Commodity Manager

Commodity Manager

Tracking Code

172-566

Job Description

Job Summary

The Commodity Manager (CM) will lead and manage the commodity management & logistics team responsible for planning, importation, warehousing, distribution, monitoring & oversight, and reporting of commodity management activities in PCI’s USAID Title II program in Malawi. The position will be based in Blantyre with frequent travel to Balaka and Machinga.

 Position Responsibilities 

• Establish quality and reliable infrastructure for commodity logistics supply chain, including adequate, secure, and appropriate central and remote storage facilities, and cost-effective and reliable transport facilities
• Oversee rehabilitation of storage and transport facilities to establish commodity logistics infrastructure
• Together with Commodity Management Team, identify and establish transport routes to all distribution points on a year-round basis, including alternate routes which take into consideration seasonal road conditions
• Oversee the development of Standard Operating Procedures to import, receive, store, transport, dispatch, distribute, track, forecast, and report on commodities
• Oversee the roll-out of electronic commodity tracking system

Commodity Logistics Coordination & Oversight

• Oversee all commodity management and distribution processes, ensuring that applicable PCI and U.S. Government commodity management policies, rules and regulations are followed

• Oversee and support Commodity Management staff to carry out their respective functions in an accurate and timely fashion and ensure a high level of coordination between logistics team members
• Engage local vendors including local transporter, fumigation, etc.
• Ensure that routine monthly deadlines are met including processing of monthly distribution requests and authorizations, monthly forecasting/pipeline analysis, monthly reporting, etc.
• Ensure that any loss, damage, or misuse of commodities at any point in the supply chain are properly accounted for, reported immediately to the Chief of Party, investigated as appropriate, disposed of as appropriate, and properly documented in a timely fashion in collaboration with senior management, IO, and relevant authorities
• Ensure that any movement of commodities is properly documented and filed
• Conduct routine physical inventories and warehouse inspections at the end of each month
• Implement periodic random and regular inventory control and data verification procedures
• Coordinate monthly meetings, work plans, and internal reports together with Logistics team members and communicated regularly to the Chief of Party and Finance/Ops Director

Commodity Importation

• Lead all commodity importation procedures, including the request for commodities (call forward), engagement of required vendors including clearing agent, inland transporter, and commodity surveyor; secure required permits and other documentation for commodity clearance
• Facilitate submission of application and follow up for VAT & duty exemption with relevant authorities to ensure exemption is approved in a timely manner
• Coordinate and liaise with relevant stakeholders including relevant government authorities, local vendors, freight forwarder, and PCI IO commodity logistics team members to facilitate speedy importation of commodities
• Ensure every effort is made to facilitate importation process in a timely, transparent, well-coordinated and well-documented manner and avoid unnecessary charges

Supervision

• Supervise and oversee Commodity Management team members’ activities and ensure a high level of coordination and communication between Logistics and other key units including Program, Finance and Administration
• Conduct supportive supervision of distribution activities with commodity management team members
• Provide training and ongoing technical support to Commodity Management members to ensure that individuals work effectively together to achieve program objectives

Reporting & Communication

• Submit monthly reports (or as requested) to the Finance/Ops Director, Chief of Party, and IO Senior Technical Advisor, Commodity Management on commodity management, movement, distribution, and end-use

• Review, edit and provide input to commodity management sections of donor reports
• Manage the day-to-day communication and coordination with PCI’s Senior Technical Advisor, Commodity Management and Freight Forwarder, both located in the United States, on all aspects of food aid (e.g. shipping, commodity issues, timing & arrival, customs, etc.).

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management, Economics, Public Health, Administration, or Social Science, with experience in USAID Title II commodity management and distribution programming
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in commodity management programming
• Experience supervising and training staff in commodity management and distribution activities
• Knowledge and familiarity with USAID regulations 22 CFR 226 and 22 CFR 211

• Experience implementing USAID Title II food distribution programs
• Experience managing food aid warehouses

• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing commodity management software
• Excellent communication, inter-personal, and inter-cultural skills
• Sound analytical and planning skills, including the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions, meet deadlines, and set priorities and manageable work plans

Job Location

Blantyre, , Malawi

Commodity Manager