- Thu Dec 11, 2025 2:51 pm#10859
PREPARING FOR THE DANISH REFUGEE COUNCIL – SUPPLY CHAIN ASSISTANT ROLE
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – Application deadline 23 December 2025
1. UNDERSTAND THE ORGANISATION AND THE CONTEXT
• Read the DRC website (www.drc.ngo) thoroughly – mission, values, current programmes in Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka, and recent annual reports.
• Familiarise yourself with the Rohingya response and host‑community projects – know the main partners, major commodities (shelter kits, NFI, food) and typical supply‑chain challenges in a humanitarian setting.
• Review DRC’s five core competencies (Striving for excellence, Collaborating, Taking the lead, Communicating, Demonstrating integrity) – prepare personal examples that illustrate each.
2. MATCH YOUR PROFILE TO THE JOB SPECIFICATION
a. Key duties to be able to discuss confidently
– Procurement: collecting quotations, preparing purchase orders, supplier follow‑up, documentation compliance.
– Warehouse management: goods receipt, inspection, kitting, stock cards, bin cards, FIFO/FEFO, physical inventories.
– Fleet management: vehicle booking, driver documentation, movement planning, safety checks, coordination with security.
– Asset management: tagging, register updates, quarterly inventories, repair coordination.
– Safety: reporting incidents, adherence to DRC safety policies.
b. Essential knowledge and skills
• One‑plus year of supply‑chain/logistics experience in an NGO/INGO environment.
• Practical understanding of procurement cycles, warehouse SOPs, inventory control, and basic fleet operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel – data tracking, pivot tables, basic formulas; familiarity with ERP (Dynamics 365) is a plus.
• Strong written and oral English and Bengali; any knowledge of Chittagonian will be an advantage.
• Attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and good stakeholder communication.
c. Desirable qualifications
– Any post‑graduate diploma or certification (CIPS, CSCM, PGD in SCM).
– Experience with other ERP systems or humanitarian logistics software (e.g., WFP Logistics Cluster tools).
3. UPGRADE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
– Take a short online refresher on procurement procedures in humanitarian aid (e.g., from the Humanitarian Logistics Association).
– Review DRC’s public procurement policy documents (usually available on their website or through a quick Google search).
– Practice Excel inventory reports: create a mock stock card, calculate stock balances, generate a simple FIFO report.
– If possible, access a free trial of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or watch tutorial videos on basic navigation, purchase requisitions, and inventory modules.
– Read up on basic fleet safety and vehicle tracking best practices (e.g., GPS monitoring, driver logbook standards).
4. TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
a. Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages)
– Header: full name, contact details, LinkedIn (if professional).
– Professional summary (3‑4 lines) that highlights supply‑chain experience in humanitarian settings, key competencies, and language proficiency.
– Work experience: for each role list specific tasks that map to the DRC duties (procurement support, warehouse handling, asset register maintenance, fleet coordination). Use quantified achievements where possible (e.g., “processed 150 purchase orders per month with 98 % on‑time delivery”).
– Education: degree, institution, graduation year; list any relevant certificates (CIPS, etc.).
– Technical skills: Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP), ERP (Dynamics 365 – basic), inventory software, MS Office.
– Languages: English (Advanced), Bengali (Advanced), Chittagonian (basic/advantage).
– References: names, positions, organisations, contact details of current supervisor, HR, and former supervisor.
b. Cover Letter (no more than one page)
– Opening paragraph: state the position you are applying for, where you found the vacancy, and a concise statement of why you are a strong fit.
– Middle paragraphs (2‑3): align your experience with each major duty: procurement, warehouse, fleet, asset management, safety. Provide concrete examples that also demonstrate the DRC core competencies.
– Closing paragraph: express enthusiasm for contributing to DRC’s mission in Cox’s Bazar, mention your availability to start, and thank the reader.
c. Proofreading
– Check for spelling/grammar errors in English and Bengali.
– Ensure formatting is clean, consistent, and uses a standard professional font (e.g., Arial 11).
– Save documents as PDF with a clear file name (e.g., “FirstName_LastName_DRC_SupplyChainAssistant.pdf”).
5. PREPARE FOR THE SELECTION PROCESS
a. Initial screening (online application)
– Double‑check that all required fields on the application portal are completed.
