Logistics Sector Coordinator at World Food Programme (WFP)

Ref Id: 116709
Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Organizational Context

• The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), as the Country co-Lead Agency for the Logistics Sector in Nigeria, maintains a dedicated support team based in the WFP Area Office in Maiduguri. It is comprised of a diverse group of logistics, emergency, and information management professionals who are tasked to address WFP’s commitments as the Country Sector co-Lead Agency for Logistics.
• These responsibilities include: maintaining strong links and regular contact with the humanitarian logistics partnership in the and other stakeholders in the response; providing direct operational and technical support to responding humanitarian organizations as they work to address humanitarian needs in northeast Nigeria; supporting inter-agency emergency logistics preparedness and capacity building.

Job Purpose

• The Logistics Sector Coordinator is responsible to lead the work of the Logistics Sector support team in Maiduguri, and will focus on: maintaing an appropriate logistics coordination mechanism, includsive of key humanitarian actors and civil society; supporting logistics needs assessment, project planning and implementation; managing the implementation of, and any necessary adjustment to the Logistics Sector strategy for northeast Nigeria; providing expert technical advice to co-Lead Agency management and stakeholders on the inter-agency logistics response.
• For further details please see: “Humanitarian Response Review” (UNOCHA 2005); “Guideline: Using the Cluster Approach to Strengthen Humanitarian Response” (IASC 2006); “Guideline: Cluster Coordination at Country Level” (IASC 2015); "Humanitarian Response Strategy: Nigeria 2019-2021" (UNOCHA 2019); "Logistics Sector Nigeria: Concept of Operations" (WFP 2019).

Key Accountabilities (not all-inclusive)

• Ensure the proper implementation of Cluster Approach in the technical area of Logistics: as per current IASC guidance; and, in-line with agreed technical standards and norms endorsed by the Global Logistics Cluster Lead Agency and Partnership Base.
• Ensure that Logistics Sector in Nigeria (i.e. engagements involving the co-Lead Agency and partners, under the Logistics Sector strategy) is managed in line with the Principles of Partnership.
• Facilitate discussion and agreement on the use of common standards and tools among Logistics Sector partners. Promote awareness of and adherence to relevant policy guidelines, codes of conduct and examples of good practice by all partners.
• Together with Logistics Sector partners, lead the continuous identification and assessment of logistics capacities, gaps and bottlenecks in country.
• Establish a Logistics Sector strategy, based on solid cost/benefit analysis, to address the relevant gaps and needs identified with partners and the priorities identified by the Humanitarian Country Team (i.e. through augmented coordination, information sharing, logistics services, capacity building, etcetera); and, update it regularly according to evolving needs.
• Report and address to the appropriate WFP representative any logistics gaps which requires WFP, as co-Lead Agency of the Logistics Sector, to intervene directly.
• Ensure in-country logistics challenges are identified, relevant challenges are addressed to the relevant authorities and proposition are made to ease the implementation of special measure with local authorities to implement HRP.
• Ensure that the Logistics Sector strategy in time-bound, including specific planning for an end to IASC Cluster-based support activities and hand-over, where necessary, to local capacity and/or national authorities (including appropriate provisions for training, capacity building and knowledge transfer as needed).
• Ensure that the Logistics Sector strategy is measurable, defining appropriate key indicators by which the performance of the Logistics Sector overall, and individual contributing partners (i.e. co-Lead Agency and Service Providers) can be measured.
• Ensure that Logistics Sector strategy and funding requirements are adequately reflected in overall country strategies at WFP and inter-agency level, such as the WFP Country Strategic Plan and the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) respectively, as well as in Flash and/or Consolidated Appeals.
• Jointly with key stakeholders, review and assess project proposals from potential Service Providing Partners, insofar as the activities planned are within the scope of the Logistics Sector strategy; and coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of approved proposals.
• Jointly with WFP HR, develop a staffing structure for the Logistics Support support to be provided by the co-Lead Agency (i.e. for the management and monitoring of the strategy overall, and any other specific activities committed to by WFP – IM, technical support, and/or service provision); adjust to evolving needs as required.
• Jointly with WFP Supply Chain, Finance and Donor Relations, identify other resources (i.e. financial, assets and equipment, sub-contracted services) necessary for the Logistics Sector support to be provided by the co-Lead Agency; adjust to evolving needs as required.
• Manage the relationships with logistics Service Providers on behalf of the Service users.
• Establish and ensure fluid and regular communication and coordination with all relevant sector stakeholders, including governmental authorities, national and international humanitarian organizations, and WFP as country co-Lead Agency for the Logistics Sector and global Lead Agency of the Logistics Cluster.
• Provide leadership within the Logistics Sector by organizing and chairing regular Logistics Coordination meetings to facilitate the continuous identification and prioritisation of logistics needs, as well as strategic solutions adequate to overcome bottlenecks and ensure delivery of humanitarian aid/relief.
• Actively support the establishment and maintenance of HC/HCT-endorsed inter-sector coordination mechanisms; and, represent the Logistics Sector at these and other relevant emergency coordination and inter-agency meetings.
• Ensure appropriate attention to priority cross-cutting and cross-sectoral issues (e.g. gender, age, HIV and AIDS, human rights, environment and early recovery) as per IASC guidance.
• Coordinate and supervise the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant logistics information within the Logistics Sector, and with other relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to adequate reporting and information sharing, both within the Logistics Sector, with other sectors (e.g. Inter-Sector coordination mechanisms) and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure the proper reporting, communication and coordination with the WFP Area and Country Offices (corporate reporting requirements including Annual Country Report) and with the Global Logistics Cluster Support Team.
• Contribute to real time evaluations, including audits.
• Together with Logistics Sector partners, identify core advocacy concerns for the sector and contribute key messages to the broader advocacy initiatives of the Humanitarian Coordinator, the Sector co-Lead Agency, donors and other relevant actors.
• In coordination with the WFP Country Office and Government Partnership Officer, advocate for funding with donors.
• Encourage all sewctor partners to include common/sector-wide issues, concerns and messages in their own communication activities

