Commodity Operations Manager, Sierra Leone

Job Description

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 90 projects in 40 countries and revenues of over $140 million.

Commodity Operations Manager, Sierra Leone

We are currently seeking a Commodity Operations Manager for our USAID funded Sustainable Nutrition and Agriculture Promotion (SNAP) Program in Sierra Leone. The SNAP program is a Title II / P.L. 480 5-year program funded by USAID’s Office of Food for Peace, and is partially funded through the monetization of rice, vegetable oil and wheat. The program distributes vegetable oil, corn soya blend (CSB), lentils and bulgur to pregnant and lactating women and children under 2 as part of a preventive nutrition program referred to as PM2A. This is a senior staff position and the COM will assume temporary Country Representative/COP duties if both the COP and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) are unavailable.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee program activities related to commodity ocean freight, importation, warehousing, inventory management, transportation, distribution, and monetization sales. Oversee project procurement.
• Coordinate the overall SNAP program strategy for PM2A direct distributions to qualified beneficiaries, in collaboration with the COP/DCOP and subrecipient International Medical Corps (IMC), including the monitoring of commodity end use by food aid recipients.
• Directly supervise the Senior Logistics Officer, Database Specialist Officer, and Fleet Officer.
• Ensure the integrity of program systems for commodity control and the reporting of inventory and all commodity losses to HQ commodity management and accounting personnel in accordance with USAID/FFP and ACDI/VOCA requirements.
• Develop commodity management training materials and written protocols to serve as a guide for operations in-country and the development of corporate policies for the warehouse, transportation and distribution administration.
• Coordinate the efficient and timely delivery of commodities to Sierra Leone through communications with the COP/DCOP, HQ, freight forwarder and inland transport agency. Identify and acquire all necessary import documentation.
• Develop transport tenders for the in-country movement of commodities, evaluate vendor capabilities and risks for procurement selection, and monitor the vendors contracted.
• Observe the delivery of commodities from port to warehouses and final destinations throughout the country, document lapses in commodity control observed and provide recommendations for risk mitigation to the COP and HQ commodity management personnel.
• In the event of commodity theft or loss, ensure appropriate measures are taken, including legal and contractual actions as necessary.
• Oversee the training of SNAP program warehouse staff on all aspects of logistics and reporting; storage, security and access; and direct distribution principles.
• Monitor local markets to assess the production and importation levels of SNAP program monetization commodities in order to forecast probable sales prices/cost recovery and ensure sales are according to Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) policy. Assess the political appropriateness of SNAP program monetization in light of the local market environment.
• Ensure appropriateness of monetization methodology for each commodity. Develop protocols as appropriate for both negotiated sales and small lot sales.
• Prepare monthly narrative and financial reports as well as program quarterly reports on monetization as requested by USAID/FFP or HQ.
• Supervise the overall management of program vehicle allocation to operational needs, regular maintenance, trip log book and accident reporting procedures, and adherence to the ACDI/VOCA Sierra Leone vehicle policy.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years logistics management experience, including warehouse management, preferably with food commodities and grain in particular.
• Commodity sales and marketing experience (preferred).
• Experience negotiating with host country governments and on goods clearance issues.
• At least 3 years overseas experience, preferably in West Africa or Africa.
• Familiarity with food aid programs, particularly USAID Title II programs.
• Experience supervising and leading teams and monitoring staff performance.
• Systems-oriented ability to design, implement and train.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (minimum requirement).
• Must be proficient in Microsoft applications, particularly MS Excel; database experience required.

To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a resume tohttp://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E5556E361D43515B7E59192F7756186B03627A4B. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.