– Upload the PDF CV and cover letter as instructed.
b. Potential written test or case study
– Practice a short procurement scenario: drafting a request for quotation, evaluating bids, and creating a purchase order.
– Prepare a brief warehouse inventory reconciliation exercise: identify variances and propose corrective actions.
c. Interview preparation
– Behavioural STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Have 4‑5 stories ready that illustrate each of DRC’s core competencies and the key responsibilities (procurement compliance, stock discrepancy resolution, vehicle safety incident handling, asset tagging, teamwork under tight deadlines).
– Technical questions:
• Explain the steps you would take to ensure a purchase complies with donor regulations.
• How do you manage FIFO/FEFO in a warehouse with perishable items?
• Describe your process for conducting a bi‑annual physical inventory.
• What information must be kept in a vehicle logbook and why is it important for security?
– Operational knowledge: be ready to discuss common humanitarian commodities, typical lead times, and challenges of remote field logistics in Cox’s Bazar.
d. Questions to ask the interview panel (show interest)
– How does DRC integrate its supply‑chain activities with program teams on the ground?
– What ERP modules are currently most used by the Cox’s Bazar office, and are there upcoming upgrades?
– What are the main performance indicators for the Supply‑Chain Assistant role?
– Is there a structured learning pathway for staff to obtain certifications (e.g., CIPS, APICS)?
6. LOGISTICS BEFORE DAY‑ONE
– Confirm you have the necessary documentation for working in Cox’s Bazar (national ID, any required permits).
– If you will be relocating, research housing options near the DRC office and transportation options.
– Prepare a simple emergency contact list (family, local contacts, DRC HR).
7. GENERAL TIPS
– Maintain a professional online presence – update LinkedIn with your latest humanitarian supply‑chain experience.
– Stay informed on current humanitarian logistics trends (e.g., use of drones for delivery, cash‑based procurement).
– Demonstrate cultural sensitivity – be aware of local customs, especially when interacting with staff from diverse backgrounds.
By following this step‑by‑step plan you will be well‑prepared to submit a strong application, stand out in the selection process, and demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and commitment required to succeed as a Supply Chain Assistant with the Danish Refugee Council in Cox’s Bazar. Good luck!
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – Application deadline 23 December 2025
1. UNDERSTAND THE ORGANISATION AND THE CONTEXT
• Read the DRC website (www.drc.ngo) thoroughly – mission, values, current programmes in Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka, and recent annual reports.
• Familiarise yourself with the Rohingya response and host‑community projects – know the main partners, major commodities (shelter kits, NFI, food) and typical supply‑chain challenges in a humanitarian setting.
• Review DRC’s five core competencies (Striving for excellence, Collaborating, Taking the lead, Communicating, Demonstrating integrity) – prepare personal examples that illustrate each.
2. MATCH YOUR PROFILE TO THE JOB SPECIFICATION
a. Key duties to be able to discuss confidently
– Procurement: collecting quotations, preparing purchase orders, supplier follow‑up, documentation compliance.
– Warehouse management: goods receipt, inspection, kitting, stock cards, bin cards, FIFO/FEFO, physical inventories.
– Fleet management: vehicle booking, driver documentation, movement planning, safety checks, coordination with security.
– Asset management: tagging, register updates, quarterly inventories, repair coordination.
– Safety: reporting incidents, adherence to DRC safety policies.
b. Essential knowledge and skills
• One‑plus year of supply‑chain/logistics experience in an NGO/INGO environment.
• Practical understanding of procurement cycles, warehouse SOPs, inventory control, and basic fleet operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel – data tracking, pivot tables, basic formulas; familiarity with ERP (Dynamics 365) is a plus.
• Strong written and oral English and Bengali; any knowledge of Chittagonian will be an advantage.
• Attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and good stakeholder communication.
c. Desirable qualifications
– Any post‑graduate diploma or certification (CIPS, CSCM, PGD in SCM).
– Experience with other ERP systems or humanitarian logistics software (e.g., WFP Logistics Cluster tools).
3. UPGRADE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
– Take a short online refresher on procurement procedures in humanitarian aid (e.g., from the Humanitarian Logistics Association).
– Review DRC’s public procurement policy documents (usually available on their website or through a quick Google search).
