Logistics Director, Cameroon At Wildlife Conservation Society

Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon with 50% of his time in the field

Reports To: Country Program Director

Technical supervision: Regional operation Manager

Start date: March 31; 2024.

Duration: Minimum 2 years

Job Summary

The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking a Logistics Director for the WCS Cameroon Country Program. The Logistics Director will be responsible for providing central support, coordination, and oversight of Logistics across all country programs of Cameroon.

Specifically, the position will oversee and guide procurement, transport and vehicle maintenance, asset management (including air assets), warehousing / stock control, infrastructure maintenance and project management, customs clearance and distribution of goods, Information and Communications Technology, security, health and safety monitoring and situational awareness. Working closely with on-site Logistics and logistics staff in each of the three protected areas landscape the Logistics Manager will ensure that all systems are harmonized and implemented correctly according to Standard Operating Procedures that comply with WCS and donor standards.

The Logistics Director will need to be highly experienced in managing Logistics in complex, remote and challenging environments. Based in Yaoundé, there will be frequent travel to the three protected area landscapes to support the field-based Logistics teams.

Responsibilities

The Logistics Director works under the technical guidance of the regional operation manager and under direct supervision of the Country Program Director. Working closely with the field Logistics teams, the Yaoundé office and the Regional Logistics Manager, the Logistics Director will:

• Develop and implement sound and harmonized procedures and systems and ensure all purchasing and procurement across sites are done in a timely manner and comply with WCS and donor policies.
• Ensure procurement plans are developed, implemented and proactive measures are taken to tackle changes in the program and market context.
• Oversee development and implementation of an assets management system across sites including record keeping, inventories, life cycle management
• Ensure all infrastructure projects follow WCS and donor requirements and are quality compliant.
• Oversee implementation of vehicle fleet management system and vehicle maintenance in accordance with the WCS procedures manual.
• Provide direct supervision of all Yaoundé-based logistics staff including evaluation, mentoring, and training.
• Provide technical support and mentoring to sites and landscapes Logistics staff including evaluation, mentoring, and training.
• Oversee all movements of WCS staff, partners and visitors, and goods, out of and through Yaoundé in accordance with standardized security protocols and WCS procedures.
• Ensure all internet and communications systems (VSAT, HF, VHF, GPS tracking devices, Meraki device management) are functional and utilized in accordance with established procedures
• Ensure the IT standards and guidelines, including data protection measures, are followed.
• Ensure all permits, licenses and authorizations for aviation and telecommunications are up to date.
• Manage importation of equipment into Cameroon, ensure necessary custom documents including exemptions are obtained.
• Support the sites and landscape directors and field-based security staff, and the Regional Security focal point in the monitoring and management of security and situational awareness.
• Oversee management of Yaounde office facilities and security arrangements, including regular risk assessment and security updates to site-based and country level senior management,
• Oversee the updating, implementation and compliance of health-related protocols
• Provide trouble-shooting support and temporary cover for field-based Logistics where necessary.

Requirements

• University degree in management, engineering or a related field
• At least 10 years of field level experience in Africa in construction, fleet management and logistics with progressively senior management responsibilities, with experience in Cameroon and or Central Africa Region preferred
• Excellent organizational skills with a practical hands-on attitude to work
• Proven experience of working with international organizations or private sector
• Strong written and oral communications
• Advanced IT skills with experience in specific inventory systems and software an advantage
• Fluency in French and English
• Proven experience of working in a multicultural environment
• Interest in wildlife and conservation issues, with experience of protected area Logistics a distinct advantage
• Willingness to travel to remote field sites