awareness 

Languages  

• Proficiency in English, both written & spoken is mandatory  

• Good knowledge of French and Spanish is an asset  

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: 01st May, 2026  

• Location: Brussels, Belgium 

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – full-time 

• Contract duration: 12 months contract (extendable)  

• Salary according to MSF-OCB salary grid   

• Possibility to work from home according to MSF Policy 

• Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs 

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

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments  

Deadline for applications: 15th February 2026 

How to apply?  

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button      
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position     
➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (in pdf format)    

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.  

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