Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.
IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
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.
On 7 October 2023 a major escalation of hostilities occurred across the Gaza Strip resulting in the major humanitarian crisis. Significant damage to critical infrastructure and essential services, continued bombing and military operations have led to the ongoing crisis to catastrophic levels. Since the very start, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) was designated as the coordination agency in Gaza for the humanitarian response in Gaza and launched its own emergency appeal.
Since the onset of the crisis, both Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) and Jordan National Red Crescent Society (JNRCS) are supporting logistic corridors to ship humanitarian good into Gaza, while Lebanese Red Cross Society (LRCS) responds to escalating tensions in recent months, and Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARC) have been providing assistance to the population movement into the country. The Middle East crisis appeal was launched to directly support these four countries, with extended and complementary support where relevant to PRCS in oPt.
Job Purpose
The Supply Chain Coordinator at the IFRC plays a crucial role in coordinating and managing the logistics operations of the Middle East crisis appeal that covers 4+1 countries (Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, with extended support to oPt), in close coordination with and support to the respective country delegation SC logistics colleagues, and in line with the IFRC Supply Chain Management strategy. This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of goods and equipment, optimizing service quality and cost-effectiveness, and meeting the needs of the Federation and its partners. Overseeing all supply corridors to Palestine and providing logistics support for surrounding countries affected by the crisis, the coordinator is tasked with aligning supply chain activities with the IFRC’s mission to mitigate the impacts of the crisis in the MENA region.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Supply Chain Management:
- Develop a comprehensive supply chain strategy encompassing structure, organization, resources, capabilities, procedures, communication, management, HR profiles, and budgeting to ensure strategic alignment with program and support services needs.
- Oversee coordination and gap filling of logistics support for Middle East Crisis operation and impacted countries where relevant, ensuring IFRC standards are met, from requisitioning to issuing goods, in collaboration with IFRC SC colleagues in-country and National Societies (NS) Logistics.
- Supervise operations’ sourcing systems in close cooperation with the Regional Logistics unit, enhancing efficiency and compliance.
Coordination and Collaboration:
- Coordinate with IFRC country SC delegates, and where needed, manage supply and logistics support for delegation operations, ensuring streamlined processes in line with IFRC standards and practices.
- Liaise with international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations on logistics matters, fostering collaboration where appropriate.
- Build relationships with Host National Societies (HNS) Logistics with and through IFRC country SC delegates, including facilitating multi-country technical working group for logistics, to facilitate knowledge sharing, capability building, and gradual transfer of logistics responsibilities from IFRC to HNS.
Technical Advice and Capacity Building:
- Provide logistics technical advice, support, and training to IFRC personnel and/or HNS, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory compliance.
- Lead country-level coordination with other humanitarian/government agencies to deliver high-quality logistics services, prevent duplication, and prioritize aid delivery to affected communities.
Report Management:
- Prepare and distribute timely monthly operational reports to the MENA GHS&SCM and Geneva GHS&SCM team, detailing logistics specifics.
- Generate regular, timely, and accurate narrative and financial reports for the Federation and donors, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Manage overall operational mobilization ensuring that the most efficient supply chain is applied, if and where applicable.
People and Compliance Management:
- Technically support and manage the SCM team in this multi-country operation, providing clear objectives and necessary resources for high performance.
- Ensure industry and IFRC standard compliance across all supply chain and logistics operations, maintaining the highest level of integrity and efficiency.
Key Deliverables:
- A strategic and operational supply chain framework that aligns with IFRC objectives and enhances efficiency across programs.
- Enhanced SCM capabilities within the Red Crescent Societies through dedicated support, training, and knowledge transfer.
- Effective coordination and collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and HNS, fostering a unified approach to logistics management.
- A proactive and accountable SCM team delivering against IFRC goals, with a focus on continuous learning and adherence to best practices and compliance standards.
- Support in-country SC delegate, or in their absence, manage donor relations for all In-Kind Donations (IKDs), acting as the focal point for all NS’s IKD’s into the Mobilisation table (Mob Table)
Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)
Duties applicable to all staff
- Actively work towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals.
- Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
- Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager
Education
- Professional qualification in logistics or equivalent experience. Required
- Basic Delegates Training Course, IMPACT or equivalent knowledge. Preferred
- Logistics ERU training. Preferred
- Relevant degree / logistics qualification. Required
Experience
- At least 5-7 years of experience of a wide variety of supply chain/logistics roles and activities, including procurement, contracting, transport management, warehouse management, stock control, distribution and convoying, workshop management and customs clearance. Required
- Min. 3-5 years of experience of working for a humanitarian aid organisation in a developing country. Required
- Min. 3-5 years of experience in providing logistics services and supply chain management in emergencies. Experience in high-risk and/or fragile context(s). Required
- Experience of working as part of a team and staff management. Experience in managing and training staff/volunteers. Required
- Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience. Preferred
- Proven experience to carry out logistics assessments and set up large operations. Required
- Capacity building experience. Required
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
Knowledge and Skills
- Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, word-processing). Required
- Knowledge of communications systems (satellite phones, etc.). Required
- Excellent organisational, coordination and time management skills. Ability to work with tight deadlines and under pressure. Required
- Excellent communications skills including narrative and financial report writing. Required
- Proven good judgement, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to work with complete integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. Required
- Strong analytical skills and solution-oriented mindset. Required
- Good team management, mentoring and capacity development skills. Required
- Project management skills. Required
- Knowledge of procedures and international standards for procurement of goods and services. Required
- Knowledge in applying the Movement National Society Logistics Development guidelines. Preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work and communicate effectively in a multicultural and cross-functional setting. Required
- Valid international driving license (manual gears). Preferred
Languages
- Fluent spoken and written English. Required
- Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic). Preferred
Competencies, Values and Comments
- 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
- Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.
- Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance; Managing staff development.
IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities!
