Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Ukraine operates under the global General Programme of Work (GPW14) and the European Programme of Work (EPW2). Its mandate is to translate global and regional health strategies into national action, strengthening health systems, improving service access, enhancing preparedness, and reducing health inequalities. The office provides strategic advice, facilitates dialogue, connects national authorities with WHO expertise, and promotes evidence-based policies.
Job Purpose
The Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective operationalization of WHO's mandate within Ukraine. This position is responsible for managing and implementing the country-level OSL strategy, annual work plans, business continuity, and emergency logistics. The officer ensures that all logistics and supply chain activities align with WHO policies, technical standards, and programme priorities, while also managing resources effectively. By overseeing the supply chain for essential health commodities and operational supplies, the role directly contributes to WHO's ability to support Ukraine's health system, respond to emergencies, and achieve its public health objectives. The position is key to maintaining the flow of critical resources and ensuring operational readiness.
Responsibilities
The OSL Officer is responsible for developing and implementing the country-level OSL strategy, work plans, and emergency logistics. This includes coordinating supply chain planning for health commodities, medical equipment, and operational supplies, encompassing demand forecasting, supply planning, and shipment tracking. The role involves overseeing importation, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, and distribution, while managing service providers and resolving logistical challenges. Ensuring effective warehouse and inventory management, including stock control, cold chain, and disposal of expired items, is critical. The officer will coordinate national and subnational distribution, prioritizing hard-to-reach areas and supporting inter-agency efforts. Leading emergency logistics readiness, including contingency planning and risk assessment, is a key duty. Additionally, the role requires liaising with national authorities, UN agencies, and partners, representing WHO in coordination mechanisms, and supporting the development and enforcement of OSL standard operating procedures. Monitoring performance, analyzing trends, and providing recommendations to management are also essential functions, along with supervising OSL personnel.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in logistics or supply chain operations is required, including experience in emergency/humanitarian settings and team management. Experience providing strategic advice to senior management, leading operations in complex field settings, and working with WHO, UN agencies, or humanitarian organizations is desirable. Specific experience in health logistics, import/export, warehousing, cold chain, last-mile distribution, and performance monitoring is also preferred.
Skills
Advanced knowledge of end-to-end supply chain and logistics management in emergency/humanitarian settings. Strong strategic, analytical, planning, and organizational skills. Ability to translate program priorities into supply chain strategies and solutions. Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities. Excellent interpersonal, advisory, coordination, and negotiation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/supply chain information systems (e.g., BMS). Advanced skills in database and dashboard use for forecasting, tracking, and reporting. Working knowledge of communications equipment is desirable.