Senior Supply Chain Officer at Mercy Corps

Location: Maiduguri, with possible travel to other locations as required. 

General Position Summary

The Senior Supply Chain Officer is responsible for ensuring efficient procurement, contract management, warehousing, and operational logistics support in line with Mercy Corps and donor regulations. The role provides technical oversight of supply chain activities including vendor sourcing, procurement compliance, contract monitoring, storage management, and asset tracking. 

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager, the Senior Supply Chain Officer will ensure supply chain systems are implemented effectively to support program delivery while maintaining compliance with Mercy Corps internal policies and donor requirements. The position will also support operational planning and strengthen supply chain processes across field locations. 

Essential Responsibilities

Procurement Management

• Lead procurement processes in accordance with Mercy Corps procurement policies and donor regulations.
• Ensure all procurement activities are conducted transparently, competitively, and documented appropriately.
• Prepare procurement plans in collaboration with program teams to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Manage the full procurement cycle including market assessments, solicitation, bid evaluation, purchase orders, and delivery follow-up.
• Maintain an updated and vetted vendor database and ensure fair vendor selection processes.
• Conduct vendor performance reviews and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Ensure procurement actions follow Mercy Corps procurement thresholds and approval requirements.
• Implement appropriate procurement methods based on value thresholds including:
• Ensure proper documentation including bid analysis summaries, technical evaluations, and approvals before award.
• Coordinate closely with Finance and the Operations Manager to ensure compliance with internal controls and donor procurement standards.

Contract Management

• Support drafting, review, and administration of supplier and service provider contracts.
• Monitor contract implementation to ensure vendors deliver according to agreed specifications, timelines, and pricing.
• Maintain a contract tracking system to monitor contract timelines, renewals, and performance milestones.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of all contracts and amendments.
• Work with program and operations teams to resolve contract performance issues and vendor disputes where necessary.

Warehouse and Storage Management

• Oversee storage facilities to ensure safe and efficient storage of program supplies, equipment, and commodities.
• Ensure inventory systems are maintained and updated for all stored items.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and reconcile stock balances with warehouse records.
• Ensure safe handling and movement of goods to prevent loss, damage, or misuse.
• Ensure warehouse operations comply with Mercy Corps global supply chain policies and donor requirements where applicable.
• Implement warehouse standards including:
• Proper stock cards and inventory tracking systems
• Segregation and labeling of goods
• FIFO/FEFO (First In First Out / First Expiry First Out) principles where applicable
• Physical security of storage facilities
• Fire safety and risk mitigation measures
• Ensure proper documentation for goods received notes (GRN), stock release forms, and waybills.
• Conduct periodic warehouse audits and stock verification exercises.

Operations

• Coordinate logistics arrangements for program implementation including transportation and movement of goods.
• Ensure proper tracking and documentation of supply chain activities across field offices.
• Support operational coordination for procurement planning, delivery schedules, and logistics requirements.
• Robust stock reception and release management using MCN tools and templates.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure procurement and supply chain documentation is complete, accurate, and audit ready.
• Maintain organized procurement and logistics filing systems in both electronic and physical formats.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and compliance verification.

Strategic Supply Chain Support

• Support the Operations Manager in strengthening supply chain systems and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, vendor engagement, and logistics processes.
• Provide technical guidance to operations and program teams on procurement planning and supply chain compliance.
• Contribute to operational planning for program expansion, field logistics, and emergency response needs.

Team Management

• Provide technical supervision and mentoring to logistics assistants and warehouse staff where applicable.
• Build capacity of field operations staff on procurement procedures and supply chain compliance.
• Promote teamwork and ensure adherence to Mercy Corps operational standards.

Security 

• Ensure supply chain operations comply with Mercy Corps security policies and procedures. 
• Coordinate safe movement of goods and operational logistics in high-risk environments. 

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in procurement, logistics, warehouse management, or supply chain operations.
• Experience working with international NGOs or donor-funded programs strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations, contract management, and warehouse operations.
• Experience working in complex operational environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures (esp. procurement systems) desirable; knowledge of USAID and other donor regulations helpful. 
• Excellent negotiation and representation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization and Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluent written and oral communication in English is required. Fluency in Hausa and any other Nigerian language will be an added advantage.  
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.