Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare in more than 70 countries. Also known as Doctors Without Borders, MSF was founded in 1971 by a group of French doctors and journalists in the aftermath of the Biafra secession, which led to the Nigerian civil war. It was created in response to the need for an independent, neutral organization to provide humanitarian aid and medical care in conflict zones, natural disasters, and epidemics, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. Since its inception, MSF has grown into an internationally recognized organization, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
The clarity of this mission has led to enormous growth of the German chapter organization, which in turn requires an upgrade of processes and systems. I am very happy that with our expertise in finance and procurement, we could help enhance the organizational effectiveness and efficiency of MSF Germany, thereby strengthening the foundation for further growth aheadRainer Muench, Partner, Oliver Wyman
Enhancing MSF’s financial practices
Even though the targeted use of funds within MSF is overall very efficient — more than 80% of spend is used for medical assistance projects — there is a continuous striving for increasing overall efficiency. This is where we stepped in: supporting the MSF German section during a six-week pro-bono engagement to optimize its procurement processes and refine its annual planning and reporting structures. The analyses and resulting suggestions were based on more than 20 interviews conducted with MSF employees and on a comprehensive review of existing processes.
MSF provides medical relief globally to those in need. I am most pleased that with our support MSF Germany is able to seize organizational efficiencies and direct an even bigger share of their funds to their projectsFritz Heese, Partner, Oliver Wyman
Boosting clarity and efficiency
Our project team created a streamlined procurement system to make supplier selection easier and save costs through negotiations, ensure compliant order and invoice matching, and to minimize manual efforts. The team improved the purchase-to-pay-process, which significantly enhances the organization’s cost and risk situation. We also recommended software solutions, set clear roles and responsibilities for centralized procurement, and created a comprehensive product and service catalogue for supplier and contract management. An authorization matrix for compliant order and invoice approvals was also established and the team developed a clear roadmap for successfully implementing these changes in MSF’s upcoming fiscal year.
We also revamped the annual planning process process for MSF Germany to improve clarity and efficiency as well as to ensure regular cross-departmental alignments. Specifically, we implemented a step-by-step planning method that applies to all levels of the organization, supported by practical tools. Additionally, we streamlined meeting schedules and reporting methods to be more efficient, saving time and resources, and to ensure action-orientation of reporting.
Getting to know the faces behind this impressive organization was inspiring. It was a pleasure to support them in streamlining internal processes and maximizing the efficiency of their fund allocation towards their missionMarlene Schoebel, Senior Consultant, Oliver Wyman
A successful collaboration. The Médecins Sans Frontières and Oliver Wyman team.
Collaborating with MSF Germany on a social impact project was truly a meaningful and rewarding experience. It was a great privilege to contribute to their mission and witness the collective strength that comes from working hand in hand towards creating a positive impactPia Morrow, Consultant, Oliver Wyman
