Project Manager East Africa – HELP Logistics Ltd. 304 views2 applications

HELP Logistics Ltd is looking for a dynamic, committed Project Manager with expertise in supply chain and logistics to support training and consulting projects within a large network of actors supporting humanitarian and economic development in the East Africa region. Based in Nairobi, this is for a 2 year contract (renewable). This position will report to the Regional Director East Africa with a Technical Support line to the Global Head of Programs (based in Switzerland). You will be expected to travel up to 60% of the time to support projects in the region.

HELP Logistics Ltd: HELP Logistics is a non-profit subsidiary company of the Kuehne Foundation. The Foundation is privately owned and founded in 1976 by the Kuehne family in Switzerland. HELP Logistics AG has a registered headquarters in Switzerland, since 2014, and has sub-offices in Singapore, Amman and Nairobi to support programmes in Asia, Middle East and East Africa respectively. HELP Logistics Ltd. provides support to the humanitarian and development sector through supply chain optimization analyses, research, training, and education.

JOB PURPOSE: As Project Manager you will be a key member of the HELP Logistics team in East Africa. You will support the team to create a bridge between humanitarian, commercial and academic organisations and transfer innovative supply chain knowledge to HELP’s humanitarian partners. Your primary focus will be on building capacity in individuals and organisations by providing consulting services, bespoke technical trainings, and certificate and higher education programs. With prior experience in East Africa, you will add knowledge of the local context to HELP’s projects in the region. You will work in a team with HELP colleagues, dedicated staff from partner organisations and external experts to understand and analyse partner operations and potential weaknesses and bottlenecks. This requires strong analytical and computational skills. Based on those findings you will develop, present and implement technical solutions to enhance the partner’s supply chain performance. To make sure all projects are delivered at the highest possible quality standards, you will follow HELP’s framework approach and apply consulting and training tools and techniques. You will also update and enhance those tools and develop new ones if needed. To constantly strengthen and increase HELP’s footprint in the region you will support the Regional Director by maintaining the existing partnerships, expanding the network of humanitarian partners and generating new partnership opportunities. To keep HELP’s regional office operational, you may occasionally be asked to support the team on organisational and administrative matters.

SCOPE OF FUNCTION / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consulting

• Analyse key supply chain functions and processes (assessment, procurement, warehousing, transportation and distribution).
• Identify weaknesses and bottlenecks within the partner’s supply chain.
• Assess organisational structures for operational fitness.
• Develop customized solutions, present to partner and support implementation process.
• Coordinate with project team and organize and facilitate workshops with various stakeholders (government, universities, NGO’s, UN agencies).
• Maintain relationships with existing clients and establish new partnerships.
• Mentor interns from partner universities.
• Develop new consulting tools and techniques.
• Draft project reports for internal and external purposes.

Training and Networking

• Plan, organize and conduct trainings for humanitarian partners.
• Adjust training package to local context and customer’s requirements.
• Develop new teaching material and case studies.
• Advocate the value of logistics and supply chain management in workshops and conferences.
• Build and maintain knowledge management database for projects in the region.
• Teach modules at universities and schools.

Organisation, Reporting and Administration

• Project and activity reporting to Regional Director and Headquarters.
• Resource and budget planning and management.
• Travel organisation and planning.
• Provide media when appropriate to record project development and outcomes (photos, videos, case studies).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience

• First-level or advanced university degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Management or Economics.
• A minimum three (3) years relevant experience in supply chain and logistics and/or other related technical field is required.
• Understanding of humanitarian and development sector is an advantage.
• Strong planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities.
• Experience in project management and project management tools in relation to multiple medium sized technical projects (up to USD 50,000) required.
• Experience in collaborating with institutional donors, academic institutes and commercial companies an advantage. Ability to build relationships quickly with a wide range of people, both internally and externally.

Functional Competencies

• Ability to synthesize and analyse information, and formulate and present clear recommendations. Previous consultancy experience or can demonstrate communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong data analytical skills. Proven ability to gather data, analyse and diagnose supply chain and logistic problems.
• Training experience with at least 100 training hours of in-class training.
• Cross-cultural awareness, understanding and sensitivity. Familiar with political, cultural and economic situation in East Africa.
• Computer literate (MS Word, Excel) and competency in managing spreadsheets.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the region.
• Commitment to HELP Logistics (and Kuehne Foundation) values and behaviours.

Core Competencies

Professionalism

• High quality expectations in regards to own work and holds him/herself accountable for project results.
• Apply HELP’s teaching material and concept in teaching methodology.

Collaboration

• Build and maintain effective relationships with team, external partners and supporters.
• Be able to work in a team of HELP staff and external experts and be open to learn from others.
• Approachable, good listener.

Uniqueness

• Retain our independence as a trusted, long-term third party to partners.
• Develop innovative, impactful solutions.

Integrity

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency.
• Develop meaningful and bespoke solutions.