Logistics Specialist

The Logistics Specialist will oversee end-to-end supply chain management, distribution logistics, warehousing, customs clearance, asset tracking, and reverse logistics for the second General Population and Housing Census in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The role involves designing and executing the census logistics operational plan and building capacity of national census institutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational development and follow up of the Census National Logistics Master Plan including distribution and retrieval schedules for all 26 provinces.
• Standardize transport workflows across multimodal transit routes to ensure safe and timely delivery of IT equipment.
• Collaborate with UNFPA Procurement Unit on procurement timelines, packaging standards, and delivery terms.
• Oversee international shipments and customs clearance procedures in coordination with government ministries and port authorities.
• Design and oversee central and regional warehouse operations ensuring security, climate control, fire safety, and inventory controls.
• Implement an electronic inventory tracking system using barcodes/QR codes for all census goods.
• Support implementation of asset management protocols for high-value items including mobile tablets and solar kits.
• Formulate and execute Reverse Logistics Strategy for post-enumeration collection and re-warehousing of assets.
• Conduct inventory audits, manage damage and loss reporting, and oversee decommissioning or re-allocation of materials.
• Coordinate field transport logistics by negotiating agreements with local transport providers, UN logistics partners, and government fleets.
• Conduct risk assessments on supply lines and establish contingency protocols for difficult or insecure areas.
• Provide real-time logistical support during field mapping, pilot census, and main enumeration phases.
• Provide technical assistance and training to logistics personnel at national and provincial census offices.
• Train national logistics teams on inventory tools, asset tracking, warehouse safety, and fleet management protocols.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Transport Economics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in supply chain management, complex field logistics, warehouse management, and freight transportation.
• Direct experience in executing field logistics for large-scale national operations, population censuses, large surveys, or major humanitarian distribution campaigns in developing countries (Sub-Saharan Africa / DRC context highly preferred).
• Hands-on experience with automated inventory management databases and asset-tracking technologies.
• Familiarity with UN system operational policies, customs clearance processes, and multi-agency coordination mechanisms is a strong advantage.
• Fluency in French and working knowledge of English is required.

Skills

• Supply Chain Management
• Field Logistics Support
• Warehouse Management
• Freight Transportation
• Inventory Management
• Asset Tracking
• Customs Clearance
• Inter-agency Coordination
• Logistics Operations Planning
• Capacity Building
• Automated Inventory Systems
• Population Census Logistics
• Delivery Logistics
• Reverse Logistics
• UN Operational Procedures

Languages

French, English