Position: Logistics Director
Reports to: Landscape Director, dotted-line report to the Regional Logistics & Field Operations Manager
Country Program:  Central African Republic
Location: Ndélé
Scope/Capacity: Country
Position Type: Full-time
Internal Liaison : All team in CAR
Expected travel: Based in Ndele with travel between Bamingui, Manovo and Bangui
Coordinates with: Director of Programmes, Finance Director, HR Manager, Park Managers of both Bamingui-Bangoran and Manovo-Gounda St Floris.

Positions Managed: Infrastructure Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Fleet Manager, Field Logistics Coordinators (technical supervision), etc.

About WCS

The Wildlife Conservation Society is an international NGO headquartered at Bronx Zoo in New York City working to save wildlife and wild lands and to meet global challenges in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the world’s oceans. Africa is one of WCS’s largest field engagements, with approximately 1,500 staff in 13 country programs managed through three regional programs (Central Africa, Sudano-Sahel, East Africa, Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean)

Our Mission

To save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature.

Our Vision

Create a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 13 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are Respect, Accountability and Transparency, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, and Integrity. More information at www.wcs.org

Job Purpose

The Logistics Director is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective management and coordination of all logistical needs and operations of the WCS country program, including in support of WCS’s conservation program activities, its field operations and aviation program.

The role ensures efficient infrastructure & park facilities management, procurement, transport & fleet management, asset asset management, inventory management, and other supports to the field operations, both in Bangui and in the remote areas of the Manovo-Bamingui landscape. He or she is responsible for Logistics leadership and strategic planning while maintaining compliance with WCS policies, donor requirements, CAR laws and environmental standards.

Major Responsibilities

1. Strategic Logistics, Performance Management & Reporting

• Contribute with logistics data and expertise to the Country Business Plan and projects development.
• Develop and implement logistics strategies aligned with the conservation objectives and field-operations needs as translated in the 5-year business plan.
• Develop and manage logistics budgets, forecasts, and expenditure tracking.
• In close collaboration with the Regional Logistics & Field Operations Manager and other relevant departments, ensure that all necessary systems, policies, tools and guidelines to enable the effective management of the logistics function are in place (whether rolled out, updated or developed) and implemented.
• Ensure those systems, policies, tools and guidelines are clearly communicated and staff adequately trained on their application. Ensure accurate data & mechanisms are available for performance monitoring, reporting, planning, and audits.
• Establish and maintain a logistics data filing system (retaining policies, SOP’s, guidelines, reports, operations data…) for information sharing and audit purposes, favoring the use of the country program SharePoint.
• Ensure all permits, licenses, authorizations, and other customs and administrative documents are in place and up to date.

2. Procurement

• Ensure all necessary procurement coordination, planning, tracking and implementing tools and systems are in place and effectively applied.
• Ensure ethical sourcing based on the procurement planning, resulting in Prequalified Vendor List and well negotiated Contracts and Umbrella Agreements. Establish strategic vendor relationships and contract management.
• Oversee fair, transparent and compliant procurement of goods and services (equipment, fuel, field supplies, food items, technical resources, consultancies…) within the agreed delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with the Regional Logistics & Field Operations Manager, the Global Purchasing Team, freight forwarders and clearing agencies to ensure on-time purchasing and smooth shipping of international procurements.
• Ensure compliance with WCS Procurement Policy, donors procurement guidelines and CAR customs and regulatory laws.

3. Transport & Fleet Management

• Oversee management of vehicle fleet and motorized equipment, including trucks, 4x4s, boats, motorbikes, quads, motorcycles, generators, as well as aviation support.
• Ensure transport schedules are developed to ensure safe and efficient mobility for WCS staff, partners and visitors, as well as for goods and equipment.
• Oversee maintenance, fuel consumption, and tracking systems to ensure operational readiness.

4. Asset, Warehousing, and Inventory Management

• Ensure accurate asset tracking, tagging, and documentation and plan for disposal and replacement.
• Implement best practices for warehousing and equipment handling.
• Ensure proper tracking systems are in place for consumption/distribution and regular stock reporting on supplies such as field rations, ranger equipment, fuel, spare parts.

5. Infrastructure

• Develop and oversee long-term infrastructure plans within the landscape and surrounding communities.
• Oversee planning, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of all physical infrastructure required to support conservation work, including buildings, roads, airstrips, water systems, energy and solar systems, and any other built assets.
• Ensure infrastructure projects are developed and implemented safely, sustainably, on time, and within budget while complying with conservation, environmental, and donor standards.

6. Park Facilities Management

• In close collaboration with the Park Managers, develop and manage a comprehensive logistics and sustainment plan for the parks, covering water supply, energy supply, internet, communications systems, fuel, consumables, and food, following a ‘push’ logistics model with reserves at the park or landscape level.
• Ensure safe, functional, and sustainable infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and support services are available and well planned to smoothly support conservation activities.
• Integrate and enforce health, safety, and security standards in all logistics operations, including fleet management, warehousing, infrastructure sites, and waste management.
• Ensure necessary support to the aviation program in logistics-related areas, including airstrip, fuel and oil, spare parts, planning, and charters.

7. Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead and mentor the logistics team, both in Bangui and the Manovo-Bamingui Landscape.
• Set performance objectives and conduct performance reviews, as well as corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure capacity building and development actions for both Logistics and non-Logistics staff as required.

Qualification Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s degree with significant field experience) in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or any related area.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Mechanics, Fleet Management, Inventory Management, Field base management, including a minimum of 05 years in senior management or coordination roles, in complex or distressed areas.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Cross-cultural and remote-team leadership.
• A practical and positive attitude with the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Experience with international organizations.
• Proficient in written and oral communication.
• Excellent command of French is essential, with a strong command of English highly desirable.

Additional Requirements:

• Regular travels to CAR areas of operation, including the capital Bangui and various field sites across the Manovo-Bamingui landscape.
• Highly resourceful and solutions-oriented, with strong expertise in logistics systems and tools.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity with a steadfast commitment to compliance and accountability.

Qualification Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Proven experience in project and personnel management in cross-cultural settings, preferably in Central or West Africa.
• Master’s degree in conservation, natural resource management or any other field relevant to conservation or international development in Africa preferred.
• Experience in managing international projects funded by various donors with several project partners with donor regulations and reporting standards.
• Solid experience in technical, logistical and financial project management (planning, budgets, implementation, monitoring and evaluation)
• Ability and willingness to live and work in a multicultural environment in remote areas, under difficult field conditions.
• Strong knowledge of ecological, social, and governance issues in Sahelo-Sudanian ecosystems.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English (spoken and written).
• Demonstrated ability to engage with government, donors, and civil society partners.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience should apply through the application Link . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience