About Company
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. We are dedicated to upholding human dignity and promoting justice globally, serving over 100 countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CRS has maintained a significant presence for several decades, actively responding to complex humanitarian crises, fostering sustainable development, and building resilience among vulnerable communities. Our operations in Mbuji-Mayi and across the wider Kasaï-Oriental Province are strategically focused on critical areas such as emergency response, enhancing food security, improving health outcomes, providing vital Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, and peacebuilding initiatives. We are committed to operating effectively within challenging and often resource-constrained environments, ensuring that our interventions are impactful and respectful of local contexts. CRS champions a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals who share our mission to serve the poorest and most marginalized populations.
Job Description
Are you a seasoned logistics professional with an unyielding passion for humanitarian aid and a proven track record in navigating the complexities of emergency environments? Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is seeking a highly motivated and exceptionally skilled Humanitarian Logistics Manager to spearhead our relief coordination efforts in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï-Oriental Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. This pivotal role is at the heart of our emergency response operations, ensuring the seamless, efficient, and ethical delivery of critical, life-saving aid to communities grappling with the profound impacts of ongoing crises.
As the Humanitarian Logistics Manager, you will hold comprehensive responsibility for overseeing every facet of the logistics function within the Mbuji-Mayi program area. Your remit will span the entire supply chain, from strategic procurement and meticulous warehousing to robust transport networks and equitable distribution mechanisms. You will be instrumental in the design, implementation, and continuous monitoring of agile and resilient supply chain strategies, meticulously tailored to meet the urgent and diverse needs of our beneficiaries. A core aspect of your role will be to uphold stringent donor compliance, organizational policies, and international humanitarian standards, ensuring accountability and transparency at every step. This position demands exceptional leadership capabilities, astute strategic thinking, and the unwavering ability to operate effectively and decisively under intense pressure within a dynamic, often unpredictable, and resource-constrained operational context.
You will be tasked with leading and empowering a dedicated logistics team, providing hands-on mentorship, comprehensive performance management, and continuous capacity building initiatives to strengthen local capabilities and foster a culture of excellence. Collaborating closely with program managers, finance specialists, and security personnel, you will ensure that logistics operations are seamlessly integrated into broader program objectives, thereby directly contributing to the tangible success and impact of our humanitarian mission across one of DRC’s most critical regions. Furthermore, you will be responsible for risk management within the supply chain, identifying potential bottlenecks and developing contingency plans to mitigate disruptions. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute significantly to humanitarian principles and make a profound, tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. If you are driven by an intrinsic desire to serve, possess unparalleled expertise in managing complex supply chains, and thrive in challenging humanitarian landscapes, we warmly invite you to join our committed and impactful team, dedicated to saving and transforming lives. Your expertise will directly translate into lives saved and hope restored.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor logistics strategies, policies, and procedures in alignment with CRS and donor requirements.
- Manage the end-to-end supply chain, including procurement, warehousing, inventory management, fleet management, and distribution for all humanitarian programs in Mbuji-Mayi.
- Lead and supervise the logistics team, providing mentorship, performance management, and capacity building to enhance their skills and performance.
- Ensure timely and efficient procurement of goods and services, adhering to transparency, accountability, and best value for money principles.
- Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring proper storage, inventory control, and asset management in compliance with humanitarian standards.
- Manage vehicle fleet and transportation logistics, optimizing routes and schedules to ensure safe and timely delivery of aid.
- Coordinate with program teams to forecast logistics needs and integrate logistics planning into overall program design and implementation.
- Maintain accurate logistics documentation, prepare regular reports on logistics activities, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure compliance with all local government regulations, customs procedures, and humanitarian guidelines (e.g., Sphere standards).
- Act as the primary logistics focal point for internal and external stakeholders, including partners, clusters, and local authorities.
- Contribute to emergency preparedness planning and rapid response initiatives.
- Manage logistics budget lines, ensuring expenditures are tracked and reported accurately.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, developing contingency plans to minimize disruptions to aid delivery.
Required Skills
- Proven expertise in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management, minimum 5 years.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities, including remote management.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, especially under pressure in complex environments.
- Proficiency in logistics software and inventory management systems (e.g., ERPs).
- Advanced understanding of procurement procedures, donor compliance, and international purchasing best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural, inter-agency, and challenging operational environment.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken) with excellent report writing skills.
- Ability to train, mentor, and build capacity of local staff and partners.
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive manual vehicles in difficult terrains.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field.
- Professional certification in logistics or supply chain management (e.g., CILT, APICS, Humanitarian Logistics Certification).
- Working knowledge of French and/or Swahili.
- Previous experience with Catholic Relief Services or other major international NGOs in similar roles.
- Experience in conflict-affected or complex emergency environments, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and specifically the DRC.
- Knowledge of local context, customs, and operational challenges in Kasaï-Oriental Province.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Generous health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Ample paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.
- Robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
- Extensive professional development and training opportunities to advance your career.
- Supportive, collaborative, and diverse international team environment.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates, including housing support.
- Opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on vulnerable communities and contribute to global humanitarian efforts.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications and are passionate about humanitarian work are strongly encouraged to apply. Please submit your updated CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience, key achievements, and specific motivation for this vital role by clicking on the application link below. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.