Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is recruiting a Procurement Assistant in the Western Cape, South Africa. The 4-month contract offers a salary of R19,774.38 plus benefits and provides valuable experience in procurement, supplier management, and humanitarian operations. Applications close on 27 August 2026.
A Unique Opportunity to Support Global Humanitarian Work
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is inviting applications for a Procurement Assistant position based in the Western Cape, South Africa. This exciting opportunity offers candidates the chance to contribute to one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organisations while gaining valuable experience in procurement, supply chain management, and supplier assessment activities.
The position forms part of the Southern Africa Supply Unit (SASU) and will support the implementation of the South Africa Supplier Market Assessment project. Successful candidates will play an important role in helping MSF identify and evaluate local manufacturers and suppliers that could contribute to humanitarian medical operations across the globe.
Applications for the position close on 27 August 2026, and the successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.
About Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation dedicated to providing emergency medical assistance to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare services.
Operating in more than 70 countries worldwide, MSF brings together doctors, nurses, logisticians, water and sanitation experts, pharmacists, and administrative professionals to deliver life-saving services where they are needed most.
The organisation works according to the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, ensuring that assistance is provided solely based on need, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or political affiliation.
As part of its continued growth, MSF recently established MSF Ubuntu, its seventh operational directorate, strengthening the organisation’s capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies worldwide.
Purpose of the Procurement Assistant Role
The Procurement Assistant will support the Southern Africa Supply Unit by coordinating and administering supplier assessment activities. The role is designed to assist with the identification, evaluation, and profiling of South African suppliers and manufacturers across strategic product categories.
This position combines procurement administration, market research, supplier engagement, data management, and project coordination. It offers an excellent opportunity for graduates and early-career professionals looking to gain practical experience in strategic sourcing and procurement within an international humanitarian environment.
The successful candidate will help ensure that supplier information is collected accurately, maintained effectively, and made available for procurement decision-making processes.
Key Responsibilities
The Procurement Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties that support the supplier market assessment project.
Supplier Identification and Market Assessment
A major aspect of the role involves identifying and profiling suppliers across various product categories. The successful candidate will coordinate Requests for Information (RFIs), supplier questionnaires, and communication processes while ensuring suppliers submit the required documentation within project timelines.
They will also assist with organising supplier meetings, interviews, and information-gathering activities while monitoring supplier response rates and highlighting potential delays or risks.
Procurement Administration
The role requires maintaining accurate procurement databases and supplier records. The Procurement Assistant will ensure that all supplier information remains current, complete, and properly documented throughout the project.
Additional responsibilities include maintaining procurement files, document registers, and version control systems while preparing procurement-related correspondence and administrative reports.
Data Management and Reporting
Data quality is critical to the success of the supplier assessment project. The successful candidate will collect, validate, and organise supplier information relating to manufacturing capabilities, quality certifications, regulatory compliance, product portfolios, lead times, and export capacity.
The Procurement Assistant will also prepare supplier profiles, screening matrices, project trackers, and progress reports while ensuring that procurement information remains accurate and reliable.
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Project Coordination
The position requires strong coordination skills to manage day-to-day project activities. This includes monitoring deadlines, following up on outstanding actions, arranging meetings, preparing documentation, and supporting procurement procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
Stakeholder Support
The successful candidate will interact regularly with suppliers and internal stakeholders, responding to enquiries, providing procurement-related information, and maintaining professional relationships throughout the assessment process.
Minimum Qualifications Required
MSF is seeking candidates who possess a relevant tertiary qualification in one of the following fields:
- Supply Chain Management
- Procurement Management
- Logistics Management
- Business Administration
- Commerce
- Economics
Applicants with a National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent qualification are encouraged to apply.
Experience and Skills Needed
To be considered for the role, candidates should have at least one year of experience in procurement, logistics, administration, supplier management, market research, or a related business support function.
Experience in the following areas will be advantageous:
- Procurement and sourcing activities
- Supplier databases
- RFIs and RFQs
- Tender administration
- Market research
- Healthcare or pharmaceutical sectors
- Humanitarian and NGO environments
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong administrative abilities
- Excellent organisational skills
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication skills
- Analytical and research capabilities
- Data management expertise
- Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook proficiency
- Ability to work independently and within teams
- Professional stakeholder engagement skills
- High ethical standards and confidentiality
Salary and Employee Benefits
MSF offers a competitive remuneration package that includes:
- Monthly salary of R19,774.38
- 100% medical aid contribution
- 10% additional pension allowance
- Transport allowance
- Cell phone allowance
- Flexible working hours
- Possibility of working remotely two days per week
- Access to professional work resources and equipment
- Opportunity to collaborate with a diverse global team
These benefits make the role particularly attractive for professionals seeking meaningful work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Contract Duration
The Procurement Assistant position is offered on a 4-month fixed-term contract basis.
While temporary, the role provides valuable exposure to international procurement processes, supplier management systems, and humanitarian operations that can significantly strengthen a candidate’s professional profile.
Why Apply for This Opportunity?
Working with MSF offers more than just employment. It provides an opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organisation that delivers life-saving medical care to vulnerable communities around the world.
For individuals interested in procurement, supply chain management, logistics, or humanitarian operations, this role provides hands-on experience within a globally recognised organisation. Candidates will gain practical exposure to supplier assessments, procurement systems, strategic sourcing activities, and project coordination while supporting an important humanitarian initiative.
The combination of professional development, competitive benefits, and meaningful work makes this vacancy one of the most appealing procurement opportunities currently available in South Africa.
Application Details
Position: Procurement Assistant
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Contract Type: 4-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: R19,774.38 per month
Application Closing Date: 27 August 2026
Start Date: ASAP
Applicants are required to submit an updated Curriculum Vitae in English. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Candidates should also be prepared to undergo background screening and vetting procedures in line with MSF’s safeguarding principles and recruitment policies.
Those interested are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity to join one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations.
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