Regional Supply Chain Coordinator

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs 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.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

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

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

Global Humanitarian Services and Supply Chain Management department 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;

Job Purpose

This role is primarily focused upon providing regional level Supply Chain and coordination support. The role will work closely with the Head, Global Humanitarian Services and Supply Chain Management upon programmes and operations and will provide support but will also carry responsibility for specific area of Supply Chain logistics activities.

The incumbent will drive and be accountable for regional supply chain performance against set objectives and oversee the execution of supply chain management that are integrated and aligned with overall global strategies and objectives. Ensure best value for money objectives are achieved.

This role is expected to play an active role in capacity development and support to IFRC country delegations and National Societies in the region in relevant supply chain procedures and support the Head to ensure alignment in cross-function activity. As such, this role will require excellent communication and organizational skills as well as logistics technical expertise.

This role is expected to provide hands-on operational supply chain support to IFRC country delegations and National Societies in the MENA region. This includes extensive travel in the region as operationally required, e.g. providing in country supply chain support at the start of response operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate implementation of supply chain policies and procedures to ensure global guidelines and policies are fully understood, communicated and locally applied
• Ensure effective co-ordination with National Society’s Supply Chain Services to enable integration and the delivery of a value added and commercially sustainable Logistics Service to meet all services users’ needs and expectations.
• 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.
• Manage supply chain risks including preparation and managing risk registers
• Provide technical expertise and advice across the regional network to enable the delivery of the supply chain pipeline that meets the requirements of the Federation, partners and customers
• Develop a Supply Chain planning base on the needs of the operational plan
• Management of Mobilization ensuring that the most efficient supply chain is applied.
• Coordinate, register In Kind donations for IFRC operations in MENA including the mobilisation tables during emergencies.
• Monitor international transportation sourcing and operations.
• Review inbound process functions including Country Shipping Instructions, customs clearance etc.
• Provide technical support to warehousing activities and performance and recommends development plans where applicable.
• Provide technical support to outbound dispatch, export clearance, and international / domestic transportation as appropriate, and recommends development plans where necessary.
• Maintain an overview of relevant logistics finance, including cost estimation, PO processing and account reconciliation.
• Pro-actively co-ordinate across IFRC network active and operational in the region.
• Management of donors relations for in-kind donations in close coordination with the Operations managers and the strategic partnership and resource mobilisation focal points.
• Build relationships and collaborate internally and with key external partners in order to share learning and support service improvements.
• Provide technical support to IFRC teams and NS personnel engaged in supply chain operations best practice and compliance.
• Support Regional Joint Task Force / Partner calls.
• Prepares technical reports and inputs to wider IFRC reporting mechanisms
• Lead -at regional level- the tracking of different goods and commodities related to response operations and ensure solid coordination with the operation's focal points and the procurement focal points.
• To deploy during the first weeks of orange and red emergencies to support the kick-start of supply chain support as part of the operations setup
• The Supply Chain Manager will work closely with the Regional Head of GHS&SCM for delivery of logistics and supply chain services.
• The Supply Chain Coordinator plays an active role in training and supporting other IFRC and National Society personnel in relevant logistics and supply chain activities and supports the Head to ensure alignment in cross-function activity.

Key Stakeholders (internal)

• IFRC Global Humanitarian Services and Supply Chain Management related personnel within MENA
• Dubai Hub operations and management.
• National Society / IFRC Country Office Heads and Supply Chain personnel within designated MENA Countries.
• IFRC MENA Health Disaster Climate and Crises – MENA Regional Office Management, Corporate services.
• Key stakeholders (external):
• Other Internal and External supply chain stakeholders, including, but not limited to: ICRC, Governmental agencies, manufacturing and transportation Suppliers and agents, International NGOs etc.
• Regulatory authorities
• Network of peers in other agencies

Education

• University degree in Business, economics, Engineering, IT or other relevant area or proven professional experience in the area of expertise - Required
• Professional Supply Chain Qualification highly preferred - Preferred

Experience

Required:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in managing complex procurement operations including high volume in procurement, of which minimum 2-3 years at field operational levels and at least 5 years in a management position  
• Experience of managing and integrating tactical and operational supply chain

Preferred:

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

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Ability to develop effective and efficient Operational Supply Chain Management
• In-depth grasp of international Supply Chain practices including legal aspects
• Problem solving skills
• Proven staff management skills including remote management. Experience in different geographies and managing different cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse operational supply chain impact, including at operational/institutional levels
• Commercial acumen and proven negotiating skills
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks
• Good communications skills (written and verbal) and ability to provide authoritative advice
• 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 supply chain in a challenging and complex environment
• Good understanding of financial process and budgeting
• Fluently spoken and written English

Preferred

• A broad understanding of humanitarian issues, disaster recovery and related organization
• Good command of Arabic

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust
• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability