Careers at Save the Children - Logistics Coordinator

Job Title: Logistics Coordinator

Employer: Save the Children

Duty Station: Dadaab, Kenya

Application Deadline: 29th Oct 2013


Child Safeguarding:

Level 3.  The responsibilities of this post may require the post holder to have regular contact with children and young people. In the overseas context all posts are considered to be level 3.

As part of these responsibilities the post holder will promote a culture of keeping children safe, and ensure that potential harm to children (by our own staff and/or as a result of how we do our work) is identified and addressed on an ongoing basis.

Introduction

Save the Children International is a 'dual mandate' organisation and as such equal priority will be given to both humanitarian and development work.

This is the only way we will be able to ensure that some of the fundamental rights that we believe children have, such as survival, safety and constant access to protection and education can be guaranteed.

As part of a commitment to work with children through humanitarian interventions Save the Children will support programmes in both sudden onset and chronic emergency situations.

Role

Under the supervisor of the Area Manager, the Logistics Coordinator oversees all logistics functions, including procurement, transportation and fleet management, and warehousing and assets management, in the Dadaab Area, comprising 5 offices in the Dadaab area, and an office in Garissa.

The demands on logistics in terms of fleet and daily transportation within camps and Garissa County, daily procurement of services and goods, and construction are significant. The Logistics Coordinator will manage human and financial resources and capital assets efficiently and effectively, ensuring accountability to beneficiaries and compliance with SCI and donors.

By applying technical expertise to logistics challenges, it is expected the  Logistics Coordinator will be able to help programmes to:
Identify reductions in operational running costs through the better utilization and allocation of resources
Help the area programme develop effective recharge mechanisms;
Improve accountability to donors and beneficiaries through implementation of regular reporting and strong control mechanisms;
Improve the quality and timeliness of projects delivery.
The Logistics Coordinator is a senior member of the Dadaab team and sits on the Area SMT.

Scope of Role:

Reports to: Area Programme Manager

Dimensions

Save the Children has been operational in Kenya since the 1950s, providing support to children through developmental and humanitarian relief programmes delivered both directly and through local partners. Current programming focuses on child protection, child rights governance, education, health, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition and WASH.

Save the Children has an operational presence in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa, Mandera, Meru and Wajir – with plans to expand into Bungoma and Turkana in 2014. We work through partners in many other parts of the country. Currently, we have a staff complement of approximately 240 staff and an operating budget of approximately US$21 million this year.

Reporting to position: Logistics Officer, Procurement Assistant, Transport Assistant, Warehousing Assistant

Responsibilities:

General Logistics Management
• As a member of the Dadaab SMT, demonstrate the behaviours that are consistent with Save the Children’s Mission, Vision and Values and ensure their broader application by staff across the Dadaab programme.
• As a member of the Dadaab SMT, ensure a conducive and productive work environment.
• Coordination of programme logistics; implement the country logistics Manual for the management of the supply chain, including one or more of the following areas; procurement, transport and distribution, warehousing and stock management, management of vehicle fleets, communication systems, and assets.
• Assist in the development of project proposals to ensure appropriate resourcing of logistics team and activities, and advise on:
• The feasibility of project in line with current and/or planned logistics capacity;
• Whether logistics and operational costs have been adequately budgeted;
• Risk management strategies in terms of supply chain planning i.e. lead times, donor compliance
• Whether recharge strategies for logistics costs such as transports, facilities and equipment are appropriate and consistent with SC and donor policies.
• Develop the Logistics component of the programmes emergency preparedness plan;
• Obtain technical or manpower support from Nairobi logistics when necessary;
• Review the monthly logistics reports and advise the Area Manager where there are irregularities or areas of concern that need follow up.
• Ensure weekly reporting systems are implemented in all logistics functions and are in line with financial control mechanisms for Procurement, stock, vehicles and assets.
• Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

Procurement
• Manage programmes supply chain, to ensure on time supply of goods to projects.
• Determine sources for supply of goods and services to meet programme needs, overseeing local and coordinating with capital logco on area office procurement.
• Develop procurement plans and schedules with project managers and ensure they are adhered to.
• Transportation of project supplies is reliable, cost effective and timely.

Fleets and Transportation Management
• Manage SC fleet strategically to ensure appropriate access to transportation for programme staff;
• Work closely with security on the management and tracking of staff movement;
• Ensure that vehicles are regularly maintained, comply with national road traffic laws, and are safe for use.
• Plan for and budget the depreciation of vehicle assets to ensure the sustainability of SC’s transportation resources;

Warehousing and Assets Management
• Oversee management of programmes stocks, ensure stocks are well kept, levels are maintenance in line with programme consumption and movements are reconciled with project distributions.
• Ensure the assets tracker is accurate and up to date;
• Plan for and budget the depreciation of SC assets, such as computers, to ensure the sustainability of SC’s programme resources;
• Staff Management
• Manage the performance of logistics staff in compliance with Save the Children policies,
• Ensure precise job descriptions, s clear division of responsibilities and clear performance objectives for each staff member on the team.
• Support capacity development and career progression opportunities for logistics staff
• Support adherence to child safeguarding policy.
• Provide training to teams and programmes managers/teams on logistics procedures, developing logistics strategies and managing logistics within their technical areas.

Core Behaviours

• Understanding humanitarian contexts and application of humanitarian principles
• Participates in the development of an organisational response based on an understanding of the contexts
• Achieving results effectively
• Accountability – ensure efficient and transparent use of resources in line with Save the Children  policies and procedures
• Addresses difficult situations and makes tough decisions confidently and calmly
• Maintains focus on delivery of timely and appropriate results using available resources; identifies and acts on issues and problems in area of responsibility
• Maintaining and developing collaborative relationships
• Establishes clear objectives with teams and individuals, and monitors progress and performance
• Operating safely and securely
• Identifies and communicates risk and threats and minimises these for oneself and the agency
• Takes measures to do no harm and to minimise risks for partners and the communities
• Reduces vulnerability by complying with safety and security protocols set by the organisation
• Managing yourself in a pressured and changing environment:
• Keeps oneself emotionally stable when helping others
• Remains effective and retains perspective in the face of difficult or demanding situations
• Maintains ethical and professional behaviour in accordance with relevant codes of conduct
• Plans prioritises and performs tasks well under pressure
• Takes responsibility for own work and impact of actions
• Leadership: Action; Thinking; Self; Inspiring; Developing Others
• Delivers results and always acts with the beneficiaries in mind
• Anticipates current and future needs
• Tailors communication style to certain audiences
• Demonstrates approachability and trust by listening carefully to others and valuing their contribution, and making others feel comfortable by being open and honest about their thoughts and feelings.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential
• First degree in logistics management, business administration or related area
• Prior experience in logistics management in the NGO sector, within complex/large scale country programmes and in emergency response/humanitarian environments
• Proven experience in all technical areas of logistics operations including procurement, transport/distribution, warehousing and stock management, fleet management, asset management, communications, and security
• Experience of working in remote field bases with limited infrastructure
• Experiencing in managing and supervising others in logistics
• Ability to synthesise and analyse information, and make clear, informed decisions
• Ability to build relationships quickly with a wide range of people, both internally and externally
• Strong planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities
• Cultural awareness, with strong written and spoken communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluent in English, both written and oral; Somali language skills a major advantage.
• Desirable
• Technical experience/knowledge in specific types of humanitarian intervention e.g. Child protection, Education, construction

How to Apply:
Please send a short cover letter and CV to: Kenya.jobapplications@savethechildren.org  indicating the position title on the subject line.