Lead Warehouse And Distribution

Purpose of Job

Africa CDC plays a pivotal role in strengthening the continent’s health security, particularly through effective preparedness and response to public health emergencies. Timely and efficient delivery of medical and emergency supplies is critical to this mandate. The Warehouse and Logistics Team Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership to Africa CDC’s warehousing and distribution functions, ensuring that health commodities are stored, managed, and delivered to Member States and partners with speed, accuracy, and compliance. This role is instrumental in enhancing Africa CDC’s supply chain capabilities, especially in the context of emergency response, pandemic preparedness, and cross-border coordination.

Main Functions

The Warehouse and Logistics Team Lead will:

• Provide technical and managerial leadership for warehouse and logistics functions, ensuring alignment with Africa CDC’s strategic public health emergency response framework.
• Oversee the effective storage, inventory control, handling, and distribution of medical and non-medical supplies.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, developing capacity-building plans for a high-performing team.
• Coordinate end-to-end logistics, including demand forecasting and last-mile delivery during public health emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with AU and Africa CDC warehousing policy, overseeing risk mitigation strategies.

Specific Responsibilities

The Warehouse and Logistics Team Lead will manage:

• Storage, inventory, and distribution using best practices and digital systems.
• Development and implementation of SOPs for warehouse and logistics operations.
• Real-time inventory tracking and reporting using tools such as WMS and ERP.
• Monitoring KPIs and using data analytics to assess performance.
• Logistics operations during health emergencies, coordinating with Africa CDC’s IMS and AU organs.
• Collaboration with internal units and external partners, including WHO and UN agencies.
• Partnerships with 3PLs and regional hubs to enhance last-mile delivery.
• Compliance with safety and regulatory standards, including cold chain requirements.
• Warehouse audits and inspections to ensure traceability and accountability of assets.
• Training needs assessments and promoting a learning culture through capacity-building programs.
• Preparation of logistics reports covering stock status and operational challenges.
• Participation in logistics and warehouse budgeting and management of related contracts.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Candidates should have:

• A Master’s degree in health supply chain management or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree in health supply chain management or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience.

Required Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in any AU working language.
• Strong leadership abilities to motivate and guide teams.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in inventory management.
• Proficiency in using warehouse management systems and software.
• Effective problem-solving skills to resolve issues in warehouse operations.
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments and changing priorities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, including receiving and order fulfillment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and maintain composure in stressful situations.

Skills Required:

• Health / Medical
• Logistics / Supply / Chain