Head of Logistics, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) At Wildlife Conservation Society

Location: Epulu, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR), Democratic Republic of Congo

Reports to: OWR Head of Programs

Direct Reports: All staff in Logistics Unit

Start date: September 2021

Duration: 1 year-Renewable

Purpose:

The purpose of this post is to oversee the smooth running of all Reserve logistics.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been active in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) for more than 30 years, supporting its creation, and subsequently working closely with ICCN (Institut Congolaise pour la Conservation de la Nature) – the government agency responsible for protected areas and wildlife – in its management. In December 2018, WCS and ICCN signed a 10-year management agreement that delegated management authority of the OWR to WCS. This mandate is implemented through the OWR Management Unit (RMU), led by the Reserve Director, that is the executive body in charge of all day-to-day management activities and personnel in the OWR. The Head of Logistics is one of six Heads of Department in the RMU that report directly to the Reserve Director.

The Head of Logistics is based permanently on-site at the OWR headquarters in Epulu, Ituri Province. The Reserve has a large staff of around 300. He/she will be responsible for overseeing a small team to ensure the smooth running of all logistics in the Reserve: including procurement, fleet management (including a Cessna 206 aircraft, vehicles and boats), stores and inventories, telecommunications, and infrastructure maintenance and construction.

The OWR presents a challenging environment and is faced with a number of threats to its biodiversity and operations, including poaching, gold mining, and sporadic insecurity from armed groups. The new management structure provides a unique opportunity and mandate with which to address these challenges.

Candidates will need to clearly demonstrate they have the necessary experience and leadership skills with which to manage such a large and complex operation in a remote location.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all purchasing and procurement for the OWR comply with Standard Operating Procedures and WCS Policies
• Establish and supervise the implementation of management and inventory systems for equipment and consumables (food and fuel)
• Prepare quarterly purchase plans
• Ensure adequate supervision of all construction projects
• Coordinate and approve all transportation, movements and use of fleet by OWR personnel, partners and visitors, in accordance with security protocols
• Oversee maintenance and management of the air strip, roads and access points
• Ensure all internet and communications system (VSAT, HF, VHF, GPS tracking devices) are functional at all times and utilised in accordance with established procedures
• Ensure all permits, licences and authorisations for aviation and telecommunications are up to date
• Oversee the import of OWR equipment into the DRC and, in coordination with the WCS office in Kinshasa, ensure necessary custom exemptions are obtained
• Oversee the management and maintenance of the OWR dispensary
• Supervise the OWR garage and the smooth functioning of all generators, water and electricty supplies
• Evaluate, build, mentor and manage national capacity to meet the needs of the LogisticsUnit
• Oversee and direct supervision of all staff in the Logistics Unit
• Develop and disseminate procedures and policies as necessary, and as agreed with the Reserve Director, on the utilisation of equipment and infrastructure
• Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports
• Participate in weekly RMU meetings with the Reserve Director

Requirements

• University degreee in management, engineering or a related field
• At least 10 years of experience in Africa in construction, fleet management and logistics
• Excellent organizational skills with a practical hands-on attitude to work
• Proven experience of working with international organizations and international donor procurement policies
• Good written and oral communications
• Good IT skills with experience in specific inventory systems and software an advantage
• Fluency in French and English (with Swahili preferred)
• Proven experience of working as a team player in a multicultural environment
• Proven ability to live and work in remote areas
• Interest in wildlife and conservation issues, with experience of protected area operations a distinct advantage