Background

Village Health Works (VHW) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. It is a social justice organization founded on the belief that health equity is not a commodity but a right. Founded in partnership with the communities we currently serve, VHW’s mission is to provide the neediest high quality, compassionate health care and education based on critical thinking in a dignified environment. VHW’s holistic approach integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music and the arts. In the context of where we currently work, this is the only way we can sustainably end extreme, multigenerational scarcity in a way that uplifts and engages communities with dignity and in their own context. We believe that the lack of access to quality healthcare and education is the biggest threat to development and world peace.

Currently VHW operates in a wide array of clinical and community programs in a catchment area of over 200,000 people within the provinces of Rumonge and Bururi, though its doors are open for every patient regardless of where that patient is coming from. Our first clinic attends over 51,000 outpatient consultations per year. Since 2007 until summer 2023, our 60-bed inpatient wards have been providing basic adult and pediatric non-operative inpatient services including treatment of malnutrition, mental health, chronic and acute diseases and uncomplicated obstetrical deliveries. These services have been administered by our staff of generalist physicians under the supervision of our current Medical Director.

Village Health Works has embarked on a plan to expand our clinical services to provide comprehensive quality medical care and training. To achieve this goal, VHW has constructed and officially opened an 85,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art teaching hospital with several services that include surgery, obstetric deliveries, intensive care, pediatrics and neonatology, emergency, pathology lab, medical education and research center, etc.To provide excellent patient care and training we must expand the scope and skills of the healthcare providers through training, teaching and research, hiring through rigorous development and implementation of systems and structures, policies and procedures that are framed by high quality norms and international standards.

Additionally, VHW has established the Kigutu International Academy, a grade 9-12 boarding school to equip young minds with an education based on critical thinking to prepare them to become the leaders we wish their country and the continent to have for a better future.

Our core values are as follows:

● Every member of VHW’s team must value the dignity inherent in each individual, aspire to excellence in all we do, proceed with boldness and perseverance.

● Compassion and justice must be at the heart of our organization.

● To accomplish the mission of our organization we all must be accountable to each other and to our community.

Position Overview

Village Health Works (VHW) is seeking an experienced Fleet Manager to join our management team. This role is critical for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of VHW’s logistics and infrastructure management operations in Burundi. The Fleet Manager will ensure efficient oversight of the fleet, monitoring of fuel consumption, garage and maintenance needs as well as transportation planning for both staff and supply chain kwithin the country. This role is responsible for ensuring a functioning fleet, sufficient stock of spare parts, fuel and lubricants required to facilitate the smooth functioning of the VHW fleet.

The Fleet Manager will supervise drivers, mechanics and fuel provision staff, to optimize resource utilization, and uphold VHW policies and international standards. The role requires close collaboration with the Supply Chain Manager, Senior Director of Operations and Administration, and other program leadership to meet organizational objectives effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fleet management strategy aligned with VHW’s operational goals and long-term needs.
• Establish and refine policies, processes, and tools to improve efficiency, standardize operations, and reduce ad-hoc planning for movements and transportation.
• Set ambitious Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and monitor fleet management performance in collaboration with M&E department.
• Drive change management processes and ensure seamless adoption of new systems and tools across departments.

Operations and Implementation

• Improve fleet needs forecasting and inventory management based on program plans, supply chain timelines, and budget cycles.
• Work with the Supply Chain Manager to develop procurement plans, pooled purchasing strategies, and cost-saving measures.
• Oversee fleet forecasting, planning, regular maintenance, use of log books, fuel consumption and quality standards ensuring adherence to safety.
• Develop a structured fleet maintenance, spare parts, fuel monitoring and movement planning strategy.
• Collaborate with program managers to integrate logistics processes into program planning and budgeting.
• Identify skill gaps within the department and provide capacity-building through training, mentorship, and external support.

Team Management and Coordination

• Set performance benchmarks, provide mentorship, and monitor team achievements.
• Ensure smooth internal distribution of supply chain transport materials and ensure clear communications processes.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to streamline operations and address program-specific logistics needs.
• Manage emergencies and troubleshoot challenges in the fleet department.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in logistics, transportation management, fleet mechanics or related technical fields.
• Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in fleet and transport management logistics and safety. Experience in post-conflict or resource-limited settings is strongly preferred.
• Management: Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience supervising teams and managing operations.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical and strategic planning abilities.
  • Experience developing policies and implementing operational improvements.
  • Excellent project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in reporting, data analysis, and process optimization.
  • Strong communication skills (written and spoken French is required with basic English as an asset; Kirundi or Swahili speakers will be preferred).
• Personal Attributes:
  • Ability to lead change and inspire a collaborative team in a multi-cultural environment.
  • High integrity, flexibility, and resilience in a remote, rural environment.
  • Commitment to VHW’s mission and principles of social justice.

Reporting Lines

The Fleet Manager will report to the Senior Director of Operations and Administration and work closely with the following:

• Director of Finance
• Director of HR
• Program Directors (Health, Education, Agriculture, Community, and Economic Development)
• Supply Chain Manager

Work Environment

• This is a full-time position based at VHW’s main campus in rural Kigutu, Burundi.
• The role requires adaptability to a multicultural setting and the ability to live and work in a resource-limited environment.