Logistics Officer (CBT & Markets) Consultant Level II Regional Bureau for Eastern Africa (RBN) 1 at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

• The Consultant will provide specialist advice and analytics and contribute to ensuring integrated and impactful CBT and Market strategies and operations. S/he will strengthen Supply Chain approach and interventions to enable responsive market functionality in emergency settings, engaging with COs, HQ, Regional Procurement and Programme colleagues.  The Logistics Officer / CBT will work closely with other stakeholders to facilitate better access to quality products, help reduce food loss / waste and improve the competitiveness and resilience of supply chains to market which in turn will provide better and reliable value to customers. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Under the direct supervision of Deputy Regional Logistics Officer, the key tasks of the officer will be to: 

CBT and Market Operations

•  Lead oversight missions to COs on SC in cash-based assistance. Ensure/Support country offices input into risk registers the risks associated with SC plans in market-based assistance, level of severity and recommended steps to manage risks to acceptable levels.
• Document best practices which can inform the development of new guidance.
•  Review and input into Country Strategic Plans (CSPs) and CO cash-based assistance strategies regarding the positioning of SC’s role in market operations, with associated structure.
•  Provide input and advice to Country Office (CO) Heads of Supply Chain and RBN Heads of Unit on why an increasing impact of SC in market operations is important and how it can be achieved.
• Advise supply chain CBT focal points in the region, providing required expertise and ensuring cross functional coordination on quality market assessments, inputs into modality selection as needed, the identification of inefficiencies and opportunities for effective market strengthening, and operational plans and resourcing to achieve these.
•  Identify training needs and ensure the dissemination and implementation of guidance documents and corporate tools in support of cash-based operations.
• Organize trainings to enhance the capacity of WFP Supply Chain staff to support the design and delivery of effective market-based assistance. 
• Maintain cross functional relationships and logistics role in cross-functional Cash Working Group, report on challenges and/or success stories related to market strengthening and development activities in the region.
•  Guide and direct the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools for market strengthening activities.
•  Identify opportunities for research and evidence generation on the impact of supply chain in market operations to inform advocacy and strengthen supply chain policies and guidance formulation.
   

Project Manager for the SC-CBT Support team

• Manage the support team concept and model, including demand planning, cost-structure, fund management and performance indicators.
• Coordinate with all COs in the region to establish the most urgent needs and gaps in their CBT and Market Operations capacity as operations scale up.
• Based on needs assessment, coordinate and support the development of RB-CO agreements, schedules and operational plans for the deployment of the SC-CBT support team.
• Plan, organize and supervise the SC-CBT support team comprised of 4 National Officers.
• Ensure performance as per operational plans, knowledge transfer to COs, full cost recovery and financial and performance accountability. 

Contribute to the Food Systems workstream 

• Facilitate research on market system development under the umbrella of the food systems approach in coordination with Programme.
• Consult key technical focal points in both COs and RB to optimize the SC support in food systems.
• Document knowledge by continuously capturing emerging lessons/best practices and innovations and adjust operational approaches accordingly.
• Based on practical experience and findings, refine the RB SC approach on Food Systems and Market Development going forward. 
• Draft guidance on the logistics contribution in food systems in RBN region, in line with the Regional food system strategy and high level HQ guidance.
• Any other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:  Advanced University degree preferably in Supply Chain Management, Retail Management, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, Business Management, International Logistics Management, or other related field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
• Language: Fluency (level C) in English language, second language desirable.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Minimum of 5 years experience in supply chain operations of which with relevant experience in cash based operations, in particular market development, or regional trade or other relevant private sector experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in supply chain retail or wholesale or private sector engagement 
•  Experience in developing market strengthening strategies in a country and supervising the implementation thereof.
•  Excellent coordination and people skills. 
•  Experience identifying inefficiencies, risks and opportunities for supply chain operations.
•  Experience in implementing operational supply chain strategies, and performance evaluation and monitoring processes.
•  Excellent project- and funds management skills.
• Understanding of WFP systems and procedures, the East African context and related trade networks is a plus.