Manager, Regional Logistics Unit

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organisation established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The Federation is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The Secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity of the International Federation to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The Secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency, coordination, and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners. The Secretariat’s headquarters is organized in three main business groups: (i) Partnerships, including Movement and Membership; (ii) Programmes and Operations; and (iii) Management Services.

The IFRC’s Supply Chain Department is a core function supporting the IFRC humanitarian action. The Department has a global network including:

• a headquarters-based Supply Chain Management Department in Geneva
• a Logistics Hub and Global Fleet office in Dubai
• Five regional operational supply chain units located in Panama, Kuala Lumpur, Nairobi, Beirut and Budapest
• logistics hubs
• country-based logistics set-up

Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management is a function dedicated to:

• Provide the goods and services as needed by IFRC to deliver to the most vulnerable;
• Provide services to deliver visible value to the members, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain and strengthening its control;
• Developing talents & future leaders.

Working under the Head of Regional Operational Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Unit, the Manager Regional Logistic Unit is responsible and accountable to drive operational logistic regionally with the support of global logistic advisor. The incumbent will lead and drive logistic teams (including warehousing where applicable) to ensure the successful development and execution of operational logistic. Drive and be accountable for regional logistic performance against set objectives.

The incumbent will oversee the execution of logistics (which include warehousing) that are integrated and aligned with overall global strategies and objectives. Ensure best value for money objectives are achieved. 

Key areas of influence and key internal relationships include:

Drive regionally logistic teams composed of logisticians and warehouse staffs with strong coordination with logistic advisor.  The role will co-ordinate logistics operations under the direction of the Head of Regional Operational Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Unit. This role will also be expected to liaise with external stakeholders at a variety of governmental and humanitarian levels. As well as co-ordination activity, this role will also take direct responsibility for the management of warehouses, stock and mobilisation of in-kind donations. As such, this role requires excellent team working and project management skills, communication skills and technical expertise.

Be accountable to ensure the delivery of all goods in close coordination with the procurement team. Fully accountable for the stock under his management. Full accountability and high autonomy in execution of role.

Key Accountabilities

• Management of Mobilisation ensuring that the most efficient supply chain is applied.
• Management of donors relations for in-kind donations.
• Work in close coordination with Logistic advisor and regional operation to build right stock pre-positioning
• Implement the overall operational logistic and warehouse guideline
• Ensure that the regional operational logistic supports and delivers all global supply chain objectives
• Drive technical rigour within logistic and warehouse practice
• Manage the regional logistic team and warehouse team where applicable including the development of technical skills
• Manage, hire, train and retain a team of world class logistic and warehouse professionals to push highest levels of performance and capability
• Implement the One logistic team concept
• Drive the development of talents providing guidance on development and career paths
• Identify gaps in the skills and competencies of regional logistic team members and establish and implement personal development plans.
• Establish, together with Global Logistic Advisor, KPIs for the operational logistic function and report KPIs to the Executive team on an ongoing basis.
• Ambition to facilitate implementation of logistic policies and procedures for the logistic operation, so as to ensure global logistic guidelines and policies are fully understood, communicated and locally applied
• To provide professional logistics expertise and co-ordination for regional Logistics which directly supports the delivery of the objectives of the region and global including the establishment of new international operations within the region.
• To implement the operational performance measurement and financial reporting framework at a regional level
• To ensure effective co-ordination with National Society’s Logistics Services to enable integration and the delivery of a value added and commercially sustainable Logistics Service to meet all services users’ needs and expectations.
• To implement procedures, processes and guidelines so that work is carried out in an effective, compliant and coordinated way, in line with logistic procedures, IFRC standards and audit requirements.

• To build relationships and collaborate internally and with key external partners in order to share learning and support service improvements.
• To provide professional expertise, training and support upon Logistics Services to region and Country Units to ensure adherence to best practice principles and compliance with necessary regulation, legislation and IFRC policy.
• To continuously review procedures and work practices and seek out feedback from customers and service users in order to proactively contribute to the implement improvement and enhance capability of the regional Logistics teams.
• To support the development of a regional-level Logistics network to support the provision of high quality Logistics Service provision and to promote the work of the IFRC.
• To manage supply chain risks
• Key Stakeholders (internal)
  • Regional Operational Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain
  • Advisor Global Logistics
  • Operations
  • Global/Regional sourcing team
• Key stakeholders (external):
  • Suppliers
  • Regulatory authorities
  • Network of peers in own/others agencies

Required

• University degree in Business, economics, Engineering, IT or other relevant area. 

Preferred

• Professional Logistic Qualification highly preferred

Required

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in managing complex logistic operations including high volume warehousing, of which minimum 2-3 years at field operational levels and at least 3 years in a management position  
• Experience of managing and integrating tactical and operational logistic

Preferred

• Experience within the commercial sector 
• Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience

Required

• Ability to develop effective and efficient Operational Logistic
• In-depth grasp of international logistic practices including customs regulations
• Problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyse operational logistic impact
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks
• Good communications skills (written and verbal) 
• Technical credibility to challenge/influence internal stakeholders
• Ability to work in matrix environment
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment, strong interpersonal skills
• Drive for change and improvement and ability to deliver efficient operational logistic in a challenging environment
• Fluently spoken and written English

Preferred

• A broad understanding of humanitarian issues, disaster recovery and related organization
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

Values:

• Respect for diversity;
• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Accountability

Core competencies:

• Communication;
• Collaboration and teamwork;
• Judgement and decision making;
• National society and customer relations;
• Creativity and innovation;
• Building trust