Supply Chain and Operations (SCO) Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established with a mission to provide essential support to vulnerable communities, RI has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and local volunteers who work across 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on various programming areas, including Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods, all aimed at fostering community resilience. RI operates as an alliance of four organizations, including Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, and Relief International-Europe, functioning under a unified leadership team to ensure cohesive operations and strategic alignment across its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Supply Chain and Operations (SCO) Manager for Sudan and Cross-Border Operations is tasked with leading the logistics, procurement, and operational systems necessary for program success in a challenging and high-impact environment. This role encompasses both strategic and day-to-day leadership responsibilities, ensuring the timely flow of goods and services while optimizing inventory management and supporting cross-border operations. The SCO Manager will be instrumental in strengthening operational systems, enforcing compliance with RI’s policies regarding procurement, ethics, and conduct, and streamlining operations between field and country offices. The position requires a proactive approach to resolving complex logistical challenges and ensuring audit readiness and policy compliance, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of all operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the SCO Manager include leading and coordinating cross-border logistics operations between Chad and Sudan, ensuring compliance with RI policies and donor regulations. The manager will serve as the focal point for adherence to RI’s standards across procurement, logistics, warehouse, fleet, and asset management. They will provide strategic input as a member of the extended Country Senior Management Team, contributing to country-level planning, strategy, and reporting. Regular analysis and risk identification will be essential to maintain the integrity of operational systems. The manager will oversee local, national, and international procurement, ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing, and will lead the development and implementation of country procurement plans. Additionally, the manager will supervise warehouse operations, manage fleet operations, coordinate cross-border shipments, and ensure compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols for staff travel. They will also be responsible for maintaining high standards of behavior and conduct within the team, promoting RI’s values and safeguarding policies.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position must possess a Master’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent experience. A minimum of five to ten years of progressive management and leadership experience is required, with at least five years of international experience in supply chain management within emergency contexts, including procurement, transport, distribution, and warehouse management. Experience managing institutional partnerships with national and international NGOs and donors is essential, along with previous INGO experience in staff management and logistics. A solid understanding of supply chain procedures, particularly in areas with weak infrastructure, is crucial. The candidate should demonstrate excellence in training and capacity-building, possess strong grant management experience, and have comprehensive knowledge of supply chain principles and compliance standards.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as supply chain management, Business Administration, International Development, or Social Sciences. Equivalent experience in a related field may also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage complex supply chain operations effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five to ten years of progressive management and leadership experience, with at least five years of international experience in supply chain management in emergency environments. This experience should encompass procurement, transport, distribution, warehouse management, and the ability to navigate the complexities of logistics in volatile contexts. Previous experience in managing partnerships with NGOs and donors is also highly valued.

Languages:
Excellent English writing and communication skills are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French and Arabic is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance operational effectiveness in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve significant travel between Chad and Sudan. The role is critical in ensuring compliance with donor regulations and RI policies, and the candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. The organization values integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, and these values will guide the work of the SCO Manager.