Logistics Coordinator (m/f/d), Syria

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

GRC is currently seeking an experienced Logistics Coordinator (m/f/d) for Syria.

The overall objective is to coordinate GRC project activities in close cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).

Currently, the programmatic focus of GRC is on humanitarian relief, logistics (warehouse management, fleet management and medical logistics) and Health funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, ECHO and other donors. GRC has a longstanding cooperation with SARC and is keen to strengthen the capacity for National Society staff, infrastructure, tools, enhance compliance mechanism and setting up monitoring systems in emergency and preparedness activities.

GRC is present in country with four delegates, including a Head of office, two Program Managers and a Logistics Coordinator, as well as a local Project Coordinator and an Administrative assistant. The GRC office is within the premises of SARC HQ. This is an unaccompanied position.

Starting date: 01.12.2023

Duration: 01.12.2023 – 31.12.2024, 13 months

Location: Damascus, Syria with regular field visits

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Support SARC in creating a functional, fit for purpose and sustainable logistics set-up in country, with a focus on warehouse and fleet management. Empower SARC to drive their self-development, providing technical advice on different feasible options and support implementation of the cost recovery concept
• Partner, collaborate and coordinate efforts with key stakeholders to influence change, including harmonisation with other RCRC capacity building initiatives
• Consultation with, (and technical advice when necessary to) IFRC and PNS to ensure efficient and timely delivery of logistics services
• Support SARC’s Transport and Movement unit in elaborating and setting up a Fleet Management System that includes standard practices such as: monitoring fleet fuel consumption, mileage, maintenance & repair, asset management and other monthly vehicle cost and fleet reports. Ensure that the necessary information related to transport/fleet management is effectively shared and communicated in the Fleet Management System
• Coordinate with the SARC’s procurement team and IFRC’s Supply Chain Delegate, as well as other logisticians on the ground, to assure a smooth implementation of standard procurement procedures and practices as per SARC’s Procurement Manual procedures
• Support SARC in tracking the incoming goods of multilateral and/or bilateral contributions through the IFRC/PNSs pipelines, when needed, to improve timely customs clearance and receipt into SARC warehouses and reverse reporting of items received in good order.
• Support in maintaining and elaborating the country wide warehousing system, as needed, considering the changing humanitarian and funding situation, and with that contributing to a longer-term logistics strategy/set up for SARC.
• Provide logistics technical guidance and training to SARC staff and volunteers to ensure the necessary capability and understanding exists to ensure best practices and compliance with regulations, legislation and procedures.
• Support SARC in ensuring professional and effective representation of SARC in relevant networks (Logistics Cluster, other fora) in Syria, as well as providing support in coordination, where appropriate, with Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, PNSs).
• Manage resources effectively within set budgets, timelines and donor requirements, and contribute with input advising on utilization of pledges in coordination with SARC, IFRC and/or PNSs. The delegate is also responsible for overall narrative, financial and technical logistics reports in a timely manner through the line manager.

Required Competencies & Skills:

Technical Experience

• Minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of experience in logistics within the field of supply chain management including procurement, tendering, contracting, clearance, transport, and warehousing, as well as fleet management, asset management, and distribution support, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with international freight forwarding, import, export and customs clearance processes is preferred,
• Proven experience in leading and managing logistics in a humanitarian organization;
• Experience with donor specific procedures, including relevant requirements linked CTM / sanctions and overall due diligence
• Experience managing budgets and preparing timely, complete and accurate reports
• Previous working experience in the MENA region is an asset.

Management/Partnership

• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills;
• Proven experience in working with/through local partners organisations, including in an advisory and coaching role, and engaging in/or leading strategic discussions;

Security/Language/ Personal skills

• Experience in working in a difficult and volatile security situation; ability to live and work for long periods under severely restricted conditions within a conflict-affected environment, and ability to handle stressful situations
• Oral and written fluency in English is required. Advanced knowledge of German and/or Arabic are an asset;
• Cultural sensitivity, underpinned by substantial working experience outside her/his home country, including in insecure and conflict-affected contexts;
• Ability to work independently, highly results-oriented and as a team member;
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
• Valid International Driving Permit (IDP).

What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission, as well as accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.