4Ps Core Organisational Capabilities
Purpose:

• Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives: Utilizes understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives to communicate linkages to team objectives and work.
• Be a force for positive change: Proactively identifies and develops new methods or improvements for self and immediate team to address work challenges within own work area.
• Make the mission inspiring to our team: Identifies opportunities to further align individual contributions with WFP’s mission of making an impact on local communities.
• Make our mission visible in everyday actions: Helps colleagues to see the link between their individual tasks and the contributions of their unit’s goals to the broader context of WFP’s mission.

People:

• Look for ways to strengthen people's skills: Is able to identify, support and encourage focused on-the-job learning opportunities to address gaps between current skillsets and needed future skillsets for WFP.
• Create an inclusive culture: Recognizes the contributions of teammates, and encourages contributions from culturally different team mates to recognise the value of diversity above and beyond just including it in programming for beneficiaries.
• Be a coach & provide constructive feedback: Provides and solicits ongoing constructive feedback on strengths and development opportunities to help develop individual skills, whilst also helping others identify areas for improvement.
• Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit: Sets clear targets for self and others to focus team efforts in ambiguous situations (e.g., unprecedented issues and/or scenarios)

Performance:

• Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Thinks beyond team’s conventional approaches to formulate creative methods for delivering food aid and assistance to beneficiaries.
• Focus on getting results: Maintains focus on achieving individual results in the face of obstacles such as volatile or fragile environments and/or organizational roadblocks.
• Make commitments and make good on commitments: Takes personal accountability for upholding and delivering upon team’s commitments and provides assurance to stakeholders.
• Be Decisive: Demonstrates ability to adjust to team’s plans and priorities to optimize outcomes in light of evolving directives, while also responding quickly in high-pressure environments, such as in emergency settings.

Partnership:

• Connect and share across WFP units: Demonstrates an understanding of when and how to tactfully engage other units in conversations on impact, timing, or planning
• Build strong external partnerships: Networks regularly with key external partners using formal and informal opportunities to understand each partner’s unique value proposition, and to build and strengthen relationships
• Be politically agile & adaptable: Demonstrates ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations
• Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships: Demonstrates ability to articulate to internal and external audiences the value that individual contributions and immediate teams bring to partnerships.

