Logistics Assistant Job Opportunities in Benue and Kaduna at COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale

Logistics Assistant Job Opportunities in Benue and Kaduna at COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale

Introduction: Your Gateway to a Rewarding Humanitarian Career in Nigeria

The humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) sector in Nigeria has grown exponentially over the last decade, offering a wide array of career opportunities for passionate professionals who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Whether you are deeply passionate about community development, emergency response, or supply chain management, working for an international NGO provides a unique platform to blend professional growth with impactful service. One of the most exciting openings currently available in the Nigerian humanitarian space is the Logistics Assistant job opportunities in Benue and Kaduna at COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale.

If you have been looking for a chance to break into the international humanitarian sector or you are an experienced supply chain professional seeking a fresh challenge, this opportunity might just be the perfect fit for you. Working in logistics for an NGO is vastly different from corporate logistics. It requires an incredible amount of agility, a deep understanding of local contexts, and the ability to operate efficiently in high-pressure, resource-constrained environments. In this comprehensive guide, we are going to explore every single detail you need to know about the COOPI Logistics Assistant recruitment.

We will take a deep dive into the history and mission of COOPI, the critical importance of logistics in humanitarian operations, the specific day-to-day responsibilities of this role, the qualifications required, and what it is truly like to work in Benue and Kaduna states. Furthermore, to ensure you have the best possible chance of securing this highly competitive position, we will provide expert tips on how to craft an unbeatable resume and cover letter, as well as how to ace your NGO job interview. Grab a cup of coffee, take a seat, and let us explore how you can take the next big step in your career.

Who is COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale?

Before applying for any job, it is absolutely essential to understand the organization you are hoping to join. COOPI (Cooperazione Internazionale) is a highly respected Italian humanitarian non-governmental organization that was founded in Milan in 1965. For nearly six decades, COOPI has been at the forefront of the global fight against poverty, marginalization, and inequality. The organization operates in numerous countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean, focusing on emergency relief, sustainable development, and resilience-building programs.

In Nigeria, COOPI has been an active player for several years, initially setting up operations to respond to the complex humanitarian crises in the northern regions. Over time, their portfolio has expanded to include multi-sectoral interventions such as food security, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), protection, and environmental sustainability. Their interventions often target internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and highly vulnerable host communities who have been affected by conflict, climate shocks, and economic hardship.

COOPI’s operational philosophy is deeply rooted in community empowerment, transparency, and a commitment to human rights. They do not just provide aid; they work collaboratively with local communities to build long-term resilience so that these communities can withstand future shocks. When you join COOPI, you are not just taking on a job; you are becoming part of a global family of dedicated humanitarians who share a common vision of a world without poverty. Understanding this ethos is vital, as it will shape how you approach your daily tasks and how you interact with beneficiaries, vendors, and colleagues.

The Crucial Role of Logistics in Humanitarian Missions

To fully appreciate the weight of the Logistics Assistant position, we need to talk about why logistics is the undisputed backbone of any humanitarian mission. In the corporate world, logistics is about maximizing profit margins by optimizing the supply chain. In the humanitarian world, logistics is literally a matter of life and death. You could have the best medical supplies, the most nutritious therapeutic food, or the most advanced water purification systems, but if you cannot get them to the people who need them, when they need them, the entire intervention fails.

Humanitarian logistics involves highly complex operations. It includes procurement (buying goods and services), warehousing (storing items safely), fleet management (ensuring vehicles are ready and safe to move), and distribution (delivering items to beneficiaries). In places like Benue and Kaduna, where road networks can be challenging and security situations can be unpredictable, the logistics team is the engine that keeps the entire project running.

As a Logistics Assistant, you are the unsung hero of the mission. While the program officers and medical teams are on the frontlines interacting directly with the beneficiaries, they rely entirely on you to ensure that their vehicles have fuel, their offices have power, and their supplies are procured at the right price and delivered on time. Without a highly functional and proactive logistics department, the entire humanitarian apparatus grinds to an immediate halt. This is why COOPI is looking for individuals who are not only technically proficient but also resilient, problem-solvers who can think on their feet.

