Logistics Officer

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.

The USAID Let’s Read Project is a 5-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Education Development Center (EDC).  USAID Let’s Read Project works to improve reading outcomes for children attending pre-primary (kindergarten) through to Grades 3 and provide professional development for teachers to support reading interventions in Zambian public and community schools.

Position Description

The Logistics Officer is responsible for supporting project logistical needs including Teacher Learning Materials distribution, equipment distribution and training logistical support, and ensuring the day-to-day logistics support of the project. Responsibilities include supporting the procurement of goods and services, managing vehicles, coordinating logistics between provincial and district offices and the Lusaka office. The Logistics Officer will work closely with the Administration and Finance Officers at the provincial and district offices on operational issues. This position will maintain close communication relationships with the technical team as well as operational and financial staff, as relevant, and perform other duties, as assigned.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the Procurement Officer in preparing specifications and obtaining quotations for goods and services;


• As required, provide assistance in the import clearing process of goods purchased abroad;


• Assist in conducting quality and cost control checks through regular market surveys of goods and services;


• Ensure that logistics files are kept up to date and accurate;


• Monitor and produce monthly fuel consumption reports for vehicles and project generators;


• Ensure that all project vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements;


• Oversee vehicle log books in Lusaka and ensure they are up to date and monitor provincial log books periodically;


• Responsible for car hire coordination to support project transportation needs;


• Responsible for the logistics arrangements for project activities including transport, hotel bookings, and conference and workshop facilities;


• Coordinate with Administration and Finance Officers in provincial offices ensuring that delivery of supplies and materials is completed in a timely manner;


• Conduct these and other tasks as required in support of project goals; and


• Other duties, as assigned.

Reporting and Organizational Relationships:

Logistics Officer reports to the Office & Human Resources Manager.

The candidate for the position of Logistics Officer shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Education:

Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Associates degree is preferred).

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in logistics and fleet management;


• Experience with USAID or other donor-funded projects;


• Excellent oral and written communication skills;


• Technical skills and experience in at least one area of Operations – Transport or Procurement;


• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills to manage operations staff and coordinate well staff from other units;


• Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure;


• Detail-oriented and organized;


• Experience using computers and software at work, especially email and MS Word (experience with MS Excel is desired);


• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team in difficult work environment;


• Willingness to frequently travel to provinces and districts covered by the project.

Language:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of (and proficiency in) Bantu languages highly preferred.