Coordinator, Logistics and Supply Chain (British Red Cross)

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 191-member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. IFRC uses the Triple R – response, resilience and respect – to deliver on Strategy 2030. IFRC responds to disasters and crises, ensuring timely, coordinated and locally led humanitarian action. IFRC supports its members in building community resilience in the areas of climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. IFRC promotes respect for our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, including in our work on values, power and inclusion. The IFRC focuses throughout on our core mandate – our raison d’être – of strategic and operational coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, National Society development, and accountability.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva and five regional offices in Africa (Nairobi); the Americas (Panama); Asia Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); and MENA (Beirut) as well as representation offices, service centres and delegations across the globe.

The 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.

This position is for the British Red Cross and will be based at the British Red Cross Dakar offices which is the main cooperation platform in the region with programmes in Niger, Burkina Faso, Tchad and Mauritania. The office aims to increase the resilience of the Sahel’s vulnerable population, support the development of strong and well-prepared National Societies and improve Movement coordination and regional approaches to achieve greater impact. The office coordinates all programmes of the Sahel+ network of 10 countries.

The British Red Cross Coordinator, Logistics and Supply Chain will manage and coordinate logistics activities in Africa, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of supply chain support to National Societies (NS) and other Movement partners. This role will support strategic partnerships to enhance emergency responses and preparedness, while promoting locally led response initiatives that foster transformative partnerships aligned with the British Red Cross's priority investment areas.

Logistics Operations Management:

• Working closely with National Societies, British Red Cross (BRC) teams and other movement partners, this role coordinates logistics operations in Africa, designing and implementing effective supply chain solutions that empower locally led responses and optimize operational impact.

Supply Chain Management and Procurement:

• Collaborate with National Societies and Movement partners to design and implement supply chain strategies that support emergency response and preparedness through efficient, locally led solutions.

Partnership Development and Management:

• Provide technical support and capacity building to NS and other Movement partners, enhancing their logistics and supply chain management capabilities through collaboration and promoting locally led responses.
• Responsible for technical / dotted-line management of regionally based logistics roles including recruitment, monitoring and contributing to appraisal and personal development plans.
• Foster collaborative relationships with other humanitarian organizations, governments, and stakeholders to support logistics operations and supply chain management.

Assurance and Compliance:

• In coordination with program focal persons, ensure BRC logistics and supply chain programs adhere to local legislation, donor requirements, and BRC policies, and provide assurance that logistics components meet required standards and best practices.

Regional Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Logistics Support and Capacity Development

• Contribute to regional CVA programming by identifying constraints and developing solutions, and provide technical support on market assessments, planning, budgeting, and contract establishment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including NS, Partner National Society (PNS), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Cash Ready Movement Pool, to share information, facilitate training, and explore deployment opportunities.

• University degree in logistics and/or supply chain management
• Relevant professional courses in logistics and/or supply chain management

• Experience in humanitarian logistics in Africa, with a focus on emergency response, disaster management, CVA programming and supply chain management
• Proven experience in coordinating and supporting logistics operations, working with cross-functional teams, and collaborating with National Societies, IFRC, and Movement partners
• Proven expertise in supply chain planning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development with National Societies, IFRC, and Movement partners, with a strong understanding of the African context
• In-depth knowledge of the African context, including regional logistics infrastructure, multimodal transportation networks, and border crossings
• Experience working with NS, IFRC, and other Movement partners, as well as UN agencies, NGOs, and governments
• Familiarity with donor requirements and compliance, including reporting and financial management
• Possess a strong network of relationships within the Red Cross Movement, IFRC, and other relevant partners, to facilitate collaboration, information-sharing, and coordinated response efforts is preferred
• Experience with RCRC Movement-wide initiatives and policies, including those related to logistics and supply chain management is preferred

• Understanding the principles of supply chain management in humanitarian contexts, including procurement, transportation, warehousing, and distribution of aid to affected populations
• Familiarity with logistics technology, such as Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and emerging technologies*
• Knowledge of inventory control methods that prioritize agility and nimbleness to enhance adaptivity to changes in supply chain activities, including Just-In-Time (JIT) and flexible inventory management approaches
• Ability to analyse data to optimize logistics operations, reduce costs, and ensure efficient delivery of aid to support people in need
• Understanding of risk management strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure continuity of humanitarian response
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with suppliers, partners, and internal teams across diverse cultural contexts in humanitarian settings
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong relationships with National Societies, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Ability to adapt to changing humanitarian contexts, unexpected disruptions, and evolving needs
• Understanding of financial concepts, including budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis in humanitarian settings
• Demonstrated core proficiency in (a) digital communication & collaboration, (b) basic digital content creation, (c) digital safety & security, (d) data literacy, and (e) problem solving with technology (including responsible use of AI assistants.
• Understanding of and commitment to BRC and IFRC missions and values.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Excellent written and spoken French skills are essential for this role, given the geographical scope of the position and the need to interact with partners and stakeholders in Francophone countries.

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National Society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust