Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the worldโs largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191 member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is โto inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.โ The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
This role is part of the Global Humanitarian Services & Supply Chain Management (GHS SCM) department and reports to the head of fleet. The role is based in Dubai UAE in the fleet business unit.
Job Purpose
The Operations Coordinator is a central member of the IFRCโs Global Fleet business unit, based in Dubai, responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of both the fleet management and warehouse services. The role ensures smooth and effective delivery of services, client satisfaction, and adherence to global logistics and quality standards.
Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, the Operations Coordinator acts as the key focal point for operational coordination, supporting day-to-day execution, managing workflows, tracking performance indicators, and addressing operational challenges as they arise. This position is essential in maintaining a high level of service delivery, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring that both internal clients (IFRC departments and National Societies) and external partners receive timely, reliable, and quality services.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Coordination
โข Lead the day-to-day coordination of the Dubai-based Fleet and Warehouse units, ensuring effective allocation of staff, equipment, and resources to meet operational demands.
โข Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans with the head of fleet, with clear KPIs, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
โข Monitor and report on unit performance, identifying risks or bottlenecks and proposing corrective actions.
โข Contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and operational reviews, ensuring alignment with the IFRC Global Fleet strategy and supply chain objectives.
โข Maintain accurate fleet data and contribute to global fleet dashboards and reporting.
Fleet Coordination
โข Oversee the implementation of global fleet policies and procedures in Dubai, maintenance plans, and cost recovery model is applied.
โข Coordinate the Vehicle Rental Programme (VRP): forecast demand, manage vehicle availability, and ensure timely delivery to IFRC units and National Societies.
โข Support vehicle procurement, allocation, rotation, and disposal planning to optimize lifecycle management and fleet cost-effectiveness.
โข Liaise with local authorities and third-party service providers (e.g., for registration, insurance, repair services) to ensure vehicles are legally and efficiently operated in the UAE.
Warehouse & Logistics Coordination
โข Coordinate all warehouse activities, including reception, storage, inventory, and dispatch of humanitarian goods. Ensure warehouse readiness for emergency mobilization, with appropriate stock levels, documentation, and infrastructure.
โข Implement and monitor safety and security standards, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental controls in line with IFRC requirements. Supervise and support warehouse staff in daily operations, performance tracking, and compliance with SOPs.
Procurement, Administration & Finance Coordination
โข Coordinate procurement processes with procurement staff in line with IFRC policies, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
โข Liaise with procurement, logistics, and program teams to consolidate procurement plans and ensure procurement aligns with operational needs.
โข Visit suppliers and maintain strong relationships Coordinate administrative functions such as facilities and office supplies.
โข Coordinate with finance to validate invoices, support reconciliations, and maintain internal control standards.
Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)
Team Coordination & Development
โข Facilitate regular planning and coordination meetings with fleet, warehouse, and support teams to align efforts and solve operational challenges.
โข Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture, encouraging shared responsibility and cross-functional support.
โข Support training and professional development for team members to enhance skills and operational readiness.
โข Regularly liaise with the IFRC cluster team and Dubai HC on resources and coordination Serve as the operational liaison with IFRC clients, National Societies, and partners, ensuring high-quality customer service and alignment of services with user needs.
Compliance & Reporting Coordination
โข Ensure coordinated compliance with IFRC policies, procedures, and donor requirements.
โข Contribute to global reporting through KPIs, dashboards, and supply chain data.
โข Coordinate validation of local invoices and timely processing with finance.
Education
โข Required University degree or equivalent experience in logistics, fleet management, supply chain, or business administration or other relevant.
โข Preferred additional certifications in fleet management, humanitarian logistics (e.g., CILT, HELP, Fritz Institute), warehouse management, or project management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) are an asset.
Experience
โข Required 5โ7 years of progressive experience in logistics, supply chain, or operations management, with at least 2 years in a coordination or supervisory role.
โข Required proven experience in fleet and transport management, including maintenance, vehicle dispatch, and legal complianceโideally in a humanitarian or international setting
โข Required strong knowledge of vehicle fleet operations and humanitarian supply chain practices.
โข Required experience in annual planning in a global organization.
โข Required proven experience in service provision and effective customer relations
โข Preferred demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, work across departments, and manage diverse stakeholders (internal clients, service providers, authorities).
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
โข Required drive for change and improvement and ability to deliver in a challenging environment
โข Required commercial acumen - Proven ability to coordinate complex day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment across multiple functions and stakeholders.
โข Required strong data management and reporting skills, with the ability to track KPIs, prepare dashboards, and analyze operational performance.
โข Required staff management and development skills
โข Required excellent project management and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
โข Required excellent problem-solving and coordination skills
โข Required strong knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations, including procurement, fleet lifecycle management, warehousing, and dispatch planning.
โข Required excellent communication and reporting skills
โข Required in-depth understanding of financial processes and budgeting
โข Required ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment
โข Required strong interpersonal skills and good understanding of the global organization
โข Required excellent negotiation and diplomacy skills
โข Required excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to provide authoritative advice
โข Required valid international driving license
โข Required fluently spoken and written English.
โข Preferred good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
Competencies, Values and Comments
Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust
IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities