Logistics & Supply Chain Coordinator Africa

Working closely with National Societies, British Red Cross (BRC) teams, and other movement partners, this role coordinates logistics operations in Africa, designing and implementing effective supply chain solutions that empower locally-led responses and optimize operational impact.

Key Responsibilities

Logistics Operations Management

• Coordinate logistics operations in Africa, designing and implementing effective supply chain solutions that empower locally led responses and optimize operational impact.

Supply Chain Management and Procurement

• Collaborate with National Societies and Movement partners to design and implement supply chain strategies that support emergency response and preparedness through efficient, locally led solutions.

Partnership Development and Management

• Provide technical support and capacity building to National Societies and other Movement partners, enhancing their logistics and supply chain management capabilities through collaboration and promoting locally led responses.
• Responsible for technical/dotted-line management of regionally based logistics roles including recruitment, monitoring, and contributing to appraisal and personal development plans.
• Foster collaborative relationships with other humanitarian organizations, governments, and stakeholders to support logistics operations and supply chain management.

Assurance and Compliance

• In coordination with program focal persons, ensure BRC logistics and supply chain programs adhere to local legislation, donor requirements, and BRC policies, and provide assurance that logistics components meet required standards and best practices.

Regional Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Logistics Support and Capacity Development

• Contribute to regional CVA programming by identifying constraints and developing solutions, and provide technical support on market assessments, planning, budgeting, and contract establishment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including National Societies, Partner National Society (PNS), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Cash Ready Movement Pool, to share information, facilitate training, and explore deployment opportunities.
• Understand the principles of supply chain management in humanitarian contexts, including procurement, transportation, warehousing, and distribution of aid to affected populations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Familiarity with logistics technology, such as Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of inventory control methods that prioritize agility and nimbleness to enhance adaptivity to changes in supply chain activities, including Just-In-Time (JIT) and flexible inventory management approaches.
• Ability to analyze data to optimize logistics operations, reduce costs, and ensure efficient delivery of aid to support people in need.
• Understanding of risk management strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure continuity of humanitarian response.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with suppliers, partners, and internal teams across diverse cultural contexts in humanitarian settings.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong relationships with National Societies, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to adapt to changing humanitarian contexts, unexpected disruptions, and evolving needs.
• Understanding of financial concepts, including budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis in humanitarian settings.

Experience & Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc/HND) in a relevant field.
• Experience in humanitarian logistics in Africa, with a focus on emergency response, disaster management, CVA programming, and supply chain management.
• Experience working with National Societies, IFRC, and other Movement partners, as well as UN agencies, NGOs, and governments.
• Proven experience in coordinating and supporting logistics operations, working with cross-functional teams, and collaborating with National Societies, IFRC, and Movement partners.
• Proven expertise in supply chain planning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development with National Societies, IFRC, and Movement partners, with a strong understanding of the African context.
• In-depth knowledge of the African context, including regional logistics infrastructure, multimodal transportation networks, and border crossings.
• Possess a strong network of relationships within the Red Cross Movement, IFRC, and other relevant partners to facilitate collaboration, information-sharing, and coordinated response efforts.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Excellent written and spoken French skills are essential for this role, given the geographical scope of the position and the need to interact with partners and stakeholders in Francophone countries.
• Experience with Movement-wide initiatives and policies, including those related to logistics and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with donor requirements and compliance, including reporting and financial management.