Deputy Chief of Party I, Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain

Role Overview

This position is responsible for directing all operational, logistics, and supply chain functions for a large-scale US government food assistance initiative in Kenya. The Deputy Chief of Party ensures that imported food commodities move efficiently from port to warehouse to distribution point, while maintaining full traceability and strict adherence to donor rules. The work directly supports life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities in arid and semi-arid regions, and requires close coordination with the Chief of Party, program teams, and consortium partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire commodity flow process, including customs clearance at Kenyan ports, inland transport, warehouse storage, inventory control, and final distribution to targeted communities.
• Establish and maintain complete traceability of all U.S.-origin commodities, ensuring records satisfy USDA regulations and applicable federal code requirements.
• Direct the commodity management system to guarantee accurate forecasting, timely deliveries, and minimal losses across remote and insecure geographic areas.
• Align operations and programming teams by facilitating joint planning, resolving bottlenecks, and ensuring logistical constraints do not hinder program delivery.
• Strengthen internal accountability controls and fraud-prevention measures, proactively identifying operational risks and implementing mitigation plans.
• Supervise logistics and supply chain personnel, conducting performance reviews, coaching staff, and guiding professional development to build a high-performing team.
• Manage consortium partner relationships, ensuring each partner meets its operational obligations and coordinating joint efforts across the program.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning by identifying capacity gaps, encouraging open discussion of challenges, and organizing targeted training for staff and partners.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, or a closely related field; a master's degree is strongly preferred.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience, including significant exposure to US government-funded programs and their compliance requirements.
• Proven experience managing commodity-based food assistance or similar logistics-heavy operations in complex, resource-constrained environments.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and manage operational budgets effectively.
• Applicable experience in Kenya, specifically in ASAL or emergency response settings, is an advantage.
• Experience working within multi-partner consortia and coordinating diverse organizational stakeholders is desirable.
• Strong grasp of government coordination systems, USG compliance frameworks (including 2 CFR 200 and 22 CFR 211), and supply chain risk management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities, with a track record of managing complex logistics networks.