PROJECT MANAGER - COLD CHAIN INNOVATION

GENERAL CONTEXT
Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual working with MSF does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

MAIN PURPOSE
Lead the Blust TIC (Safe, Reliable and Sustainable Cold Chain Device) project to ensure that deliverables are met and that, by the end of the TIC cycle (2 years from July 2025), a validated Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is available. Define and implement the strategic roadmap for its transition to scale, aiming to embed the innovation within MSF’s operational model and facilitate its adoption by other humanitarian stakeholders.

JOB CONTEXT
A dependable mobile cold chain is vital for MSF's field operations, safeguarding vaccines, lab samples, and temperature-sensitive medicines within the 2ºC to 8ºC range to maintain their effectiveness. Challenges in sustaining this service directly affect MSF's ability to provide quality care in resource-limited environments. 

Since 2023, MSF's Mobile Outbreak Laboratory and Cold Chain team, partnering with Elisava University (Trustto team), has developed Blust, an innovative solution to these issues. 

This promising device is the focus of a Technology Investment Capacity (TIC) project, led by a Project Manager, to finalize its design into a ready-to-use Minimal Viable Product (MVP) and establish a clear scaling roadmap for MSF and other humanitarian organizations.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Define and supervise the strategic roadmap and all the project phases and ensure that the timeline, deliverables and quality standards are met by their team (ELISAVA Innovation Lab and Product Transition Advisor) adapting the plan to evolving needs and operational priorities.
• Oversee and make strategic decisions on the financial and human resources of the Blust TIC, including budget planning, monitoring and control, to ensure optimal resource allocation and alignment with organizational innovation goals.
• Design and lead co-creation processes with field staff and end users to integrate operational feedback into the prototype evolution, ensuring relevance, usability and contextual adaptability of the solution.
• Plan and supervise prototype field testing activities, ensuring implementation adheres to the approved Testing Protocol, and conduct field visits when necessary to gather direct feedback and adjust technical specifications. 
• Lead negotiation and procurement efforts with suppliers, in coordination with the Supply Unit, to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of key components for MVP development and validation.
• Coordinate with the Steering Committee and project governance bodies to ensure regular, accurate, and strategic communication on project progress, risks, and key milestones, proactively contributing to high-level decision-making.
• Establish and strengthen alliances with key external actors (e.g., WHO, GAVI, UN agencies) to secure technical endorsement, facilitate integration into global health logistics ecosystems, and enable a sustainable transition to business-as-usual within MSF and partner organizations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education and experience

• Master’s degree in engineering (materials, electronics, thermal, mechanical) or product development.
• Diploma or certificate in project management.
• Desirable education in cold chain, health technologies and/or design for development contexts.
• 4 years’ experience in project management, specially related to product development, managing budget and human resources and diploma or certificate in project management. 
• At least 2 years’ experience in project manager in complex projects, involving several and intercultural stakeholders (NGOs, private companies, public services).
• Desirable previous experience working in project management in the humanitarian context.
• Desirable: exposure to regulatory and validation processes for medical or cold chain devices.
• Required fluency in written and oral English. Spanish and French desirable.
• Previous experience in MSF is an asset. 

Knowledge 

• MSF knowledge.
• Office package including Microsoft Project.
• AutoCAD or other similar 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software for product development.
• Cold chain and electronics.
• Materials and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with innovation methodologies, prototyping cycles, and technology transfer in humanitarian settings.

CONDITIONS

• Location: Position based in Barcelona.  
• Contract Duration: 2 years. 
• Full time Position.
• Annual gross salary: HQ-4A level 44.250€ + secondary benefits based on MSF OCBA Reward Policy. Subjected to local conditions.
• Starting date: Mid - July. 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
• Closing date: June 1st, 2025, 23:59 CET (Central European Time).

MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, race, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to achieving a balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.

Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under the¨Ley General de la Discapacidad de 2013 (LGD)¨ invite those persons with a recognized disability and with an interest in the humanitarian area to apply for the above-mentioned position.