Supply Chain Officer (Capacity Support to DPE on School Feeding Programme)

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 staff members 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 been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. WFP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background or identity. To learn more about WFP, visit their official website and follow them on various social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Supply Chain Officer position is crucial for providing technical support to the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) in Bangladesh, specifically focusing on the supply chain activities related to the Government's primary School Feeding Programme. This role involves implementing an effective and integrated supply chain approach that meets the food assistance needs of schoolchildren while ensuring compliance with service provision requirements set by the government. The officer will work closely with the Project Director of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at DPE to prepare food procurement plans and operational activities, ensuring that procurement processes align with government procedures. The position requires a proactive approach to managing supply chain operations, including food safety and quality assurance, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders to optimize performance and enhance the effectiveness of food assistance programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Supply Chain Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the Project Director of the PIU in preparing food procurement plans and operational activities for both central and local level procurement, which includes issuing tenders, evaluating offers, and negotiating/awarding contracts in accordance with government procedures.
• Assisting in the development of standard operating procedures for local level food procurement and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Conducting periodic joint visits to program locations to monitor supply chain actions such as procurement, food safety quality (FSQ), and food deliveries, providing guidance and capacity strengthening as needed.
• Analyzing data to provide recommendations for process improvements within the supply chain.
• Compiling data and preparing accurate and timely reports on procurement activities to support informed decision-making within the PIU.
• Collaborating closely with the Procurement division of DPE to align procurement activities with broader program objectives and ensure a coherent approach to meeting food assistance needs.
• Providing training to key officials at both national and sub-national levels to enhance their strategic and proactive approaches to procurement of food commodities and services, including the design and review of training materials.
• Acting as a point of referral for PIU officials, assisting them with analysis and queries related to procurement processes.
• Performing other duties as required to support the overall objectives of the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Masters) in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Business Administration, Logistics, Social Science, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of supply chain principles and practices, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance and food security. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates should also exhibit a commitment to WFP's values and mission, demonstrating integrity, collaboration, and a focus on results.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is the completion of an Advanced University Degree (Masters) in a relevant field such as Supply Chain Management, Economics, Business Administration, Logistics, or Social Science. This advanced degree is critical as it provides the theoretical foundation and practical knowledge necessary for effectively managing supply chain operations within the context of humanitarian assistance and food security initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of solid and responsible experience in supply chain management, with a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience specifically focused on supporting supply chain strategy and implementation. Experience with supply chain information systems or related fields is also highly desirable. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate can effectively contribute to the complex supply chain operations associated with the School Feeding Programme and navigate the challenges that may arise in this context.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Bangla is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, preparation of reports, and training of officials at various levels. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Service Contract with a duration of 12 months, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is important to note that this vacancy announcement is specifically for Bangladeshi Nationals. WFP offers a competitive benefits package that includes salary, pension, leave, and medical insurance. All application documents will be verified, and any discrepancies may lead to automatic disqualification. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to ensure their application profiles are complete and accurate, including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.