Functional Capabilities
Capability Name - Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level:

• Supply Chain Management and Optimization: Analyses context of country challenges in order to lead the design and management of supply chain network, to proactively mitigate and/or address dynamic supply chain challenges, to ensure operational optimization.
• Planning, Project & Resource Management: Demonstrates the ability to design and manage the full lifecycle of project management, including planning, engaging with partners and key stakeholders, budgeting, strategically allocating material and human resources, implementation and reporting.
• Information Management & Reporting:     Ability to proactively identify gaps in information and findings, analyse and evaluate information, develop statistics, and translate into information management products to facilitate decision making and demonstrate performance.
• Market Analysis, Contracting and Operational Execution: Demonstrates ability to analyse market trends, designs concepts of operations, negotiates and establishes contracts with WFP partners and service providers, ensures compliance with WFP rules and regulations and effectively executes logistics operations.
• Warehouse and Inventory Management: Plans, coordinates and manages service providers and warehouse operations to promote safe, efficient, and sustainable operating procedures in the face of changing climates and conditions within region of expertise.
• Technical Assistance and Coordination:     Actively establishes and maintains networks, leads coordination and the provision of technical assistance, while demonstrating the ability to represent WFP to a broad spectrum of key stakeholders (e.g. providing services, and working with NDMOs/NDMAs).

Deliverables at the end of the contract:

• Regular assessment of logistics gaps and needs are conducted, and a Logistics Sector strategy is developed and maintained (incl. monitoring the implementation of activities) accordingly.
• Project proposals covering the activities of the Logistics Sector strategy are prepared, reviewed and included in overall country strategies and response plans (i.e. WFP CSP, HRP, etcetera).
• Resource requirements for the Logistics Sector strategy are developed, monitored (incl. effective follow-up on the relevant budget lines of the Lead Agency), and communicated as needed.
• Briefings on logistics and access constraints, the relevant pieces of the "IASC Cluster Approach" and implementation of the Logistics Sector strategy are delivered to government officials, donors and other stakeholders.
• Key information products (ConOps, SOPs, Maps, etcetera) are shared with relevant stakeholders.
• An exit strategy for the Logistics Sector is developed, maintained and implemented as appropriate.
• A handover/debriefing report is prepared.
• Related tasks as may be requested by the supervisor are undertaken.This section is optional to describe additional responsibilities & knowledge required for the specific job.

Standard Minimum Qualifications

• Education: University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, a related field or equivalent relevant experience.
• Formal training in Cluster Coordination, or substantial previous Cluster and/or Sector experience (including some direct responsibility for coordination)
• Language: Fluency (level C) in English language is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language; particularly French or Arabic.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Understanding of the International Humanitarian Response Architecture, including co-ordination mechanisms, Humanitarian Reform and humanitarian action, and international emergency response funding mechanisms.
• Experience of high-level coordination, including serving as the chair of a multi-lateral working group (i.e. any output-oriented group of independent stakeholders); an ability to work within a diverse group, build/develop consensus and deliver on joint outputs.
• Partnership and service mindset, integrity, result oriented, proactive engagement, gender and culturally sensitive.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively in remote and high-pressure environments, to motivate a team, maintain morale and deliver on objectives in difficult circumstances.

Desired experiences for entry into the role:

• At least 5 years professional experience (may be concurrent with other requirements) in supply chain and/or logistics operations (i.e. land transport, international shipping or air transport, warehouse management, freight forwarding, etcetera).
• At least 5 years professional experience (may be concurrent with other requirements) in humanitarian project/programme implementation (incl. assessment, budget and funds management, monitoring and evaluation).
• At least 3 years professional experience (may be concurrent with other requirements) in project/programme coordination and management, including serving in a supervisory role.
• At least 3 years professional experience (may be concurrent with other requirements) in logistics operations in emergency response (natural disaster and/or complex emergency).
• Previous expereince working in Nigeria is preferred.

Terms and Conditions

• The position is an International Consultancy contract for Non-Nigerians and is valid for 11 months.

Application Closing Date
2nd March, 2020.