SMEP Logistics Fleet Assistant- Gaza- SC L5

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

WFP Palestine is operating in areas where military armed actors and other stakeholders are present and influence our access to beneficiaries, and beneficiaries access to our services.  This has resulted in the unavoidable sharing of space between those entities and the humanitarian community – an intensely kinetic conflict environment, with heavy restrictions on humanitarian access, most acute in Gaza and increasingly across the West Bank (WB).  The current WFP operations in Gaza – and, to a lesser extent the WB – are scaling up throughout 2024, with a corresponding uplift also required in WFP’s Access capacity.

The Gaza Logistics Special Operations (LSO) Unit enhances logistics operations by focusing on specialized logistics assessments, fuel management, fleet management, engineering projects, and special deliveries where and when needed. Collaborating closely with the World Food Programme (WFP) Supply Chain unit, the LSO ensures effective cargo deliveries and supply management and leverages the use of WFP’s specialist logistics assets.

The LSO creates a robust framework that enhances logistics capacity in Gaza, providing critical support for humanitarian operations. It streamlines activities to provide integrated logistics solutions, developing innovative modes of operation, often employing specialist assets and heavy machinery. It collaborates closely with WFP logistics and programme teams to assess complex needs, ensuring activities are prioritised based on urgency and safety.

The Specialized Machinery and Engineering Projects (SMEP) Unit works as part of the LSO, addressing urgent infrastructure challenges in Gaza. It ensures efficient delivery of humanitarian aid by clearing rubble and facilitating access. This collaboration ensures timely, lifesaving assistance in a challenging environment.

SMEP supports partners needing machinery for engineering projects, such as winterization efforts. By collaborating with sectoral clusters and local contractors, it mobilizes a skilled workforce to improve living conditions for vulnerable populations.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the management and operation of SMEP Trucks and Machinery to support engineering operations, ensuring the fleet is deployed effectively to meet project needs:
• Draft and implement a fleet utilisation plan
• Prepare schedules and dispatch plans as per engineering requirements
• Support and enforce maintenance schedules to ensure all equipment remains in optimal working condition
• Maintain accurate maintenance records for all assets
• Work closely with the SMEP Engineers and the LSO Fleet Manager to ensure the effective utilization of the machinery as per workplans and prioritized needs.
• Ensure that all the necessary permissions/documentation are promptly obtained to operate the fleet efficiently (HQ Fleet centre and Engineering unit will advise).
• Provide  safety inspections and risk assessments for all vehicles and machinery.
• Prepare training for operators and drivers on safe operation practices and standards.
• Constantly track and monitor machinery movements through GPS tracking system, ensure phone contact with drivers, and report any irregularities and deviations to the logistics officer for action.
• Provide the required reports (on a timely basis) to the FMS data analyst to ensure all machinery and SMEP trucks data is up to date.
• Maintain and update SMEP machinery and trucks logbooks and trip records.
• Assign task team leaders/ lead operators for every SMEP mission and follow up on given instructions.
• Prepare and submit daily status reports of machinery and SMEP trucks to the LSO engineer and Fleet Manager.
• Brief all drivers before missions with daily recommendations on security, and standards of operations.
• Plan and follow up all drivers leave plans.
• Contribute and manage fleet management budget, including costs for fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned by line manager.