Transport/Warehouse Officer

Closing date: 21-04-2020
Duty station: Zimbabwe (based in Binga and Kwekwe field offices)
Duration: 2.5 MONTHS
Vacancy No: IFRC03910

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

In response to the ongoing food security crisis in Southern Africa, the Finnish Red Cross (FRC) is supporting an ECHO funded project in Zimbabwe. The 11-month Emergency Assistance to Communities in Zimbabwe Affected by the Food Security Crisis Action aims to alleviate the impact of the food security crisis of the most vulnerable communities in Kariba, Gokwe North and Binga over the expected critical food-insecure period. As per the initial plan, immediate needs of 76,500 people were to be addressed through cash-based interventions (CBI). However, due to the deteriorating financial/economic situation in Zimbabwe, cash is no longer deemed a viable option in the targeted areas. As a contingency, and in close coordination with other RC partners and the national Food Security Cluster, decision has been made to transition to in-kind assistance (food distributions), starting from January 2020 onwards. To support the food distributions in Zimbabwe, FRC is deploying a team of technical logistics and supply chain specialists (Logistics Team). The team will consist of Logistic Team Leader and two Transport/Warehouse Delegates. The project is implemented by a tripartite Red Cross consortium, led by FRC as grant holder, with Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and Danish Red Cross (DRC) as consortium partners, and is a continuation of similar projects successfully implemented in the country/region. The FRC representation in Africa is divided into two teams covering different subregions of the continent (Southern and West Africa, and East and Central Africa). The Logs Team Leader will be part of the Southern and West Africa Team, based in Harare. Due to the nature of emergency response operations, this profile is an outline of the likely responsibilities applicable to Logs ERU/Transport/WH Delegate, deployed in a Federation coordinated operation. They are complementary to and should be read in conjunction with the specific tasks elaborated in the contingency plan of the ECHO funded Action.

To provide logistics support services to FRC or NS emergency operations, ensuring safe reception, quality control, storage, distribution and reporting of goods handled by the Logistics Team deploying into the operation.

Apply the highest quality of service provision to meet the needs of service users and match to GLS strategy and FRC and ECHO procedures and requirements

As part of the Logistics team and complying with the tasks assigned by the Logistics Team Leader, ensure the safe reception, quality control, storage and distribution of all procured items and other consignments, recording movements and reporting on goods. Overall, to plan and organize country level FRC/ZRCS logistics activities including transportation and warehouse/stock management ensuring adherence to FRC and ECHO procedures and standards to provide a high quality, efficient and cost effective logistics service that meets the needs of services users and audit requirements.

As designated by your line manager

• Transport and Fleet:

1. supporting the warehouse transport officer in coordination, calculation of equipment needs and exception management of transport activities according to the relief plan of action
2. supporting the warehouse transport officer in communication with the transport service provider(s)

• Warehouse operations:

1. implementation and maintenance of all warehouse systems including security and provision of stock level and stock movement data.
2. Implementation and maintenance of the food quality control system during receiving, storing and loading of the food items

• Procurement:

1. Undertake local procurement as required and as specified by the Logs TL in accordance relevant procurement procedures
2. Apply financial management principles and ensure running and operational costs are clearly defined and reported against.
3. Know and apply FRC financial controlling system

• Reporting:

1. Ensure appropriate document handling, stock management, performance figures and financial recording systems are established and maintained
2. Contribute to narrative and financial reports of the Logs TL or others, as assigned by the TL

• National Society Relations:

1. Estimate the capacity of the National Society and train and develop the necessary skills of National Society counterparts and/or others to facilitate the handover of the Logs team tasks.
2. Maintain regular contacts and information exchange with National Society counterparts and inform the Logs TL of available capacity.

General:

• Promote adherence to best practice principles and compliance to necessary regulations, legislation and procedures.
• In line with the operational needs defined by the Logs Team Leader, liaise with government officials and representatives from the UN and other NGOs as appropriate, including attendance at inter-agency meetings
• Uphold the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and work within equal opportunities policy.
• Perform any other related duties or responsibilities that may be assigned by the overall manager of the Red Cross operation
• To carry accountability for the maintenance of non-specialist logistics equipment owned/operated by the FRC ensuring compliance with all regulations and quality standards.

• Basic Delegates Training Course or equivalent knowledge
• Logistics ERU training
• Relevant degree / logistics qualification
• Budget Training
• Introduction to Cash Transfer Programming
• Professional qualification in logistics or equivalent experience

• Minimum 5 year’s logistics field experience ideally in the humanitarian field. Experience of Warehousing, Airport Clearance, Transporting goods, Fleet Management, Purchasing, Customs Clearance
• Experience of working as part of a team and staff management
• Experience of managing budgets
• Experience of narrative & financial reporting
• Experience of developing action plans in emergency situations
• Assessment skills
• Experience of training national staff
• Experience in managing and training staff/volunteers
• Experience of working for a humanitarian aid organisation in a developing country
• Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience

• Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, word-processing)
• Knowledge of communications systems (satellite phones, etc.)
• Valid international driving license for light vehicles (manual gears)
• Valid heavy vehicle driving license
• Project management skills
• Ability to work in a cross-functional environment
• Excellent communications skills including report writing
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks
• Problem solving skills
• Good understanding of financial process and budgeting
• Must be able to travel at all times and at short notice and to work outside normal working hours as the situation requires and under stressful working condition
• Fluently spoken and written English

• National Society relations
• Results focus and accountability
• Teamwork
• Communications
• Professional Mastery
• Leadership
• Managerial effectiveness