Logistics Specialist (Temporary)

               

Position	Logistics Specialist (Temporary)	Grade
Department & Location	Country Office	Date	July 2014
Reports to (position):	Country Director
Purpose:  How does this temporary position support Plan’s strategy and mission?	Working in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan aims to reach as many children as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalised;  with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively. Plan Kenya is currently in the process of realigning its organizational structure which will see several changes in departments across the organization. The introduction of SAP, other systems packages and new technologies allow for a greater efficiency and cost effectiveness in order to deliver programs to children across its operational sites.  The purpose of this temporary (3 month) assignment is to spearhead the transition in logistics (procurement and transportation) to the new structure as well as provide leadership while the current Administration Manager is on leave. This transition period will see major support services regrouped into 3 Hubs which will include Nairobi, Kisumu and Kilifi where procurement will be centred to serve all eight locations.  The four locations which are not a designated Hub, will have local level service agreements with providers, and maintain some lower level (book-keeping) finance capabilities. Additionally, the temporary position will ensure continuity of services in procurement and fleet management: assist in the recruitment of the newly formatted logistics team including the new office administrator position:  develop simple step by step procedures for procurement from non Hub to Hub to Country office level; provide training to staff on the new procurement procedures and ensure a handover to the incoming Logistics Manager .  The post holder will work alongside the current Administration team and the Programme Unit Managers (PUMs) working in 7 Counties throughout Kenya and have strong working links to the Operations Manager, Finance Manager and Senior Manager of Implementation and Quality Programming. S/he will provide a high-level of insight and recommendations to ensure a smooth transition to new operational arrangements and staff in positions fully understand the new ways of business operations.

Dimensions of Role:

The temporary Logistics Specialist will report to the Country Director of Plan International Kenya.  The post holder does not directly manage a budget but will assist the development of monthly costed procurement plans are in place. S/he will also ensure that the newly completed pre-qualified vendor list is being correctly used and managed.   

Key Responsibilities:

·         Work in close collaboration and coordination with the current administration team, the PUM’s and several CMT members to ensure that there is a smooth transition into the newly designed hub and non-hub structure and that the necessary conditions exist for the achievement of the organization’s objectives.

·         Ensure business continuity over the 3 month transitional period

·         Ensure that the PUMs have the correct support services to ensure organizational strategic objectives are achieved

·         Develop the new logistics department in the country office closely aligned and working in tandem with administration and finance departments

·         Ensure compliance with corporate governance systems, policies and procedures

·         Develop simple step by step procedures for the reconfigured logistics team.

Dealing with Problems:

Complexity of problems handled & the degree of investigation, analysis, & creative thinking required to solve them

The position involves a high degree of complexity in resolving a wide range of challenges  which typically accompany change management processes. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, thinking strategically while introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a changing operating environment while ensuring Plan systems and policies are adhered to.

Educational Qualification and Experience

·                     Masters degree in Procurement or Logistics or equivalent.

·                     At least 7 years experience in a similar, senior management role

·                     Demonstrated experience in the use of SAP is desired

·                     Experience with financial, human resource and change management processes

·                     Previous experience of managing and developing a multi-disciplinary team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others.

Knowledge

·                                 Thorough knowledge of best practice logistics methodologies and practices with a large focus on procurement and strategic operational frameworks to deliver support services in logistics. Sound understanding of integrated development issues and resolving challenges between programme support and programme departments

·                                 Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development

·                                 Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning processes

Skills Specific to the Post

·                                 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues at long distances in a multi-cultural environment.

·                                 Comfortable with taking timely decisions in situations where information may be incomplete, based on consultation and sound judgement

·                                 Excellent written and oral communication skills

·                                 Strong negotiation, influencing and problem solving skills.

·                                 Ability to interpret financial data, in order to provide management support to budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.

·                                 Ability to provide leadership, communicate effectively and build high performance teams in support of achievement of organisational objectives.

·                         Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications

To see if you meet the requirements of the above position, please visit http://plan-international-kenya.org/jobs/ and make an on line application. The closing date of applications is 30^th June, 2014. You are invited to read more about Plan in our website www.plan-international.org.

We regret that only short listed candidates will be contacted.