– Practice Excel inventory reports: create a mock stock card, calculate stock balances, generate a simple FIFO report.
– If possible, access a free trial of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or watch tutorial videos on basic navigation, purchase requisitions, and inventory modules.
– Read up on basic fleet safety and vehicle tracking best practices (e.g., GPS monitoring, driver logbook standards).
4. TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
a. Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages)
– Header: full name, contact details, LinkedIn (if professional).
– Professional summary (3‑4 lines) that highlights supply‑chain experience in humanitarian settings, key competencies, and language proficiency.
– Work experience: for each role list specific tasks that map to the DRC duties (procurement support, warehouse handling, asset register maintenance, fleet coordination). Use quantified achievements where possible (e.g., “processed 150 purchase orders per month with 98 % on‑time delivery”).
– Education: degree, institution, graduation year; list any relevant certificates (CIPS, etc.).
– Technical skills: Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP), ERP (Dynamics 365 – basic), inventory software, MS Office.
– Languages: English (Advanced), Bengali (Advanced), Chittagonian (basic/advantage).
– References: names, positions, organisations, contact details of current supervisor, HR, and former supervisor.
b. Cover Letter (no more than one page)
– Opening paragraph: state the position you are applying for, where you found the vacancy, and a concise statement of why you are a strong fit.
– Middle paragraphs (2‑3): align your experience with each major duty: procurement, warehouse, fleet, asset management, safety. Provide concrete examples that also demonstrate the DRC core competencies.
– Closing paragraph: express enthusiasm for contributing to DRC’s mission in Cox’s Bazar, mention your availability to start, and thank the reader.
c. Proofreading
– Check for spelling/grammar errors in English and Bengali.
– Ensure formatting is clean, consistent, and uses a standard professional font (e.g., Arial 11).
– Save documents as PDF with a clear file name (e.g., “FirstName_LastName_DRC_SupplyChainAssistant.pdf”).
5. PREPARE FOR THE SELECTION PROCESS
a. Initial screening (online application)
– Double‑check that all required fields on the application portal are completed.
– Upload the PDF CV and cover letter as instructed.
b. Potential written test or case study
– Practice a short procurement scenario: drafting a request for quotation, evaluating bids, and creating a purchase order.
– Prepare a brief warehouse inventory reconciliation exercise: identify variances and propose corrective actions.
c. Interview preparation
– Behavioural STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Have 4‑5 stories ready that illustrate each of DRC’s core competencies and the key responsibilities (procurement compliance, stock discrepancy resolution, vehicle safety incident handling, asset tagging, teamwork under tight deadlines).
– Technical questions:
• Explain the steps you would take to ensure a purchase complies with donor regulations.
• How do you manage FIFO/FEFO in a warehouse with perishable items?
• Describe your process for conducting a bi‑annual physical inventory.
• What information must be kept in a vehicle logbook and why is it important for security?
– Operational knowledge: be ready to discuss common humanitarian commodities, typical lead times, and challenges of remote field logistics in Cox’s Bazar.
d. Questions to ask the interview panel (show interest)
– How does DRC integrate its supply‑chain activities with program teams on the ground?
– What ERP modules are currently most used by the Cox’s Bazar office, and are there upcoming upgrades?
– What are the main performance indicators for the Supply‑Chain Assistant role?
– Is there a structured learning pathway for staff to obtain certifications (e.g., CIPS, APICS)?
6. LOGISTICS BEFORE DAY‑ONE
– Confirm you have the necessary documentation for working in Cox’s Bazar (national ID, any required permits).
– If you will be relocating, research housing options near the DRC office and transportation options.
– Prepare a simple emergency contact list (family, local contacts, DRC HR).
7. GENERAL TIPS
– Maintain a professional online presence – update LinkedIn with your latest humanitarian supply‑chain experience.
– Stay informed on current humanitarian logistics trends (e.g., use of drones for delivery, cash‑based procurement).
– Demonstrate cultural sensitivity – be aware of local customs, especially when interacting with staff from diverse backgrounds.
By following this step‑by‑step plan you will be well‑prepared to submit a strong application, stand out in the selection process, and demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and commitment required to succeed as a Supply Chain Assistant with the Danish Refugee Council in Cox’s Bazar. Good luck!
- By bdchakriDesk