Logistics Specialist (Fleet & Transport)

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces, in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In 2024-2026, FAO will continue to implement emergency and longer-term, resilience-building projects and programmes in the context of the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. 

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Supply Chain / Logistics Specialist. The Supply Chain / Logistics Specialist will be responsible for all day-to-day supervision, technical guidance and the performance evaluation.

Technical Focus

The Logistics Specialist (Fleet and Transport) will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of fleet management and transportation operations for UNFAO in Afghanistan. The main objective is to ensure the timely and cost-effective movement of personnel, goods, and equipment, while maintaining compliance with UNFAO policies and procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

Fleet Management:

•    Develop and implement a comprehensive vehicle maintenance, repair, and service plan in close collaboration with regional teams and the driver coordinator.
•    Coordinate with relevant staff to obtain budget and activity codes for fleet maintenance, repair, and general service and fuel supply.
•    Coordinate with relevant staff to raise PRs for fleet maintenance, repair, service, and fuel procurement.
•    Coordinate with the procurement department to ensure the timely issuance of POs related to fleet maintenance, repair, service, and fuel.
•    Monitor and maintain accurate records of all fleet-related activities, including vehicle maintenance schedules, repairs, and services.
•    Collaborate closely with the driver coordinator to facilitate the procurement, allocation, and disposal of fleet assets in line with UNFAO guidelines and procedures.
•    Identify opportunities for cost-saving measures and efficiency improvements in fleet operations.
•    Provide technical guidance and support to drivers and other staff involved in fleet management activities.
•    Work in close collaboration with the driver coordinator to provide reports on fleet performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs), and offer recommendations for improvement in maintenance, services, and repair LTAs.
•    Collaborate closely with the driver coordinator to source vehicle spare parts, services, and repair solutions. 
•    Collaborate closely with the driver coordinator to develop and implement training programs for drivers, aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and adherence to safety regulations. 
•    Identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges associated with fleet operation and take corrective actions.
•    Conduct field missions to provide support to field staff on fleet management.
•    Develop technical specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fleet management.
•    Follow up on payments related to maintenance, repair, services, and fuel with the finance department.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

Transport Management:

•    Ensure effective coordination with internal stakeholders, including program managers, procurement officers, and administrative staff, to meet transportation requirements.
•    Prepare the transportation plan for all FAO commodities on a weekly basis;
•    Coordinate with relevant staff to obtain budget and activity codes for transportation-related expenses;
•    Coordinate with relevant staff to raise PRs for transportation needs;
•    Coordinate with the procurement department to ensure timely issuance of POs related to goods transportation services;
•    Coordinate the movement of goods and equipment with regional colleagues and escalate contract violation to concerned Logistics in charge overseeing contract management to ensure timely resolution;
•    Collaborate with the program unit and other stakeholders to assess transportation requirements and develop transportation plans to support project activities;
•    Coordinate with transportation service providers, ensuring their compliance with UNFAO requirements and standards;
•    Participate in developing and implementing emergency response plans and procedures related to transportation and logistics;
•    Monitor and analyse transportation costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide recommendations for optimization;
•    Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports related to transportation activities, including delivery plans for commodities;
•    Represent UNFAO in meetings and coordination forums related to transport operations when required;
•    Stay updated on national transportation regulations and UNFAO policies, and ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations;
•    Monitor and evaluate the performance of transportation service providers, including conducting periodic performance reviews and audits;
•    Follow up on payments of transportation suppliers with the finance department;
•    Identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges associated with transport operation;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced University (Master) degree or University (Bachelor) degree in a relevant subject such as Logistics, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field.
•    For an Advanced University degree, a minimum of four (4) years of relevant subject such as Logistics, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field.
•    For University degree a minimum of six (6) years of relevant subject such as Logistics, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari);  
•    National of Afghanistan. 

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extensive experience in fleet management.
•    Extensive experience in transport and freight forwarding
•    Experience in contract execution and conflicts management
•    Capacity to work with partners and find practical solutions with a short deadline;
•    Strong data analysis and record-keeping skills
•    Good command of computers, MS Office, and knowledge of supply chains systems
•    Familiarity with humanitarian organizations is desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION