Logistics Associate (Contracting)

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, employing thousands of individuals who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian efforts and global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background or identity. For more information, visit their official website at https://www.wfp.org and follow their social media channels for updates on their initiatives and impact.

Job Overview:
The Logistics Associate (Contracting) position at WFP involves a multifaceted role that focuses on contract management, market engagement, performance monitoring, and administrative support within the logistics sector. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and managing logistics contracts with service providers, ensuring compliance with WFP policies and local regulations. This role requires a proactive approach to monitor contracts, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to the overall efficiency of logistics operations. The Logistics Associate will also play a key role in contingency planning and preparedness, participating in logistics assessments and exercises to ensure that WFP is ready to respond effectively to emergencies. The position demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various internal and external stakeholders to achieve WFP's mission of delivering humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contract Management and Compliance: Participate in drafting, reviewing, and managing logistics contracts with service providers. Support the contractualization process, including preparing Requests for Quotations (RfQs), organizing Logistics Contracts Committee (LCC) meetings, and updating contracts in the system. Monitor contracts for logistics and transport services, ensuring timely renewals, amendments, and extensions. Assist client countries in planning and managing contractual aspects, including needs identification and budget estimation. Ensure compliance with WFP policies and local regulations, applying principles of fairness, transparency, and competitiveness.
• Market and Stakeholder Engagement: Monitor the national and regional context to anticipate external factors influencing contractualization. Maintain in-depth knowledge of the regulatory framework affecting the logistics sector. Regularly interact with port, customs, and railway authorities, professional unions, the private sector, and humanitarian partners. Contribute to market information gathering and evaluation of logistics service providers to support pre-selection.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Compile and present reports on logistics activities, performance indicators, and contract status. Participate in developing performance improvement plans for service providers. Update the database of service providers and their evaluation reports. Collect and analyze operational data, contributing to reports such as Risk Committee, SPRs, financial closure, and physical inventory, ensuring accuracy of information in corporate systems.
• Administrative and Operational Support: Provide administrative support to the Logistics Officer, including meeting planning, calendar management, and travel arrangements. Ensure proper interpretation of normative guidelines by operational teams and seek advice from HQ when needed. Respond to technical and support requests following standard procedures. Contribute to the preparation, monitoring, and revision of the logistics budget. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for effective operations management. Maintain a structured filing system for quick document retrieval.
• Contingency Preparedness and Planning: Participate in the Logistics Market Assessment and Logistics Capacity Assessment. Support logistics preparedness exercises and contingency planning.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Logistics Associate (Contracting) position should possess a combination of educational qualifications and relevant experience. A university degree in logistics and transport, economics, international trade, commercial law, or business administration is preferred. Candidates should have experience in monitoring service providers’ performance against key indicators, preparing contractual documents, and providing technical support for corporate systems. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to compile relevant data to support decision-making. Clear communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with a preference for those holding a university degree in logistics and transport, economics, international trade, commercial law, or business administration. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of logistics operations and contract management.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in logistics, particularly in monitoring service providers’ performance, preparing contractual documents, and providing technical support in demanding operational environments. Experience in the logistics sector is crucial, as it equips candidates with the skills needed to navigate the challenges of contract management and stakeholder engagement effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French (level C) is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Additionally, candidates should possess intermediate or advanced knowledge of English (level B or C), which is beneficial for engaging with international stakeholders and accessing global resources.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Service Contract (SC) at Grade SC6, with a duration of 12 months. The duty station for this role is Douala, Cameroon. WFP emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees during the application process and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.