GOAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Logisitics Coordinator

Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (with frequent travel to field locations)

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

General Description of the Programme
GOAL first gave assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1994 when it responded to the refugee crisis following the genocide in Rwanda. In January 2002, GOAL returned to Goma in eastern DRC in the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo near Goma. GOAL distributed non-food items to families affected by the eruption and rehabilitated three schools.

In August 2002, GOAL shifted its operations to Katanga province. GOAL’s Katanga programme, based in the town of Manono, serves a population of some 500,000 and is comprised of activities in community health, agriculture/livelihoods, community development and engineering sectors. GOAL is the only aid agency with a significant presence in this area and has a field-based team of eight expatriates and 110 local staff. This is supported by GOAL’s DRC base, relocated from Goma to Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga Province, in early 2008. A programme coordination sub-base to support the Katanga Programme is also located in Kalemie, the district capital.

The project area is currently accessible only by air due to the deterioration in the road network throughout eastern DRC, following five years of conflict. As a result, GOAL is assisting a population in significant need and providing the only outside assistance in its sectors of activity.

General Description of the Role
Ensure all GOAL programmes receive the necessary Logistical support with standard GOAL  Logistical systems and procedures established in all operational areas.

The Logistics Coordinator will be based in Lubumbashi and will oversee the provision of logistical support to all GOAL projects in DRC, including frequent travel to the current main programme location in Manono.  The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for implementing all GOAL DRC logistics polices and procedures in each section of logistics. S/he is the key link in ensuring that all supplies required by the field team are sourced and dispatched to the programme sites with a minimum of delay. This is a challenging role, due in part to the limited availability of items in Lubumbashi and to the fact that the only link to the project areas is by air.

A significant focus for the logistics coordinator will be the training and capacity building of national logistics staff to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this function. This will be particularly important in light of GOAL’s requirements to adhere to its procurement policies and to provide the necessary paper trail for financial audit and Donor reporting.
The Logistics Coordinator will report directly to Country Director and work closely with Financial Controller in Lubumbashi, and the Field Logistician and Programme Coordinator in Manono.

Primary Responsibilities
The primary responsibility for the Logistics Coordinator is to implement standard GOAL Logistics Policy across all GOAL’s operations in support of programme objectives.  The individual aspects of the role encompass the following:

• Procurement and Donor Accountability
• Transporting Supplies,  including Customs Clearance
• Warehousing and Stock Management, including Donations-in-Kind
• Asset Management
• Insurance Requirements
• Fleet Management
• Communications Systems
• Compound Management
• Capacity Building and Personnel Management
• Liaison with in-country authorities
• Operational Management and Planning
• Reporting

A detailed description of the individual aspects of the roles in these areas is available on request.  

Responsibilites Specific to the DRC Logistics Coordinator Role

• Manage the Lubumbashi Base, its vehicles, its budget and its logistics staff; consisting of two procurement officers, logistics administrator, base manager, store manager, drivers and base staff, including performance based reviews.
• Work with a clearing agent to manage DRC customs and clearance paperwork.
• Prepare framework contracts and manage and follow up contract notification, award and implementation. Review on a regular bases the performance of contractors. Assist Heads of Department in procurement planning in identifying the type of supplies and their quantities for potential bulk purchases, and in high value purchases.
• Develop and provide input in building GOAL standard specifications for IT, office equipment, program machinery and equipment and other program specialized items.
• Participate in budget concept notes and final proposals logistics check lists.
• Participate in end of year budget reports.

Requirements for the Role:

Essential

• At least 2 years experience as a head logistician (Logistics Coordinator) with an international NGO in a field environment
• At least 5 years experience as a logistician with an international NGO in a field environment
• Proven management ability to lead, motivate and develop staff
• Appropriate skills and experience in the capacity building and training of national staff and partners essential
• Ability to work under pressure to pursue multiple tasks simultaneously to successful conclusions
• Understanding and acceptance of the varying standards required and the problems inherent within the context of work in a developing country.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft packages, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.  Particular emphasis on Excel
• Excellent report writing skills
• Positive attitude and ability to succeed in difficult situations  
• Committed team player
• Fluent in English and French
• Willingness to accept the occasional insecurity which characterises eastern DRC;

Desirable

• Qualification in Logistics/Supply Chain Management
• Hands-on Experience with generators, vehicles and comms equipment (Codan and Thuraya).
• Hands-on Experience in setup of  IT and communications systems.

This Role Description only serves as a guide for the position available and GOAL reserves the right to make necessary changes.