Head of Supply Chain

Save the Children International – Job Vacancy

Save the Children International is a leading global humanitarian organization that has been protecting children's rights worldwide for over 100 years. We operate in more than 100 countries, responding to emergencies, implementing innovative development programs, and advocating for children's rights on a global scale.

Our work in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have significantly expanded our presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. Our key areas of focus include education, child protection, food security, social support, and advocacy to drive lasting change in children's lives.

ROLE PURPOSE:

As a key member of the Extended Senior Management Team, the Head of Supply Chain is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the supply chain function in Ukraine. 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 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 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.

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 Ukraine
• 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 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
• 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

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.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice )

Accountability:

• holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

• holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same

• widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others

• future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale .

Collaboration:

• builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters

• values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

• approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• develops and encourages new and innovative solutions

• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

Master's or bachelor's degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

Qualifications

Professional certifications in supply chain or procurement (e.g., CIPS, APICS) are strongly preferred.

Experience (Required)

• Minimum 5 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 Ukrainian 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.

Additional job 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.

Child Safeguarding Policy:

We are committed to ensuring children's safety. Our recruitment process includes strict background checks and reflects our commitment to protecting children from harm.

Equal Opportunities

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Health and Safety:

All employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with our global policy on harassment prevention.

In your cover letter, indicate your expected salary and English proficiency level.