Lead, Warehouse and Distribution Officer at African Union(AU)

Req Id: 2806
Job Grade: P4

Purpose of Job

• Africa CDC plays a pivotal role in strengthening the continent’s health security, particularly through effective preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
• Timely and efficient delivery of medical and emergency supplies is critical to this mandate.
• The Warehouse and Logistics Team Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership to Africa CDC’s warehousing and distribution functions, ensuring that health commodities are stored, managed, and delivered to Member States and partners with speed, accuracy, and compliance.
• This role is instrumental in enhancing Africa CDC’s supply chain capabilities, especially in the context of emergency response, pandemic preparedness, and cross-border coordination

Main Functions

• Provide technical and managerial leadership for warehouse and logistics functions, ensuring alignment with Africa CDC’s strategic public health emergency response framework and supply chain framework, and timely delivery of supplies to Member States and partners.
• Oversee the effective and efficient storage, inventory control, handling, and distribution of medical and non-medical supplies. Ensure optimal warehouse layout, safe storage conditions, and quality control mechanisms.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team comprising warehouse officers, logistics coordinators, and support staff. Develop capacity-building plans and ensure a high-performing and motivated team.
• Coordinate end-to-end logistics, including demand forecasting, requisition processing, transportation, and last-mile delivery during routine operations and public health emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with AU and Africa CDC warehousing policy. Oversee risk mitigation strategies, and generate regular performance and audit reports

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage storage, inventory, and distribution using best practices and digital systems to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Develop and implement SOPs for warehouse and logistics operations.
• Maintain real-time inventory tracking and reporting using tools such as WMS and ERP.
• Monitor KPIs and use data analytics to assess performance, identify bottlenecks, and support strategic decision-making.
• Lead logistics operations during health emergencies, coordinating with Africa CDC’s IMS and AU organs for rapid deployment of critical supplies.
• Collaborate with internal units (procurement, finance, programs) and external partners (Member States, WHO, UN agencies, Gavi, donors).
• Facilitate partnerships with 3PLs and regional hubs to enhance last-mile delivery.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, including cold chain requirements.
• Oversee warehouse audits, inspections, and ensure traceability and accountability of assets.
• Conduct training needs assessments and promote a learning culture through tailored capacity-building programs.
• Prepare logistics reports covering stock status, delivery timelines, and operational challenges.
• Participate in logistics and warehouse budgeting and manage related contracts and expenses.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in Health Supply Chain Management or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain management, warehouse operations, distribution logistics, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of this experience should be at the supervisory or managerial level, with direct oversight of warehouse teams and/or logistics units

Or

• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Supply Chain Management, or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience in supply chain management, warehouse operations, distribution logistics, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of this experience should be at the supervisory or managerial level, with direct oversight of warehouse teams and/or logistics units

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in any of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili, and Spanish); working knowledge of other AU languages is an added advantage.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate and guide teams toward achieving goals.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in inventory management and data entry.
• Proficient in using warehouse management systems and software for tracking inventory and generating reports.
• Effective problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues in warehouse operations and implement efficient solutions.
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments and changing priorities and demands.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, including receiving, order fulfilment, and inventory control.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and maintain composure in stressful situations

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnership
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence 

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing:
• Drive for results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Tenure of Appointment:

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period, subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables. 

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$110,951.49 (P4 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$92,867.97 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.