Logistics Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to supporting Member Countries and Partners in their efforts to prepare for and respond to disasters and crises that threaten agriculture, nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, or food safety. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to ensure that everyone has regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, FAO operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, providing expertise and resources to improve agricultural practices and food systems.

Job Overview:
The Logistics Specialist position is crucial for managing and coordinating logistics functions within FAO's operations. This role involves overseeing logistics activities such as planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, asset management, and fleet management. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure efficient logistics operations that align with FAO's mission. The position requires a strong focus on emergency support, supply chain management, and the ability to adapt to local conditions and challenges. The Logistics Specialist will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with corporate accounting and internal control systems, as well as developing contingency plans and capacity-building initiatives for local staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Logistics Specialist will manage and coordinate all logistics activities, including transport planning, distribution, and warehouse management. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing logistics operations and ensuring they are conducted efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Managing inventory and commodity tracking from the warehouse to distribution points.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to enhance logistics operations and partnerships.
• Ensuring compliance with FAO's logistics standards and documentation requirements.
• Developing tailored measures to address local security threats and infrastructure issues.
• Organizing logistics preparedness and conducting field missions as necessary.
• Monitoring logistics activities and reporting on stock levels and distribution status.
• Providing technical advice and identifying opportunities for improvement in logistics processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in engineering, business administration, logistics, supply chain management, finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 to 10 years of experience in humanitarian, agricultural, or public sectors, including work with NGOs, UN agencies, or government entities. A working knowledge of English is required, and proficiency in French and/or Spanish may be necessary depending on the location.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as engineering, business administration, logistics, supply chain management, or finance is required. A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience is also acceptable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience for Category C positions, 5 years for Category B, and 10 years for Category A. Experience in humanitarian or development organizations, particularly in logistics management and emergency preparedness, is essential. Familiarity with the humanitarian architecture and FAO's mandate is desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory. Depending on the duty station, proficiency in the official language, particularly French and/or Spanish, is also required.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve working in various locations and requires flexibility in adapting to different operational contexts. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel and field missions as part of their responsibilities. The role may be full-time and could involve both national and international recruitment.