Principal Supply Chain Advisor, Permanent, Fixed term (3 years)

ABOUT THE COMPANY

About HELP Logistics
Our purpose is to shape supply chains to benefit humanity.
HELP Logistics is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation, dedicated to supply chain and logistics. We sit at the intersection of commercial practice, academic research, and humanitarian operations, applying what works in one sector to solve problems in another.
We partner with donors, UN agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, local organizations, and universities to strengthen supply chain performance in some of the most demanding contexts in the world. We transfer knowledge and build capabilities so that the organizations, systems, and networks we support can sustain improvements long after our engagement ends.
We operate from six offices across Switzerland, Singapore, Jordan, Kenya, Senegal, and Germany.
Our Values
Collaboration. The challenges we face are interconnected. So are the solutions. We work across boundaries because no single perspective holds the whole answer.
Curiosity. In a world of ambiguity, certainty is a liability. We stay open, ask better questions, and remain willing to unlearn.
Integrity. Independence means nothing without honesty. We speak truth to complexity, even when it is uncomfortable.
Resilience. Systems are fragile. People need not be. We adapt, support each other, and stay grounded when circumstances shift.

JOB SUMMARY

Role PurposeYou will serve as the principal technical authority for HELP Logistics' Kenya office and East & Southern Africa region, setting the standard for supply chain methodology and advisory excellence. Reporting to the Regional Director, you will have line management responsibility for all supply chain advisors and analysts in Kenya.Your primary accountability is establishing technical rigor and building a high-performing advisory team: you will set methodology standards, build frameworks and tools, coach staff at all levels, and ensure deliverables meet HELP's quality threshold before partner submission.You will lead strategically significant advisory engagements personally, contribute to HELP's global methodology, and represent the organization as a technical authority in sector forums. This is a senior technical leadership role that advises the Regional Director to ensure advisory quality is maintained across the portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Authority and StandardsSet and enforce technical standards for supply chain methodology, analysis, and deliverable quality across the East & Southern Africa portfolioApprove methodology choices and exceptions on complex engagementsReview and approve all technical deliverables before partner submissionDevelop and curate reusable frameworks, tools, templates, and case studies that raise the regional technical baselineProvide technical quality assurance across all engagements, identifying gaps and driving continuous improvementContribute to HELP's global methodology and technical standards through collaboration with other regionsThought Leadership and External RepresentationRepresent HELP Logistics as a technical authority in sector forums, conferences, and technical working groupsPublish case studies, develop intellectual property, or contribute to sector knowledge that advances HELP's reputationBuild relationships with technical counterparts in UN agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and government bodiesServe as the go-to expert for complex supply chain challenges in humanitarian and development contextsAdvisory and Solution DesignProvide technical oversight across all engagements and personally lead the most strategically significant advisory workTranslate partner needs into evidence-based supply chain solutions using systems thinking, scenario modeling, and network optimizationDevelop proposals for high-value or technically demanding engagements in collaboration with partners and the Regional DirectorEnsure deliverables are fit for partner decision-making and practical implementation in constrained contextsPeople Leadership and Capability BuildingProvide line management for all supply chain advisors and analysts in the Kenya office, including performance management, objective setting, and development planningCoach team members on methodology, analytical rigor, and solution design through hands-on guidance on live projectsBuild a culture of technical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and high standardsIdentify capability gaps and design structured development pathways for team membersLead recruitment of future technical staff, ensuring new hires meet the capability standard the region requiresStakeholder Engagement and Business DevelopmentBuild and maintain relationships with donors, UN agencies, government counterparts, and humanitarian coordination platformsSupport the Regional Director in scoping technically sound engagements and convert them into funded projects by shaping scopes of work and delivery schedules with partnersScan and prioritize opportunities across humanitarian and development supply chains to build a strong regional portfolioPortfolio CoordinationCoordinate technical priorities and workload allocation across the advisory teamEnsure delivery discipline across engagements, including workplans, milestones, and action trackingTrack project progress and flag delivery risks or resource constraints to the Regional DirectorDecision RightsYou will decide:Methodology choices and exceptionsTechnical standardsDeliverable quality approvalAnalytical approachesTeam workload allocationPerformance assessments for supply chain professionalsYou will escalate:Budget approvalsProcurement decisionsContracting approvalsHigh-risk operational or reputational issues to the Regional DirectorQualifications and Experience RequiredMaster's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related fieldMinimum 10 years in supply chain consulting, operations, or technical advisory roles, including at least 3 years in team leadership, with a portfolio of impactful workEvidence of thought leadership: publications, methodology development, conference presentations, or recognized technical contributions in supply chain or humanitarian logisticsDemonstrated experience building technical capability in teams or organizations with significant development needsEstablished methodology frameworks and a track record of raising technical standards in advisory or consulting environmentsClient-facing advisory experience in at least two relevant domains such as health systems, humanitarian logistics, food systems, or digital optimizationExperience managing and developing technical professionals, including performance management and structured coachingFluency in English & KiswahiliPreferredDoctoral degree or equivalent depth of expertise in a relevant technical fieldAPICS/ASCM, Lean Six Sigma, or similar technical certificationsExisting relationships with UN agencies, major humanitarian organizations, or development partners in East or Southern AfricaExperience with Salesforce, QuickBooks, Personio, or comparable systemsValues AlignmentCommitment to HELP's values of collaboration, curiosity, integrity, and resilience.Working ArrangementsThis role is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Some remote work is permitted. Travel within East and Southern Africa is expected up to 50% of working time to support project delivery, partner engagements, and field activities. Occasional travel to other HELP regions may be required for cross-regional collaboration or technical support.How to ApplySubmit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience and vision for this role and include three professional references.Subject line: Principal Supply Chain Advisor - Nairobi, KenyaDeadline: 10 April 2026Start date: 1 June 2026Applications missing required documents, using incorrect subject lines, or with incomplete references will not be considered. Only candidates with the legal right to work and live in Kenya will be considered for this position.HELP Logistics is committed to building a diverse workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Communication, Supply and demand planning, Logistics planning and management, Data analysis, Reporting, Procurement, Collaboration, Project management, Enterprise Resource Planning - ERP system (use of), Budgeting, financial planning

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education