Head, Logistics (P-4)

Position Remarks

This fixed-term appointment is for duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules, as applicable. The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years. The Director-General retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

Principal Functions

Under the supervision and guidance of the Head, Operations and Administration Branch and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the incumbent performs the following duties;
Serves as Head/Logistics Section by:
• Developing, coordinating and monitoring overall logistics support plans including logistics forecasting, supply schedules, priorities, and resolution of urgent operational equipment needs;
• Supervising the staff of the Logistics Section comprising OAB Movements, Technical Support and Procurement Cell and logistics support in the development of logistics plans and allocating tasks;
• Assisting the Head, OAB in budget planning and mission support activities for the branch;
• Analysing the branch requests for equipment and supplies, searching market for possible vendors, making recommendations to Head, OAB and executing purchases in accordance with the OPCW procurement policy;
• Being in charge of the annual OAB Procurement Plan;
• Managing the branch equipment inventory by the utilisation of the current HARDCAT system and by the future implementation of the new ERP system;
• Applying the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) within the OAB Logistics Section;
• Assisting and advising other OPCW Divisions and Branches on logistics aspects of common tasks conducted by the Divisions/Branches and OAB;
• Developing and implementing logistics procedures for the Inspectorate and OAB;
• Drafting correspondence on logistics issues for the Head, OAB and Director of Inspectorate (INS);
• Providing logistics support to various groups of inspectors/others participating in internal and external training programs.

Plans and co-ordinates mission support for OPCW Inspections, missions and training activities by:
• Exercising managerial and supervisory control over all logistics support including the transportation of inspectors and shipment of Inspection Equipment required for OPCW Inspections, Missions and training activities;
• Assisting the Head, OAB in the development of policies and procedures for logistics support for OPCW missions and advising senior management as required;
• Managing files related to the OPCW States Parties policy on Inspection Equipment;
• Evaluating the performance of equipment used by Inspection Teams and proposing improvements;
• Co-ordinating response actions to States Parties’ requested clarification on Inspection Equipment or rejected specific equipment from use by Inspection Teams;
• Ensuring equipment problems are investigated and resolved by staff members from various divisions and branches responsible for the type of equipment (Equipment Store, Information Systems Branch, Health and Safety Branch, etc.);
• Establishing and overseeing the process of selecting equipment for missions by Inspection Teams;
• Analysing requests for logistic support to the Inspection Teams in the field, recommending solutions to Head OAB and executing those decisions;
• Providing guidance on the process of the return of equipment to the Equipment Store after inspections, missions and training activities are completed.

Performs other functions by:
• Representing OAB procurement cases in Committee of Contracts (CoC) meetings;
• Developing and preparing the annual OAB Training Plan as guided by the Head, OAB;
• Serving as a member of the Equipment Issues Working Group (EWIG);
• Participating in OPCW routine missions, Investigations of Alleged Use (IAUs) and Challenge Inspections (CIs) as the Inspector-Logistics Officer, when required;
• Preparing and providing briefings and presentations as tasked;
• Contributing to OPCW related exhibitions by providing the respective Inspection Equipment and logistics personnel;
• Acting as Head, OAB, when designated.

Knowledge and Skills

Education (Qualifications): An Advanced university degree in Logistics, Business Administration, Technical Engineering or a related discipline.
A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) in areas such as transport operations/management, supply chain management, etc. may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
A well-developed sense of judgment, an ability to work well with others under time-sensitive conditions where innovative and imaginative planning/problem solving skills are necessary;
Precise organisational skills which can capture, synthesise and interpret large amounts of information in order to problem solve or inform management decision making;
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.


Desirable (Experience):
Logistics experience for field operations in international organisations (such as United Nations, etc.) is an asset;
Experience in dealing with packing, transport or storage of dangerous goods/hazardous materials, in accordance with international classification standards and procedures;
Demonstrated understanding of the role of communications, and information systems in the management of complex dispersed operations globally;
Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences from senior management to inspection team members;
Experience in supervising, organising and operating within operations and planning centre environments such as those established in large government agencies, emergency services, the military or large industry facility complexes is highly desirable;
Experience in crisis management or dealing with emergency situations is highly desirable.

Experience

Required:
· A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience managing diverse logistics operations in military, commercial or international organisations;
· Demonstrated experience in the coordination of complex simultaneously occurring operating activities in dispersed locations;
· Strong leadership capability with a proven record of forming and leading teams of specialists, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff;
· Demonstrated experience in activities that relate to the organisation and direction of, by a variety of transportation alternatives, a sizeable number of personnel and sensitive equipment;
· Experience in managing and supervising a group of people of various ages, genders and technical backgrounds.

Languages

Fluency (Written, Speaking, and Reading) in English is mandatory and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

Salary Remarks

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and provident fund deductions) in US$ and a post adjustment. The post adjustment (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. The figure quoted on the right, is based on the January 2018 rate of 40.4%.