Supply Chain & Operations Director

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that believes in the possibility of a better world. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries, focusing on disaster response, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. The organization partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. In Liberia, Mercy Corps has been active since 2002, initially addressing the humanitarian impacts of civil conflicts and evolving its programs to meet the changing needs of Liberian communities. The organization has a diverse portfolio of programs that include security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agricultural livelihoods, nutrition, financial inclusion, youth economic empowerment, renewable energy, water and sanitation, and community resilience, supporting sustainable development across the country.

Job Overview:
The Supply Chain & Operations Director is a senior leadership role responsible for providing overall executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for all operations functions, including supply chain, procurement, logistics, warehousing, and inventory management. This position is crucial for driving end-to-end strategy across US-donated commodities and Local and Regional Procurement (LRP) food items, ensuring compliance with US government donor regulations and safeguarding commodity integrity from source to final distribution. The Director will operate at a strategic level, setting up policies, building systems, managing risks, and representing the program to external stakeholders. This role requires effective stakeholder engagement, management of operational teams, and the establishment of effective supply-chain systems and controls in accordance with donor requirements and organizational policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Supply Chain & Operations Director will lead the development and support of regional strategies, mobilize support services, manage regional core budgets, and oversee the strategic design and optimization of the supply chain model. Responsibilities include establishing risk management strategies, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring compliance with internal and donor procedures, overseeing fleet management, and managing facility operations. The Director will also lead the formulation of the official US Call Forward schedule, coordinate commodity management, oversee logistics and import permits, and ensure compliance with international warehousing standards. Additionally, the role involves strategic oversight of Local and Regional Procurement operations, vendor evaluation, quality assurance protocols, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all supply chain functions. The Director will also be responsible for leadership, capacity building, and resource management, ensuring effective systems are in place for human resources, financial, and operational support functions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/BS degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of 7 years of experience in administration, procurement, logistics, supply chain, commodity management, and human resources systems, preferably with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). A demonstrated understanding of complex operations in challenging environments is essential, along with attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures. Excellent negotiation and representation skills, effective verbal and written communication abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are required. Candidates must also have strong oral and written English skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team in a sensitive environment.

Educational Background:
A BA/BS degree in a relevant field is required for this position. The educational background should ideally be complemented by training or certifications related to supply chain management, logistics, or procurement, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in setting up and managing administration, procurement, logistics, supply chain, and commodity management systems. Candidates should have supervisory responsibilities and a proven track record of supporting complex operations in challenging environments. Experience working with INGOs or in similar sectors is highly desirable, as is familiarity with US and other donor regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the communities served by Mercy Corps.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Monrovia, Liberia, and requires up to 40% travel to support country programs at county levels. The living conditions are described as unaccompanied and secure, with individual accommodation and access to essential services. Mercy Corps emphasizes ongoing learning and encourages team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional growth activities. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and safeguarding principles, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment.