Operations & Field Logistics Manager

Operations & Field Logistics Manager

 

APOPO Search & Rescue Programme – Türkiye

APOPO is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and resourceful Operations & Field Logistics Manager to serve as the operational backbone of our Search & Rescue programme in Türkiye. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operations and logistics professional to build and run the systems that keep a pioneering humanitarian science programme running day to day, while also standing ready to coordinate field logistics during emergency deployments in response to earthquakes.


About APOPO

APOPO is an innovative, international non-profit organisation that uses the exceptional sense of smell of trained animals to detect landmines, tuberculosis, and other hazards. For more than 27 years, APOPO has been saving lives and creating sustainable change in post-conflict and high-risk environments around the world.

Building on this expertise, APOPO is expanding into search and rescue, developing new detection and response capabilities to support disaster-affected communities. In Türkiye, APOPO is establishing a Search & Rescue programme and works closely with local partners, authorities, and international teams to build disaster response capability and readiness.

Learn more at www.apopo.org.

 

Position Summary

The Operations & Field Logistics Manager will ensure the day-to-day continuity of site operations, lead ongoing site and infrastructure development, and coordinate logistics for occasional emergency deployments in response to earthquakes. The position serves as the operational backbone of the programme.

The role combines three interconnected functions:

  • Operational continuity and light logistics management
  • Site and infrastructure development
  • Emergency field logistics coordination (surge response)

This is a dynamic, hands-on position in a small NGO environment where responsibilities evolve alongside the needs of the programme. While infrastructure development is a key focus during periods of growth, the position remains centred on ensuring long-term operational stability and deployment readiness.

This position offers a high degree of autonomy and ownership. The successful candidate will independently manage day-to-day operations and site development within agreed budgets, while working closely with the Program Lead and escalating strategic, financial, and programme-direction decisions where appropriate.

 

Key Responsibilities

  1. Core Operations & Site Continuity (Ongoing Function)
  • Maintain smooth day-to-day operations of the programme site
  • Coordinate routine procurement of consumables and supplies (e.g., bedding materials, basic equipment)
  • Manage occasional visitor logistics (transport, accommodation, scheduling)
  • Track and organize receipts, expenses, and operational documentation
  • Maintain relationships with local vendors for recurring needs (wood, basic services, repairs)
  1. Site Development & Infrastructure Expansion (Dynamic Core Function)
  • Lead planning and execution of site development projects
  • Procure and coordinate outfitting of operational vehicles (e.g., programme van)
  • Oversee expansion of kennels, training environments, and physical infrastructure
  • Source and manage local fabrication and construction vendors (e.g., ironworks, carpentry, concrete works)
  • Translate programme needs into practical, buildable infrastructure solutions within programme means
  1. Systems & Process Development
  • Develop and maintain basic logistics tracking and request systems
  • Improve internal systems for procurement, inventory, and coordination efficiency
  • Contribute to building scalable operational processes as the programme grows
  • Support creation and refinement of operational SOPs (particularly for deployment readiness)
  1. Emergency Deployment Logistics
  • Maintain deployment readiness, including equipment inventories, go-kits, and logistics contacts
  • Coordinate transportation, accommodation, procurement, and supply arrangements for deployment activations
  • Support deployment planning, documentation, and resource tracking systems
  • Contribute to development and maintenance of deployment SOPs and readiness procedures


What We Are Looking For

  • Highly reliable, proactive, and able to work independently
  • Practical, resourceful, and solutions-oriented
  • Comfortable balancing routine operational work with project-based infrastructure development
  • Calm and effective under pressure, particularly during emergency response activations
  • Takes ownership and has a hands-on approach to getting things done
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent follow-through


Required Qualifications and Experience

  • 3–5+ years of experience in operations, logistics, supply chain, construction coordination, or related fields
  • Fluency in Turkish
  • Professional proficiency in English
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Experience coordinating vendors, procurement, or infrastructure-related work
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate in field environments in Turkey


Duty Station

The position will be based at the programme site in Antalya, Türkiye, with field travel required during emergency deployments and occasional travel to other operational locations as needed.


What APOPO Offers

  • The opportunity to play a foundational role in building a pioneering humanitarian science programme in Türkiye
  • High autonomy and ownership across operations and infrastructure development
  • Close collaboration with an international research and field team
  • Competitive compensation aligned with experience and responsibility
  • A mission-driven environment where your work directly contributes to disaster response capability and scientific innovation


How to Apply

Please complete the application form and submit:

  • A CV/resume (in PDF)
  • A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for the position (in PDF)
  • Contact details of at least two professional referees

The closing date for applications is 2 August 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Reference checks are part of our standard recruitment process. Referees will only be contacted with your prior consent.


APOPO’s Commitment 

APOPO is committed to safeguarding people, animals, the environment, and the communities in which we work. All staff are expected to uphold APOPO’s safeguarding policies and ethical standards. Background checks form part of the recruitment process.

APOPO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

Apply here