Overview of the Logistics Assistant Job Opportunities in Benue and Kaduna

COOPI is currently expanding its footprint to address the growing humanitarian needs in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and North-West regions. To support these operations, they have announced vacancies for the position of Logistics Assistant, with duty stations in Benue State and Kaduna State. These are full-time positions designed to provide robust operational support to COOPI’s multi-sectoral interventions in these specific areas.

The application deadline for these positions is October 13, 2026. However, it is highly recommended to apply as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This means that the recruitment team is actively looking at CVs as they come in, and they could potentially start scheduling interviews before the final deadline closes. If you are reading this, do not wait until the final hour to submit your application.

Being stationed in Benue or Kaduna means you will be directly involved in the field-level implementation of COOPI’s projects. You will act as the critical link between the local markets, the suppliers, the project staff, and the management team. Let us break down exactly what you will be doing on a day-to-day basis.

Detailed Key Responsibilities for the Logistics Assistant Role

The responsibilities of a Logistics Assistant at COOPI are broad, dynamic, and highly engaging. You will rarely have a boring day, as the role encompasses several critical functions within the supply chain and base management. According to the official job description, your duties will be split across two main categories: Procurement and General Logistics.

1. Procurement and Vendor Management

Procurement is arguably one of the most sensitive areas in any NGO because it deals directly with donor funds. Donors require absolute transparency, value for money, and strict adherence to anti-fraud policies. Your role will involve:

• Filing and Archiving: You will be responsible for meticulously filing and electronically archiving all procurement documents. This is crucial for audits. Every single purchase, no matter how small, must have a clear paper trail.
• Invoice Tracking: You will track and monitor original invoices from vendors, ensuring they are verified and accurate before they are forwarded to the finance department for payment.
• Tender Management: For larger purchases, you will issue tender documents to prospective vendors following official tender announcements. You will also assist in updating the supplier database and price lists, regularly verifying that the prices quoted remain valid.
• Market Surveys: To ensure COOPI gets the best value for money, you will conduct regular market surveys to obtain competitive prices for goods and services within Benue or Kaduna.
• Software Management: You will be required to enter procurement data into COOPI’s proprietary software, REGOLO, and upload all necessary supporting documentation.
• Vendor Appraisals: You will conduct quarterly appraisals of vendors to ensure they are meeting COOPI’s standards for quality, timeliness, and ethical conduct.

2. Fleet and Fuel Management

Transportation is the lifeblood of field operations. Without well-maintained vehicles and adequate fuel, the team cannot reach the beneficiaries.

• Fuel Tracking: You will ensure proper fuel storage and management, maintaining meticulous fuel tracking records for both vehicles and generators.
• Fleet Coordination: You will manage the vehicle fleet, ensuring that trip logs are properly counter-signed by drivers and staff. You will also coordinate travel arrangements and reservations with relevant departments.
• Maintenance Scheduling: You will schedule regular preventive servicing of generators and vehicles to prevent breakdowns during critical missions.

3. Asset and Base Management

NGOs operate out of offices, guesthouses, and warehouses that need constant upkeep.

• Inventory Control: You will regularly update the asset inventory register, ensuring every piece of equipment—from laptops to solar panels—is tagged and accounted for.
• Premises Support: You will support the identification, contracting, and maintenance of offices, guesthouses, and warehouses. This includes ensuring appropriate working and living conditions for all staff and handling preventive and corrective maintenance of the premises.

4. Compliance and Reporting

In the humanitarian sector, if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. You will prepare comprehensive monthly logistics and fuel consumption reports. Furthermore, you will actively support the implementation of COOPI’s broader procurement and logistics policies, ensuring strict adherence to the organization’s Code of Conduct.

Required Qualifications, Experience, and Professional Attributes

Because the Logistics Assistant role is highly technical and sensitive, COOPI has set specific criteria for potential candidates. Meeting these requirements is the first step toward getting your CV shortlisted.

Educational Background

You must possess a university degree (BSc or HND) in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or another relevant field. While a degree in these specific fields is highly preferred, COOPI mentions that additional years of relevant experience and specialized training may be considered in place of a specific degree. This means if you studied something else but have built a solid career in supply chain management, you still have a strong chance.

Professional Experience

You are required to have at least 2 years of proven experience working with an International NGO (INGO) or a United Nations (UN) organization. This requirement is crucial because the procedures used by INGOs and UN agencies are very distinct from private sector logistics. Donors like ECHO, USAID, or the EU have stringent reporting guidelines that you must be familiar with. If you have previous experience working specifically in Plateau State, Kaduna, or Benue, this will be considered a significant added advantage.

Technical and Soft Skills

Beyond your degree and years of experience, you must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Understanding of Procurement Principles: You need a deep understanding of supply chain concepts, procurement practices, and the ability to quickly grasp organizational and donor procedures.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Logistics in Nigeria is full of surprises. You need strong analytical abilities to troubleshoot issues on the fly—like what to do when a vendor fails to deliver relief materials on time.
• Communication and Negotiation: Excellent written and oral communication skills are mandatory. You will be negotiating with vendors, coordinating with drivers, and writing reports for management.
• Tech-Savvy: You must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Excel is particularly important for tracking inventory and fuel consumption.
• Attention to Detail: When verifying invoices and logging assets, a single mistaken digit can cause massive compliance issues during an audit. Good organizational and attention-to-detail skills are non-negotiable.

Personal Attributes

COOPI is looking for candidates who are professional, motivated, flexible, and culturally sensitive. You must be able to establish effective working relationships with people from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, because humanitarian work takes place in challenging environments, you must be willing and able to travel regularly to remote areas where basic services may be highly limited. Knowledge of the local languages spoken in Benue and Kaduna is also a major advantage.

Spotlight on the Duty Stations: Working in Benue and Kaduna

Working in the humanitarian sector means adapting to the realities of your duty station. If you are applying for this role, you will be based either in Benue or Kaduna. Both states offer unique operational landscapes, distinct cultural experiences, and specific logistical challenges.

Benue State: The Food Basket of the Nation

Located in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, Benue State is renowned for its immense agricultural output. However, in recent years, the state has faced complex humanitarian challenges, primarily driven by communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and perennial flooding along the River Benue. These crises have led to significant internal displacement, necessitating the intervention of organizations like COOPI.

As a Logistics Assistant in Benue, your procurement activities will often intersect with the local agricultural economy. You might be involved in procuring local food items, farming implements, or coordinating the transport of relief materials to deeply rural IDP camps. The road networks during the rainy season can be notoriously difficult, meaning your fleet management skills will be heavily tested. You will need to ensure that the 4×4 vehicles are always in peak condition and that drivers are trained in defensive driving on muddy, unpaved terrains. Culturally, Benue is vibrant and welcoming, with dominant ethnic groups like the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. Being respectful of local customs and building good rapport with community leaders will make your logistics operations much smoother.

Kaduna State: The Centre of Learning

Kaduna State, located in the North-West zone, is a major industrial, political, and educational hub in Nigeria. It features a mix of highly urbanized centers and remote rural communities. The humanitarian context in Kaduna is driven by sporadic security challenges, including banditry and inter-communal tensions, which have disrupted livelihoods and caused displacement.

Logistics operations in Kaduna require a heightened sense of security awareness. When coordinating travel arrangements, you will need to work closely with the security department to ensure that staff movements are safe and that vehicles take cleared routes. The procurement market in Kaduna is quite robust, meaning you will have access to a wider variety of vendors and suppliers compared to more remote locations. Your ability to conduct rigorous market surveys and negotiate the best prices will be put to excellent use here. Navigating the cultural landscape, which is predominantly Hausa-speaking with diverse minority groups, requires diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.

Compensation, Benefits, and Career Growth at COOPI

One of the major draws of working for a reputable international NGO like COOPI is the comprehensive compensation and benefits package they offer their staff. While the exact salary for the Logistics Assistant role is based on COOPI’s internal salary scale, INGOs generally offer highly competitive remuneration that reflects the demanding nature of the work.

According to COOPI’s general employment policies, selected candidates can expect a robust predefined benefits package. For staff members deployed under certain contract types, the employment package typically includes health and accident insurance, ensuring that you are medically covered while carrying out your duties. Depending on your contract duration and status, you may also be entitled to 2.5 rest days per month for contracts longer than 4 months. In highly specific situations or specific operational contexts, there might also be provisions for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) leave, though this is dependent on the security level of the duty station.

