Africa Operations & Logistics Specialist

Candidates located outside the United States will be engaged under an independent contractor agreement. You will be responsible for managing your own social security and taxes in accordance with the regulations of your home country. Please take this into consideration before applying.

Role Mission

As an Africa Operations & Logistics Specialist, you are the architect of logistical integrity and the primary guardian of the guest experience for UJV’s luxury African portfolio. You do not just build itineraries; you own the end-to-end operational success of complex, multi-country journeys. This role requires an "always-on" mindset, managing high-stakes logistics and crisis management for a demanding US-based luxury clientele. You serve as the bridge between sales vision and flawless ground execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Logistical Integrity & Complex Itinerary Design

• Must possess expert-level knowledge of Southern Africa, East Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, including regional flight patterns, border crossing complexities, and seasonal logistical shifts.
• Demonstrate mastery in private charter logistics, including luggage weight restrictions, bush-strip capabilities, and coordinating seamless "wing-to-wing" transfers.
• Build and audit high-complexity itineraries in Wetu, ensuring 100% financial and operational accuracy before client departure.
• Source creative solutions for "impossible" requests, leveraging deep relationships with DMCs and boutique lodges to secure VIP access.

2. Vendor & Quality Management

• Conduct rigorous Quality Control (QC) "Pre-Arrival" audits for every booking, ensuring lodges, guides, and transfer companies are briefed on minute client preferences.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with DMCs and suppliers to ensure UJV clients receive "white-glove" priority.
• Act as the "engine room" hub, streamlining communication between Sales, Support, and ground partners to eliminate bottlenecks.

3. 24/7 Duty of Care & Crisis Management 

• Primary ownership of the 24/7 emergency operations line when you are on-call. You are responsible for managing after-hours emergency calls and resolving high-stress situations independently.
• Lead real-time resolution for high-stakes crises, including medical evacuations, sudden political instability, private charter, and regional flight cancellations, or security concerns.
• Maintain a "calm-under-fire" demeanor, providing clear directives to both the US-based advisors, sales team, in-country partners, and the clients on the ground.
• Manage a flexible rotation schedule that includes weekends, public holidays, and overnight availability to align with US time zones and traveler needs.

Experience & Competencies (The "Must-Haves")

• Experience: 5+ years in Luxury Inbound Travel for Southern and East Africa, operating as the primary owner of complex, multi-country itineraries end-to-end, including independent crisis resolution.
• Geography: Deep, first-hand knowledge of the luxury circuits in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Morocco, and Egypt.
• Stress Management: Proven track record of solving and managing high-stress situations with independent decision-making authority.
• Platform Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Wetu or similar itinerary builder, CRM (Salesforce/Zoho), and communication tools (Front/Slack/Teams). Must be capable of quickly mastering and implementing new operational platforms.
• Remote Setup: Must have a solid, high-speed fiber internet connection and a dedicated professional home office setup to manage 24/7 responsibilities.

Communication: Elite-level English fluency; ability to communicate with high-net-worth US travelers and local African suppliers with equal efficacy.