Logistics Officer

Department
Population Health

Entity
Aga Khan University

Location
Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Department of Population Health (DPH) at AKU is implementing the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK)—a large, multi-site, population-based cohort study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA). LOSHAK forms part of a global network of ageing studies and is designed to generate high-quality longitudinal evidence to inform policy and practice in Kenya and internationally.

Job Summary

The Purchasing and Logistics Officer will be responsible for coordinating procurement, purchasing, logistics, and supply chain operations for the LOSHAK project. The role ensures timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of goods and services; efficient field logistics; effective asset and transport management; and adherence to Aga Khan University policies, the NIH Grants Policy Statement, NIA requirements, and applicable regulatory and audit standards.

The position reports to the Project Manager, with functional link to the Purchasing & Supply Chain Management Department (PSCMD).

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of non-medical goods and services in line with AKU and NIH/NIA requirements.

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure value for money while maintaining quality and compliance.

• Prepare and follow up purchase requisitions, quotations, Local Purchase Orders (LPOs), contracts, and delivery schedules.

• Coordinate logistics for multi-site field activities, including travel, accommodation, per diems, and equipment deployment and retrieval.

• Support logistics for specialised research components such as biomarker collection, devices, and field equipment.

• Coordinate project transport, vehicle scheduling, fuel management, and routine maintenance.

• Maintain accurate assets, inventory, and contract registers in line with institutional and donor audit requirements.

• Track procurement and logistics expenditures against approved budgets and support financial reporting.

• Liaise with suppliers, service providers, Finance, HR, Compliance, and field teams to ensure smooth project operations.

• Support internal and external audits and implement corrective actions as required.

• Prepare periodic procurement, logistics, savings, and operations reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Professional certification or membership (e.g. CIPS, KISM) is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain management.

• Experience working in healthcare, academic research, or donor-funded programmes is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience supporting field-based or multi-site operations, ideally in LMIC settings.

• Proficiency in MS Office applications and procurement or inventory management systems.

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Strong procurement, negotiation, and vendor management skills.

• Excellent organisational and coordination abilities, with attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to compliance.

• Willingness to travel as required to support field operations.