Beyond the immediate financial benefits, working as a Logistics Assistant at COOPI is a massive boost to your professional development. COOPI provides online and in-person training on organizational procedures and tools to facilitate a smooth onboarding process. This means you will learn global best practices in supply chain management, compliance, and donor relations. The experience you gain here will make your resume highly attractive to other massive organizations like the UN, USAID, or the Red Cross in the future.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the COOPI Logistics Assistant Position

If you meet the requirements and are excited about the prospect of joining COOPI, the next step is submitting a flawless application. The application process for international NGOs is highly structured, and failing to follow instructions is the easiest way to get disqualified.

Step 1: Update Your Documents

Before you even click the application link, ensure your CV and Cover Letter are perfectly tailored for this specific role. Save them in PDF format to prevent any formatting issues when the recruiter opens them.

Step 2: Access the Application Portal

Applications for this role must be submitted online. You will need to use the official application form provided by COOPI. Ensure you have a stable internet connection before you begin the process.

Step 3: Fill out the Form Accurately

The online form will likely ask for your personal details, educational background, and employment history. Be entirely truthful. Discrepancies found later during background checks will lead to immediate disqualification. Please note that COOPI requires all staff members to provide a criminal record certificate prior to finalizing employment.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

The absolute deadline is October 13, 2026. Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, you should submit yours immediately. Once submitted, you should receive an automated email acknowledging receipt of your application.

Expert Tips for Crafting a Winning INGO Resume and Cover Letter

The humanitarian job market is incredibly competitive. For every Logistics Assistant vacancy, recruiters receive hundreds of applications. To ensure you make it to the shortlist, you must optimize your application materials.

Mastering the INGO Resume

Your resume should not be a generic list of tasks you have performed; it must be a document of your achievements.

• Use the STAR Method: When detailing your previous roles, describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Instead of saying, “Managed fuel for vehicles,” write, “Managed a fleet of 15 vehicles, implementing a robust fuel tracking system that reduced fuel wastage by 20% over six months.”
• Highlight Donor Experience: If you have worked on projects funded by ECHO, USAID, BHA, or the EU, explicitly state this in your resume. Knowing donor compliance rules is a massive advantage.
• Keep it Professional and Clean: Avoid putting your picture, age, or marital status on your CV unless explicitly requested. Focus strictly on your professional competencies. Limit your resume to a maximum of three pages.

Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your chance to show your passion for COOPI’s mission. Do not just repeat your CV.

• Personalize the Greeting: If possible, address the letter to the Hiring Manager or the Human Resources Department of COOPI Nigeria.
• State Your “Why”: Explain why you want to work for COOPI specifically. Mention their long-standing history (founded in 1965) and their impact in Nigeria.
• Address the Core Competencies: Pick two or three key responsibilities from the job description—such as procurement compliance and fleet management—and provide brief examples of how your past experience makes you the perfect fit for these challenges.
• Keep it Concise: Your cover letter should never exceed one page. Be punchy, confident, and professional.

Preparing for the COOPI Job Interview: What to Expect

Congratulations! Your stellar CV has landed you an interview. NGO interviews are rigorous and often involve multiple stages, including a written technical test followed by a panel interview. Here is how you can prepare.

The Written Technical Test

Many INGOs conduct a written test to assess your practical knowledge before the oral interview. For a Logistics Assistant role, you might be asked to:

• Calculate fuel consumption rates based on a provided scenario.
• Draft a mock Request for Quotation (RFQ) or analyze a simulated Bid Analysis to select the best vendor.
• Write a brief email responding to a program manager who is demanding an urgent procurement that violates standard procedures (testing your compliance and diplomacy).

The Panel Interview

The panel will typically consist of the HR Manager, the Logistics Coordinator, and perhaps a Project Manager. They will ask behavioral and technical questions. Expect questions like:

• “Tell us about a time you identified fraud or a discrepancy in a vendor’s invoice. How did you handle it?”
• “How do you prioritize your tasks when multiple departments are requesting urgent logistical support at the same time?”
• “Describe your experience with asset tracking. How do you ensure zero loss of organizational equipment?”
• “Why do you want to work in Benue/Kaduna, and how do you cope with working in high-stress, remote environments?”

Always answer using the STAR method. Be honest about your limits, maintain eye contact, and show genuine enthusiasm for the humanitarian cause.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity at COOPI

One of the hallmarks of modern international humanitarian organizations is a deep, structural commitment to diversity and inclusion. COOPI is a strict equal opportunity employer. They actively cultivate a workplace environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered to contribute to the mission.

In the official job listing, COOPI explicitly states that qualified female applicants and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are especially encouraged to apply. In the logistics sector, which has historically been male-dominated, this is a significant and welcome push to balance the scales. If you are a female logistics professional or a qualified individual with a disability, you should feel highly encouraged to submit your application. Your unique perspectives and experiences are exactly what the humanitarian sector needs to build more inclusive and effective supply chains.

Beware of Recruitment Scams: COOPI’s Zero-Fee Policy

As you navigate the job market, it is absolutely critical to protect yourself from fraudsters who prey on job seekers. Employment scams are unfortunately common, with fake agencies asking for “processing fees,” “interview fees,” or “visa fees” under the guise of offering you an NGO job.

Please be categorically aware: COOPI does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. They will never ask you to pay for an application form, an interview slot, or background checks. The recruitment process is based entirely on merit. If you receive an email or a phone call from someone claiming to represent COOPI and demanding payment, it is a scam. Always ensure you are applying through the official channels and communicating with verified organizational email addresses.

The Career Trajectory of a Logistics Assistant in the Humanitarian Sector

Taking on the role of a Logistics Assistant at COOPI is just the beginning of what can be an incredibly dynamic and lucrative career path. The humanitarian supply chain is a massive global industry, and the skills you acquire at the base level are highly transferable.

From the position of a Logistics Assistant, a dedicated professional can rapidly climb the ranks. Within a few years, you could be promoted to a Logistics Officer, taking on more strategic oversight of base operations. From there, the path leads to becoming a Logistics Manager, where you might oversee operations across an entire state or region. Eventually, top-tier professionals reach the level of Logistics Coordinator or Supply Chain Director at the national or international headquarters level, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and coordinating emergency responses on a global scale.

Furthermore, because the fundamental principles of supply chain management—procurement transparency, fleet optimization, and inventory control—are universal, the experience you gain in the NGO sector is highly respected in the private sector. Should you ever decide to transition to corporate logistics, FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) companies, or international shipping firms, your background in navigating complex, high-stakes environments will make you an exceptional candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the COOPI Logistics Assistant Role

To ensure you have absolute clarity before you submit your application, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this position.

1. Can I apply if I don’t have exactly 2 years of INGO experience?

While the job description states a requirement of at least 2 years of experience with an INGO or UN organization, exceptional candidates with highly relevant corporate supply chain experience and specialized training may sometimes be considered. However, you must clearly demonstrate how your skills transfer to the humanitarian context in your cover letter.

2. Is it possible to choose between Benue and Kaduna?

Usually, the recruitment team will match successful candidates to the duty station where their skills are most needed, or based on their familiarity with the local context. However, you can certainly indicate your preference during the interview process.

3. What software skills are absolutely necessary?

You must be highly proficient in the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with specialized procurement software (like COOPI’s REGOLO) is a massive plus, but you will receive training on internal tools if selected.

4. Will I be provided with accommodation?

For staff deployed away from their home base, COOPI’s standard benefits package often includes accommodation in a guest house, as well as transportation costs within the country to reach project bases. Specific details will be clarified during the contract negotiation phase.

5. When will I hear back after applying?

Due to the high volume of applications, COOPI typically only contacts shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear back within a few weeks after the deadline, it is safe to assume your application was not successful for this specific round, but you should keep an eye on their portal for future openings.

Conclusion and Official Application Link

The Logistics Assistant position at COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale in Benue and Kaduna is an outstanding opportunity for dedicated professionals to build a meaningful career in the humanitarian sector. It requires a sharp mind for procurement, a steady hand for fleet management, and a compassionate heart for the communities you will be serving. The challenges will be significant, but the professional and personal rewards are immeasurable.

Ensure that you have polished your CV, tailored your cover letter, and mentally prepared yourself for a rigorous but fair recruitment process. Remember to highlight your technical competencies, your understanding of NGO compliance, and your willingness to work in complex environments. Do not wait until the last minute—get your documents ready and apply today.

To take the next step in your humanitarian career and submit your application for the Logistics Assistant role, please visit the official application portal below. Good luck, and may this be the start of a fantastic journey with COOPI!

Get Started and Apply Here: COOPI Official Careers Portal