Logistics & Supply Chain Officer

Job Summary:

The Logistics & Supply Chain Officer is responsible for managing and optimizing the flow of goods and services throughout Feed the Children’s supply chain. This role combines logistics management (transportation, warehousing, distribution) with broader supply chain coordination (procurement, inventory control, supplier management) to ensure that products move efficiently from the point of origin to the point of consumption by Feed beneficiaries.

S/he oversees end-to-end operations – from suppliers/donors and coordinating distribution requirements to organizing shipments and delivering final products to beneficiaries/partners.

The Logistics & Supply Chain Officer will help maintain smooth operations, prevent bottlenecks, and quickly address any issues that could disrupt production or delivery schedules.

The position will work with procurement teams to plan purchase orders, work with warehouse staff (Logistic Assistants) to manage storage, coordinate with the Factory/Donors/Partners to align supply with demand from the Field Operations and communicate with other staff regarding delivery updates or delays.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position will supervise Logistic Assistants, ensuring everyone follows established procedures and safety guidelines.

Principal Responsibilities

• End-to-End Supply Chain Oversight: Oversee and coordinate the entire supply chain cycle (procurement, production, distribution) to ensure an efficient, cost-effective flow of goods
• Inventory & Warehouse Management: Monitor and manage inventory levels (and warehouse operations) to meet demand while minimizing holding costs and storage inefficiencies
• Transportation & Distribution Coordination: Plan and coordinate the transportation and distribution of goods, optimizing routes and delivery schedules to ensure on-time shipments and reduce transit costs
• Supplier & Vendor Management: Negotiate and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors, securing favourable terms and reliable supply of trucks/vehicles or products to support operations
• Process Improvement & Cost Optimization: Analyse supply chain data to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies and implement strategies to streamline processes, improve delivery, and reduce costs
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all logistics activities comply with relevant regulations/standards and maintain accurate documentation (inventory records, shipping documents, contracts) throughout the supply chain
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., procurement, warehouse, Program and Finance) to align logistics plans with business needs, and promptly resolve any supply chain issues or disruptions to keep operations on track

Qualifications and Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field from a recognized institution or equivalent.
• Registered member in good standing with the Malawi Institute of Procurement and Supply (MIPS)

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in logistics, supply chain management, or warehouse operations, preferably within an NGO or humanitarian organization in Malawi.
• Proven experience in coordinating with local and international suppliers, managing transportation logistics, and implementing inventory control systems.
• Familiarity with Malawi’s geographical routes, especially in rural areas, and local market dynamics is essential.
• Experience in health and safety regulations of storage and distribution of items for human consumption.

Skills and Attributes

• Proficiency in inventory management software (e.g., SAP, Odoo, or similar systems) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical skills for forecasting, data analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations in Malawi.
• Understanding of Malawi’s regulatory framework, including the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) requirements, road transport regulations, and import/export procedures.
• Experience ensuring compliance with local labour laws and safety standards.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, suppliers, and government agencies.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work effectively in Malawi’s diverse socio-cultural context.
• A commitment to Feed the Children’s mission of alleviating hunger and poverty.
• Fluency in English and Chichewa (written and spoken) essential.
• Valid driver’s license and familiarity with Malawi’s road network and rural logistics challenges.
• Experience in risk management and contingency planning in supply chain operations