Logistics Volunteer Job Vacancy in Uganda at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Job Title: Logistics Volunteer

Org: International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Closing date: 23 Apr 2011

Location: Uganda

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee began working in Uganda in 1998 in response to the devastation wrought by rebel group the Lord’s Resistance Army in the north of the country. Today, during this time of transition and recovery, the IRC is reshaping its interventions towards post-conflict development as tens of thousands of people in the north who were displaced by violence have returned home. At the same time, in the east in Karamoja – the poorest and least developed area in Uganda – the IRC works with communities affected by inter- and intra-clan violence to promote peace and improve access to services. Interventions in Karamoja require a sophisticated understanding of the context and must be tailored to meet complex needs and respect the agro-pastoral lifestyle. The IRC in Uganda’s new strategic plan, 2011 – 2015, emphases partnership, accountability, evidence-based programming and an increasing focus on the unique needs of adolescent girls.

SCOPE OF WORK:
Reporting to the Field Coordinator, the Operations Volunteer will support the operations field-team in delivering efficient and cost-effective support to the program teams in the Moroto field site as well as the satellite offices Nakapiripit and Kotido. The focus of the position will be on development and implementation of innovative and feasible plans for improving the logistical and operational set up and increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the logistics support function. This includes the monitoring/follow-up of field logistics systems to ensure that IRC standard policies and procedures are adhered to and donor compliance maintained. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to operationalize their classroom learning in a challenging environment, with sufficient space for innovation. This is a six to 12 month assignment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assessing logistics and operational support needs in light of the growing program in Karamoja
• Putting in place systems aiming at efficient, cost-effective and compliant operations support to the programs in the field and satellite offices.
• Make an assessment of the IRC office and guesthouse premises resulting in action plans and budgets for improvement of the working and living environments
• To provide logistics support in managing procurement processes, asset management and transport and providing training to operations staff. At all times seeking to raise the efficiency of operations systems and increase their cost-effectiveness.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Current or recent graduate student in Businss or other related field with knowledge and experience in operations or logistics.
• Strong organizational skills; the ability to organize complex tasks within set deadlines in unpredictable settings.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and teamwork skills; the ability to work closely with colleagues in other locations.
• Availability and willingness to travel
• Strong technology skills, including operations applications

WORK ENVIRNOMENT:
The position is based in the Moroto Field Office, in north eastern sub-region of Karamoja. Security in town is generally acceptable but requires heightened monitoring and awareness. Travel within the Sub-Region and between the three offices is strictly controlled due to security concerns related to cattle raiding and inter/intra-ethnic clashes.

Volunteers are provided with a modest monthly stipend, travel expenses, health insurance and shared housing.
How to apply
Please apply online: www.ircjobs.org or http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=6892 .


Closing date: 23 Apr 2011