Landscape – Head of logistics and infrastructure, WCS Cameroon

Position: Landscape Head of logistics and infrastructure, WCS Cameroon
Location: Garoua, Cameroon
Reports To: WCS Landscape Director
Direct Report: The landscape Logistics & Infrastructure team
Start date: ASAP
Position Type: full time

Organization Background

Established in 1895, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an international non-profit organization that protects wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. Present in Cameroon since 1988, WCS has worked closely with the Cameroon government to create multiple protected areas, train conservationist and promote sustainable natural resource management. Today, the WCS Cameroon program is concentrating its conservation efforts on three main landscapes; the Takamanda-Mone Landscape, the Mbam & Djerem Landscape, and the WCS Bouba Ndjidda – Bénoué Landscape (BNB).

Job Summary

WCS is looking for a dynamic, result-driven and experienced Logistics & infrastructure Manager (LIM), to lead and manage the BNB Landscape logistics and infrastructure department. Forming the backbone of the successful implementation of WCS programs in Northern Cameroon, the LIM will be responsible for overseeing, coordinating and directing the effective planning, implementation and follow up of all logistics and construction needs from local procurement, logistics, fleet management, warehousing, aviation support to infrastructure: construction, rehabilitations and maintenance. S/he will do so in close collaboration with all other l departments, whilst ensuring full compliance with policies and procedures of WCS donors and Cameroonian law. The LIM will work under the Landscape director’s direct supervision and will be technically supported by the national Logistics Director and Regional Operations Manager.

The successful candidate will be based in Garoua, with regular travel to the field sites.

Responsibilities:
General :

• Identify and monitor key departmental performance indicators and ensure each team has clearly outlined objectives.
• Ensure all logistical and infrastructure functions are supported by functional tools, SOPs, policies and systems, as well as clarity of processes and procedures to enable their effective management (planning, implementation, tracking, monitoring and follow up).
• Actively participate in Program review and reflections meetings to ensure realistic and aligned planning of activities requiring logistical support.

Human resources

• Supervise, manage and support supervised staff to successfully deliver clearly assigned responsibilities.
• Identify staff capacity needs and ensure the holding of regular performance evaluations.
• Oversee movements of WCS staff, partners and visitors within the landscape in accordance with standardized security protocols and WCS procedures.

Supply chain management: Procurement and warehouse Management:

• Ensure all local purchases and supplies for the Landscape, in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies (WCS and donors).
• Ensure procurement plans are up to date, and regularly shared and reviewed with the demanding departments.
• Ensure effective procurement tracking, communication and quality control systems are in place.

Assets management

• Ensure and oversee the effective implementation of an assets management system across all sites including record keeping, inventories, life cycle management.
• Ensure the effective implementation of asset-management and warehousing systems, with a focus on optimal inventory management, including tracking, inventories, disposals and replacements.

Infrastructure and maintenance (nb. Infrastructure projects include, but are not limited to, construction and rehabilitation of houses, roads/tourist trails, airstrips):

• Work with the infrastructure coordinator to ensure:
  • Infrastructure projects are implemented in accordance with the social and environmental standards of the park, WCS, government and donors, as well as specifications, contracts, sketches and best practices.
  • Quality issues or delays are timely identified, prevented and/or responded to.
  • Comprehensive planning of activities based on a clear assessment of need.
• Ensure the effective and ongoing maintenance of office buildings at all sites.
• Ensure that robust waste management systems are in place and properly implemented at each site.
• Ensure that the water and electricity systems are in good working order.

Fleet management and aviation

• Ensure the effective fleet and generator management and maintenance, in accordance with the WCS procedures manual, including tracking of fuel consumption.
• Ensure the effective coordination of transportation and movement of staff, partners and visitors, in accordance with safety protocols and travel policy of WCS Cameroon.
• Ensure that all permits, licenses and authorizations and other renewable administrative documents are in place and up to date, as required.
• Support the aviation program in clearly defined areas related to logistics.

Other:

• Ensure that Internet and communication tools, equipment and systems (from laptops to VSAT, HF, VHF, GPS) are functional and used and maintained in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• In support of the Landscape director, contribute to the identification, response and management of security needs (evacuation, hibernation, security incidents, staff safety in the office and in the field).
• Follow up on administrative needs related to transport and customs clearance of materials procured for the landscape.

Requirements:

• Relevant master’s degree with at least 10 years of professional experience in logistics functions, of which at least 5 years in a management capacity with an international organization or the private sector.
• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstratable skill and experience in managing and supervising logistics and operational needs in complex contextual settings (including procurement, fleet management, maintenance, IT, construction and infrastructure).
• Excellent organizational, technical and coordination skills with a hands-on, positive work attitude and strong ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Dynamic and inspirational, culturally sensitive team leader, with strong communication skills (orally and written)
• Solid knowledge of donor procedures. Knowledge of EU and KFW donor procedures an advantage.
• Advanced applicable and comprehensive knowledge of logistics and operations management tools, from planning, to tracking to performance assessments.
• Fluency in English and French. Local language an added value.
• Working experience in similar African contexts an advantage.
• Commitment to the WCS vision, mission and values.