WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, physical or mental disability.

We are seeking to fill the position of Head of Operations (Hub) NOC, based in the UNHRD Brindisi Hub.

Italian Residents holding a valid passport and/or identity card, and Reside within commuting distance (100-kilometer radius or distance that can be covered within 1.5 hours by car or public transport under average conditions of traffic, weather, and roads) to the office location at the duty station ((World Food Programme, UNHRD Brindisi, Ex SS 16 Km 906.9, 72100 Brindisi, Italy), or be willing to relocate to reside within commuting distance to the location of the office at your own cost before taking up the assignment.

Please note that this vacancy announcement is being issued internally and externally.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Global hunger has reached alarming levels in 2022, and WFP, the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2020, remains dedicated and committed to address this global food crisis. The United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) is a network of strategically located hubs established to support humanitarian organizations and the broader international community in responding to emergencies and crises. UNHRD provides essential services such as storage, easy access to critical supplies, and technical assistance.

As Head of Operations at one of the hubs of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), reporting directly to the Hub Manager, your role is pivotal in leading and coordinating the hub’s operational activities. You will oversee Logistics and Warehousing, Procurement, and Customer Service units, ensuring efficient service delivery aligned with UNHRD’s mission.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive)

As the Head of Operations, you play a central role in ensuring the effective operation of the hub, contributing to UNHRD’s mission of providing humanitarian support with excellence.

1. Oversee logistics services, including stock maintenance, receipt, loading/offloading, customs clearance, and stock deployment. Oversee warehouse operations and align operational activities with corporate requirements.
2. Lead the operations team, providing guidance to each unit (Logistics, Procurement, Customer Service). Maintain clear reporting lines for effective coordination, alignment, and guidance within the UNHRD hub.
3. Ensure that the respective teams comply with WFP rules, regulations, policies and procedures in their area of activity and properly implement and use corporate systems, such as WINGS, WMS and others.
4. Ensure seamless coordination between units for integrated service delivery and foster a collaborative work environment for streamlined operations, encouraging team performance and contribution to UNHRD’s vision.
5. Manage capacity strengthening efforts in logistics, warehouse management, customer service, etc at the hub level and ensure activities are aligned with the UNHRD network strategy.
6. In line with WFP rules and regulations and under the guidance of the Network procurement team, oversee procurement activities relative to specific hub.
7. Lead the customer service unit’s activities, focusing on “Strengthening Cooperation” as a priority. Manage key accounts and ensure customer satisfaction.
8. Liaise with service providers, partners and stakeholders as/when required to ensure smooth operations such as Freight Forwarders, relevant governmental and local authorities, suppliers, contractors, local and regional partners in undertaking UNHRD’s mandate.
9. Follow standard emergency preparedness practices for a quick response during crises, ensuring readiness of needed resources to deploy.
10. Contribute to continuous improvement, aligning with UNHRD’s mission and corporate standards.
11. Working together with the communication and reporting teams, ensure proper documentation of activities, including relevant data, for communication, reporting and advocacy purposes.
12. Act as Officer-in-Charge when necessary.
13. Other Duties as required.

ACCOUNTABILITIES STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: University degree with training courses in Supply Chain Management, Stock Management, Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field. Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable

Language: Proficiency in English (Level C) and in Italian (level C) and knowledge of other UN languages is an asset

Experience: Minimum 5 years post-graduate professional experience. Extensive experience in humanitarian logistics, procurement, and customer service roles is highly desirable

Knowledge and Skills:

• Has proven experience in leading, motivating and coordinating teams.
• Strong leadership, coordination, conflict management and communication skills

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR as outlined in the Generic Job Profile “Head of Operations NOC” apply.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Please visit the following website for detailed information on working with WFP “ http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

Applicants must:

• Be Italian Residents holding a valid passport and/or identity card, and;
• Reside within commuting distance (100-kilometer radius or distance that can be covered within 1.5 hours by car or public transport under average conditions of traffic, weather, and roads) to the office location at the duty station World Food Programme, UNHRD Brindisi, Ex SS 16 Km 906.9, 72100 Brindisi, Italy).

Please note that applications should be sent in English. Only applications received in English will be considered.

Deadline: 24 March 2024

Ref. VA: 831973

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service