Head of Supply Chain & Administration (National) - Damascus

TITLE:  Head of Supply Chain & Administration  (National)

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Programme Operations

LOCATION: Damascus with frequent travel to field offices

]CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3:  the role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs; or are visiting country programs; ore because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE: 

As a key member of the Extended Senior Management Team, the Head of Supply Chain & Administration is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the supply chain function in Syria. This role provides leadership, oversight, and expert guidance to ensure efficient, compliant, and impactful supply chain operations across the country program.

The Head of Supply Chain & Administration leads the country office Supply Chain team and has technical oversight of supply chain teams at the field level (currently 1 main office and 4 field offices).

The Head of Supply Chain & Administration will ensure that Save the Children's policies and procedures are strictly adhered to and that Save the Children’s commitment to improving quality and accountability in humanitarian work is upheld, with reference to the Core Humanitarian Standards, Save the Children minimum standards, and the NGO code of conduct.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to:   Deputy Country Director – Programme Operations

Technical Line management: Global Supply Chain team

Staff directly reporting to this post: Commodity Manager, Supply Chain Coordinator, Admin Officer 

Indirect reports: technical oversight of Supply Chain teams in 4 field offices and Country Office positions based in Damascus.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Strategic Leadership

• Support the development of an organizational culture that reflects our values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and enables our people to deliver outstanding results for children
• Design and implement a coherent Supply Chain organizational structure that is consistent with agency practices, responsive to programme needs and prioritise, and in line with Key Performance Indicators.
• Design and implement a supply chain strategy that delivers efficient and timely support to programmes within the complex and challenging context of Syria
• Monitor performance and use data to provide regular analysis against KPIs and make recommendations for strategic improvements to the supply chain function
• Ensure the supply chain is emergency-ready in accordance with Save the Children standards.

System Development and implementation

• Manage and develop as required country office policies and procedures for the efficient and timely management of all aspects of supply chain, vehicle fleet, assets, and supply chain related emergency preparedness in line with Save the Children guidelines and procedures
• Collaborate closely with the CO Health & Nutrition Advisers to ensure robust medical supply chain procedures and quality checks are in place and maintained, with clear accountabilities
• Ensure that Save the Children minimum standards of Supply Chain procedures and policies are implemented and adhered to throughout the Country Programme, including donor regulations. Briefing and training all relevant staff as required.
• Ensure the Country Programme’s supply chain is set up and effectively operational through the Field offices to optimize resources, ensuring regular monitoring and support
• Liaise closely with the Safety & Security Director to ensure that all Security Guidelines and procedures are integrated fully into Supply Chain Guidelines and procedures. 
• Collaborate with programme and operations staff on programme development, ensuring that all programmes at the proposal stage and throughout the life cycle of the project have a supply chain plan which will deliver the necessary commodities/ services on time
• Ensure TIM is functional and reporting, advise management on stocks/GIK management.
• Ensure that appropriate supply chain management and controls are in place for pharmaceuticals and food, and that Supply Chain related to Cash Transfer Programming is in line with the requirements of the SCI CTP Operations Manual
• Submit timely reports on all aspects of supply chain and KPI management
• Ensure that the supply chain is appropriate, cost effective, ensures Value for Money, is based on budget, and takes into account local and international markets, infrastructure, and context related constraints to ensure timely delivery

Compliance & Risk Management  

• Ensure strict adherence to SCI’s policies on procurement, transport, stock management, and donor compliance.
• Conduct periodic compliance audits and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Provide guidance to senior management on procurement risks, supplier vetting, and fraud prevention.
• Ensure ethical procurement practices, including supplier due diligence, anti-corruption measures, and conflict-of-interest prevention.
• Manage the performance of all staff in the Supply Chain work area through effective use of the performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measurable objectives ongoing feedback, periodic reviews, and fair and unbiased evaluations.
• Ensure close technical support to Supply Chain staff in the field offices, to monitor their performance and provide skills training to fill any gaps in Supply Chain staff, Programme staff and Partners.
• Ensure appropriate training and professional development opportunities for supply chain teams, provide coaching, mentoring and other development opportunities 
• Documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/work plans.
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between supply chain, programme, finance, and operations teams.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain team, ensuring clear roles, objectives, and professional development.

Emergency Preparedness and Response 

• Enhance SCI’s emergency supply chain capacity, ensuring rapid response readiness and adherence to humanitarian standards.
• Develop the Supply Chain aspects of the emergency preparedness plan, ensuring minimum preparedness actions are updated
• In co-ordination with Operations Director and SMT members ensure supply chain staff are trained and understand their roles in an emergency response 

Coordination

• Represent SCI in inter-agency supply chain coordination forums, including the Logistics Cluster and key humanitarian platforms.
• Work closely with regional and global supply chain teams to implement strategic initiatives and best practices.
• Engage with government bodies, UN agencies, and local administration on supply chain and operational matters.

Administration 

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance on the management of SCI properties, including rental agreements for housing, guest houses, and warehouses. Ensure all contracts are properly negotiated, documented, and renewed on time, while overseeing the maintenance, safety, and security of facilities.
• Develop and implement efficient systems for arranging hotel accommodations and staff travel bookings, including travel itineraries, visas, and related logistics. Negotiate with vendors to secure cost-effective and high-quality services while maintaining accurate travel records.
• Oversee the preparation, submission, and tracking of payment requests for utilities and related services, ensuring timely payments, accurate records, and alignment with budgetary constraints. Coordinate with finance teams to ensure proper allocation of costs.

Additional responsibilities 

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience. 

COMPETENCIES FOR THIS ROLE:

1. LEADING AND INSPIRING OTHERS

Demonstrates leadership in all our work, embodies our values and articulates a compelling vision to inspire others to achieve our goals for children. 

Level required: Accomplished

1. DELIVERING RESULTS

Takes personal responsibility and holds others accountable for delivering our ambitious goals for children, continually improving own performance or that of the team/ organisation 

Level required: Leading Edge

1. PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING 

Takes effective, considered and timely decisions by gathering and evaluating relevant information from within or outside the organisation. 

Level required: Leading Edge

1. COMMUNICATING WITH IMPACT 

Communicates clearly and confidently with others to engage and influence; promotes dialogue and ensures timely and appropriate messages, building confidence and trust with others. 

Level required: Accomplished

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in supply chain or procurement (e.g., CIPS, APICS) are strongly preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in supply chain management within INGOs or humanitarian organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in complex emergency responses, including procurement, logistics, and fleet operations in conflict-affected areas.
• Strong understanding of donor regulations (e.g., USAID, ECHO, DFID) and international humanitarian frameworks.
• Proven track record in team leadership, capacity building, and staff development.
• Ability to effectively manage cross-functional teams in a complex and high-risk security environment.
• Proficiency in inventory and procurement systems (e.g., TIM, SAP, or similar ERP systems).
• Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written) is required.
• Experience managing specific commodities including medical, cash, and construction.
• Previous Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) certification is a plus.

The Organization
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
· No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
· All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
· Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/jobs We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.