Head of Supply Chain

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, assisting nearly 100 million people each year. The organization is committed to achieving Zero Hunger and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to provide food assistance and tackle the underlying causes of hunger. WFP's mission is driven by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met effectively and efficiently. WFP has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Head of Supply Chain will be responsible for leading and managing the WFP Dodoma Office and overseeing supply chain operations in Tanzania. This position requires a strategic approach to ensure effective management of human and financial resources to deliver WFP programs successfully. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Deputy Country Director and will play a crucial role in developing country strategies, policies, and programs that align with local needs. The role involves fostering partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders in food systems, ensuring that WFP's operations are coordinated and cost-effective. The Head of Supply Chain will also be tasked with implementing innovative supply chain initiatives and managing large-scale services to ensure timely and integrated operations. This position is pivotal in contributing to the overall mission of WFP to combat hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement country strategies, policies, and programs that reflect local needs and inform country-wide planning.
• Identify opportunities for partnership growth with government counterparts and stakeholders in food systems.
• Foster productive partnerships with key stakeholders, including government, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, to enhance knowledge sharing and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with government counterparts to identify areas where assistance can be effectively employed and provide technical expertise for food assistance program planning and implementation.
• Formulate and implement corporate supply chain strategies and business models to meet operational requirements while ensuring cost efficiency and quality.
• Identify opportunities for business linkages between national institutions, private sector players, and smallholder farmer organizations.
• Lead the implementation of the Country Office’s Smallholder Agriculture Market Support strategy in coordination with functional units and partners.
• Design and manage innovative supply chain operations and initiatives to ensure timely and cost-effective service delivery.
• Oversee supply chain planning and coordinate periodic planning across functions and with WFP Country Offices. 1
• Engage with beneficiaries and inspect storage facilities to ensure compliance with WFP policies and project objectives. 1
• Manage the Dodoma Office effectively, ensuring transparent people management and the development of a cohesive team. 1
• Ensure the security of WFP staff, operations, and assets in the Field Office, adhering to safety standards. 1
• Participate in the Area Security Management Team (ASMT) and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses may be considered.
• Fluency in English and Swahili is mandatory, with proficiency in additional languages being an asset.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage diverse teams effectively.
• Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with government institutions, private sector, UN agencies, and NGOs.
• Experience in developing complex work plans to support strategic aims.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in vendor/government/partner negotiations.
• Broad experience in security coordination and compound management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the incumbent has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires 7 to 10 years of postgraduate professional experience, demonstrating a track record of progressive responsibility. Candidates should have experience in developing and managing relationships with government institutions, private sector entities, UN agencies, and NGOs. Additionally, experience in leading large teams and coordinating supply chain operations, including procurement of food, goods, and services, is essential. The incumbent should also have experience in monitoring operational success and suggesting areas for improvement, as well as supervising teams of professional staff.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Swahili is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Dodoma, Tanzania. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be provided in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, or other factors. The organization also emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.