Evaluation of the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) Supply

MSF Supply's warehouse in Brussels © Bruno De Cock / MSF

The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) Supply Chain aims to ensure the timely and cost-effective provision of quality goods and services to all MSF OCB projects in highly complex environments, to achieve its medical operational ambitions. The office of MSF OCB’s General Director commissioned an evaluation to assess the extent to which the objectives of the OCB Supply Chain are being met and identify areas that work and those that need further adjustments.

The evaluation had three main objectives. Firstly, to provide a descriptive analysis of the supply chain, its strategy, design, implementation, and results (what?). Secondly, to assess the overall performance of the supply chain with respect to delivering on the medical humanitarian ambitions of the organisation and considering the different contexts of operation and with the intention of identifying what works, when, for whom and under what circumstances (so what?). Thirdly, and in close consultation with the OCB Consultation Group, to make recommendations or scenarios that can be used to inform future strategic decisions and choices (now what?).

The evaluation was conducted by hera between June and December 2021. The process was supported by the Stockholm Evaluation Unit and guided by an OCB Evaluation Consultation Group, who provided valuable input during the evaluability exercise, the inception report, the working group session and the draft final report. The consultative and participatory process of the evaluation was much appreciated by all actors involved.