Position: Logistics Officer
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 6 Months
About World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief is dedicated to empowering rural communities globally through the transformative power of bicycles. Our vision is a world where distance no longer impedes access to education, healthcare, or economic advancement. We provide purpose-designed Buffalo Bicycles to individuals in low-income regions, enabling students, health workers, and entrepreneurs to create brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Job Scope
The Logistics Officer will oversee the coordination of transportation, delivery, and reporting for the Buffalo Bicycle Distribution Project. Collaborating closely with the Warehouse Controller on inventory management, this role ensures the efficient dispatch and delivery of bicycles to designated schools and District Councils within project areas, while maintaining comprehensive and accurate distribution records.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Liaison with the Warehouse Controller
- Collaborate with the Warehouse Controller to orchestrate the release and loading of bicycles for each distribution cycle.
- Verify dispatch quantities against approved distribution schedules prior to the departure of bicycles from the warehouse.
- Receive and maintain filing of all waybills and dispatch notes issued by the Warehouse Controller for outgoing stock.
- Promptly report any discrepancies between dispatched and received quantities to the Warehouse Controller and Project Manager.
Distribution Planning & Execution
- Develop and implement a detailed distribution schedule for bicycle deliveries to all Schools and District Councils within the 6-month project timeframe.
- Map all recipient schools and District Council collection points, planning optimized delivery routes by district and zone.
- Liaise with District Council officers and school heads to confirm delivery dates, quantities, and receipt arrangements.
- Manage loading plans, ensuring precise quantities are dispatched to each school or District Council point as per the approved allocation list.
Transportation Management
- Source, contract, and manage transport service providers for the movement of bicycles from the warehouse to schools and District Council collection points.
- Plan vehicle scheduling and routing by district to ensure cost-effective and timely deliveries across all target areas.
- Monitor and document all vehicle movements, fuel consumption, and confirmed deliveries signed by receiving schools and District Councils.
- Ensure transport providers adhere to safety standards, contractual obligations, and agreed delivery timelines.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain thorough and accurate records of all deliveries, including dispatch notes, waybills, and signed receipt forms from schools and District Councils.
- Prepare weekly and monthly logistics progress reports detailing bicycles delivered per school, per district, and cumulatively against the overall project target.
- Track distribution progress against targets, flagging any variances, delays, or access challenges to the Project Manager proactively.
- Support audits and spot checks by ensuring all school and District Council delivery documentation is organized and readily accessible.
Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with District Council officers, school heads, and education authorities to plan and confirm delivery schedules in advance.
- Communicate confirmed delivery dates and quantities to receiving schools and District Councils, ensuring authorized personnel are present for bicycle reception.
- Coordinate with procurement and finance teams to facilitate the timely processing of transport and logistics expenditures.
- Maintain proactive communication with the COO regarding any access challenges, school closures, or risks that may impact the delivery schedule.
Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience
- A Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
- A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in logistics, transportation coordination, or field distribution operations.
- Proven experience managing large-scale commodity distributions, preferably involving physical goods, equipment, or non-food items.
- Exceptional planning and organizational abilities.
- Capacity to work effectively in collaboration with various functional teams.
- Proficiency in MS Excel and foundational logistics tracking software.
- A valid driver's license and a commitment to regular travel to field locations.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving acumen.
Desirable Qualifications
- Previous experience working with government institutions, District Councils, schools, or within education-sector programs.
- Familiarity with bicycle handling, assembly, or related product logistics.
- Experience in managing third-party transport contractors.
Competencies
- Results Orientation: Demonstrates a drive to achieve distribution targets with urgency and accountability.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures precision in stock records, waybills, and recipient documentation.
- Adaptability: Responds effectively to field challenges and dynamic distribution environments.
- Teamwork: Fosters collaboration across departments, including field operations, finance, and procurement.
- Integrity: Upholds transparency and accountability in the management of assets and distribution processes.
- Communication: Clearly articulates progress, issues, and requirements to management and stakeholders.
Work Conditions
- Contract Duration: 6 months, with potential for extension based on performance and funding availability.
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, full-time.
- Travel: Regular travel to field distribution sites is a requirement of this role.
To express your interest, please apply by 5th June 2026 via the following link:
https://worldbicyclerelief.bamboohr.com/careers/102
World Bicycle Relief is a registered not-for-profit organization with a global presence, operating in over 20 countries. We are committed to equal employment opportunities.