Global Logistics Cluster

JOB PURPOSE

To establish a roster of logistics coordination specialists with humanitarian experience, leadership, and coordination/cooperation expertise. This means that successful candidates will be part of a pool that can be deployed when required, based on suitability of their profile to the contextual requirements. Please note that selection for the roster does not imply an offer of contract from WFP.

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership and facilitate the processes that will ensure a well-coordinated, strategic, appropriate, coherent, effective, and efficient response by participating organisations in Logistics Clusters at country level.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The focus of the role and associated responsibilities will depend on operational needs and may vary by country, considering the basic principles of the Cluster Approach.

Leadership

Lead the strategic and technical operational design, implementation, review and adaptation of a logistics coordination mechanism in line with IASC cluster coordination guidelines, as well as other IASC guidance, in collaboration with partners and within the mandate. If common logistics gaps are identified together with partners, collectively design a response plan to facilitate access to operational logistics solutions based on a detailed cost-benefit analysis. This includes analysis, selection, implementation and monitoring of possible solutions to bridge operational gaps, including developing solutions with WFP supply chain where no solution is available, following Logistics Cluster standard operating procedures. Ensure proper project management, focused on the timely design and proper implementation of Logistics Cluster support at the right costs and monitor and report throughout the entire life cycle. Mainstream global themes and approaches into established Logistics Cluster practices. Lead and facilitate discussion and agreement on the use of common standards and tools and promote awareness of/adherence to relevant policy guidelines, codes of conduct and examples of good practice.

Gaps and Needs Analysis (GNA) and prioritisation.

Work with organisations to continuously identify and assess logistics capacities, gaps, priorities and bottlenecks, including local market capacity, logistics infrastructure and the logistics needs of the humanitarian community, to inform the Logistics Cluster strategy and operations. As needed, participate in inter-agency needs assessments to ensure that identified logistical needs, gaps and priorities consider the overall emergency context (are evidence-based), and vice versa. Based on the identified common logistics gaps and needs, advise the Humanitarian Country Team on key operational priorities, issues, and challenges; and keep them informed of evolving needs.

Effective (inter-agency) coordination

Build, maintain and develop relationships and share information with WFP colleagues in the Country Office, Regional Bureau and relevant functions at HQ including colleagues of the Logistics Cluster Team. Manage overall Logistics Cluster inter-agency engagement as per the IASC Principles of Partnership. Ensure fluid and regular communication and coordination with all relevant stakeholders, including supply and logistics managers in national and international humanitarian organisations to continuously identify and prioritise logistics needs and adequate solutions to overcome bottlenecks, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid/relief. Represent the Logistics Cluster and actively participate in inter-cluster operational coordination mechanisms and working groups, to enable coordinated efforts, systems and resources. Develop a solid understanding of the partners and their activities, encouraging organisations to share their resources and information with the community for the benefit of the whole response.

Information management, monitoring and evaluation

Ensure the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant logistics information, such as the Concept of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring they are regularly updated.. Identify trends and analyse likely future developments with associated risks and opportunities to provide a dynamic understanding of the evolving situation. Liaise with relevant national authorities and organisations to collect and make available up-to-date information on administrative processes, customs, border control, and route access. Develop and implement an evaluation approach, monitor and review activities (partner surveys / consultations, cluster coordination performance monitoring (CCPM)), and a plan to address results. Ensure comprehensive mapping of partners (3W), including assets and infrastructure.

Preparedness and capacity building

Actively contribute to logistics coordination and information management preparedness and response training, workshops and simulations to build the capacity of all stakeholders. Support the development and integration of preparedness and contingency planning for humanitarian logistics coordination into the National Disaster Management Organisations overall preparedness plan, including the effective integration of partners. Design a Logistics Cluster exit strategy, support capacity building and preparedness of local actors or national disaster response organisations, and ensure proper transition from cluster- to locally-led coordination, using the Logistics Cluster preparedness approach where possible and appropriate.

Advocacy

With partners, identify key topics and messages to advance operations through advocacy, develop an advocacy strategy and plan, collaborate with allies and support implementation of the advocacy plan. Encourage partner organisations to include common messages in their own advocacy activities. Confidently present difficult and sensitive messages to senior leadership and influential stakeholders.

Resource management

Advise WFPs Country Strategic Plan process (narrative and budget) and other internal / external project documents for implementation of cluster work (including logistics contingency and preparedness initiatives). Support the identification and mobilisation of necessary resources (assets, personnel, funds) to implement cluster activities at country level, including drafting proposal documents and budgets. Work with the WFP Country Office and the Logistics Cluster Team (Rome) to recruit the right staff profiles (initiate recruitment, define ToRs, advise on staff selection, onboarding), lead on skill development and workforce management. Ensure that cluster funds are committed and spent in line with logistics coordination needs and approved plans, in accordance with WFP rules and regulations. Monitor country level funding status.

STANDARD MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  Education

A university degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, International Relations, Crisis Management, Project Management, Business Administration or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

You have a minimum of eight years of progressive professional responsibility in international humanitarian project/programme/logistics implementation, with at least two years in a senior position.

Desired experience

Serving in a supervisory role. Exposure to the IASC Cluster system, especially working for / with the Logistics Cluster at global or field level in emergency preparedness or response. Working with national and international coordination systems. Experience in humanitarian supply chain / logistics roles. Experience working in roles with an inter-agency collaboration component.

Language  

A level C qualification (proficiency or mother tongue) in one of the UN languages (preferably English, French, Spanish or Arabic) is mandatory. Good working knowledge in English is compulsory while working knowledge of another UN language (particularly French, Spanish, or Arabic) is an asset.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability and willingness to deploy at short notice to areas with potentially challenging environments for a duration of minimum 1 month is a strict requirement. Ability to quickly adapt to and set up new operations, or to embed in ongoing activities as surge staff. Leadership and decision-making skills, and the ability to develop a strategic vision and shared goals based on humanitarian principles, following a partnership and service mindset, demonstrating integrity, a result oriented and proactive engagement approach, and attention to gender and cultural sensitivities, promoting a climate of teamwork internally and externally, encouraging mutual learning. Communication and interpersonal skills to establish and manage collaboration and coordination, including chairing or contributing to multilateral working groups, work across a diverse group of stakeholders (internally and externally), build/develop consensus and deliver joint outputs. Excellent listening and written and verbal communications skills. Analytical skills, including the ability to analyse and evaluate data and translate it into meaningful information to facilitate decision making. Demonstrated ability to work productively and meet tight deadlines in remote and high-pressure environments, focusing on solutions. Ability to motivate a team, maintain morale and achieving objectives in difficult circumstances. Project management skills including planning, timely execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure or transfer of activities. Good knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office , especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint and other related software.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Understanding of stakeholders mandates, considerations, and requirements. Ability to understand and anticipated information needs of stakeholder groups. Understanding the international humanitarian response architecture, including key stakeholders, coordination mechanisms, Humanitarian Reform and humanitarian action, and international emergency response funding mechanisms

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