Comments on: What is Logistics?

By: DRC - not just the Kivus! » Blog Archive » How was your week?

DRC - not just the Kivus! » Blog Archive » How was your week? — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:23:05 +0000

[...] does a logistician with MSF actually do!? I tried giving you a rough overview of my job in the “What is Logistics?” posting on January 12th . To paint you a clearer picture, I thought that for this entry I would list the highlights from my [...]

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:43:28 +0000

Just came across this website doing research on logistics, and read about what u do. I’m glad when I see good people in the world doing great things. Thanks for making a difference.

By: granta

granta — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:24:35 +0000

Hey Truman. You’re right in that logistics is more about people and project management than anything else and this type of experience is something that MSF does truly value.

However, if you take a look at the application on the website, a certain degree of technical knowledge is needed. In the application you will be asked to rate your experience / confidence / knowledge of the following 9 topics:
a. Maintenance of Pumps and Generators
b. Motor Vehicle Maintenance
c. Energy / Electricity
d. Radio Equipment
e. Construction & Building
f. Cold Chain
g. Water and Sanitation
h. IT
i. Bookkeeping

While you don’t need to be an expert in all of them, you do need to be proficient at some of them…and you have to pass a written test to prove this knowledge.

…the solar system at the hospital stopped working at 7:00 pm tonight so I grabbed some tools and swapped out the gel batteries with the ones I keep charged just in case. Its true that it isn’t all about being hands-on and mechanically savy but it really does help!

By: Truman Wong

Truman Wong — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:30:48 +0000

Grant, thanks to share your experiences! I’m kind of computer consultant, familiar hardward/software, some project experienced, do you think I can handle the Logistics position as same as you?

By: shellee

shellee — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:03:34 +0000

Thanks, Grant. I not only have a better idea of what you do (and I must say it’s much more than what seems humanly possible), but I also have a better idea of how MSF works and what you are doing in the Congo. Maintaining a 60 bed hospital with an outreach program is no small feat. What you are doing and what you are a part of is remarkable. Blessings to you!