ERIC STANDER
Santa Rosa,CA
Summary
Dynamic senior humanitarian logistics and operations professional with over 30 years of experience in driving large-scale emergency and development programs across Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Europe. Expertise in collaborating with UN agencies and international NGOs in conflict-affected and disaster-response settings, with a proven ability to establish and scale country operations while managing complex cross-border supply chains. Skilled in overseeing procurement and compliance, leading diverse teams, and strengthening internal controls to ensure donor compliance and facilitate frontline program delivery in high-risk environments. A steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles, accountability, and safeguarding underpins the delivery of efficient operational systems that empower vulnerable populations to access essential services.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
International Logistics Manager
UNOPS
Gaza
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Lead complex international logistics management operations in a high-conflict environment, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian access for multiple UN agencies and humanitarian actors
- Developed SOPs and compliance frameworks for all aspects of logistics
- Drafted engineering assessment guidelines, quality control procedures, and operational reporting for UN senior management.
- Monitored compliance with project guidelines and operational standards.
- Strengthened coordination between UN agencies and implementing partners.
- Supervised monitoring and engineering teams; designed workplans and capacity-building initiatives.
- Developed and implemented international logistics strategies to optimize supply chain efficiency.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure compliance with international shipping regulations.
- Coordinated cross-border transportation schedules, reducing delays through effective planning.
- Led a team in analyzing logistics data to identify areas for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Streamlined customs clearance processes, enhancing shipment delivery timelines and accuracy.
- Oversaw inventory management systems to maintain optimal stock levels across multiple regions.
Project Country Logistics Manager
Project HOPE
Ukraine
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Led full-spectrum logistics and operational setup during emergency response phase.
- Established national head office and four regional operational bases.
- Managed procurement, warehousing, fleet, assets, facilities, and staff accommodation.
- Drafted international tenders and framework agreements (transport, fuel, warehousing, rentals).
- Recruited and trained logistics staff across multiple locations.
- Implemented SOPs to standardize operational processes.
- Coordinated international staff movement and GIK shipments across Europe.
International Logistics Specialist
UNOPS
Gaza
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Monitored national stock management and ensured compliance with donor and operational standards.
- Ensured adherence to international storage and warehouse standards.
- Verified supplier compliance and strengthened quality control systems.
- Reconciled shipment documentation and improved inventory accuracy.
- Produced detailed operational reports for senior stakeholders.
- Strengthened accountability systems and risk mitigation procedures.
- Trained staff on global logistics best practices, improving team performance and adherence to protocols.
- Evaluated logistics performance metrics, driving continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
- Reduced transportation costs with effective route planning and carrier negotiations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers and carriers to improve service levels and reduce costs.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement within the logistics process, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Oversaw the implementation of an updated warehouse management system, improving inventory accuracy and order processing times significantly.
Logistics & Security Manager
Mission East
Iraq
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Directed procurement, warehousing, fleet, IT, compound management, and security operations.
- Managed importation and customs operations from Turkey.
- Updated and implemented country security plan.
- Ensured compliance with donor regulations and local authorities.
- Supported expansion of humanitarian programming in complex operational contexts.
Regional Logistics & Program Manager
CBM International
Haiti
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Oversaw logistics systems supporting disability-focused humanitarian programming.
- Built supplier and government networks.
- Developed structured supply chain systems for relief distribution.
- Implemented security SOPs and risk assessment frameworks.
- Led staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluation.
- Enhanced supply chain visibility by integrating advanced tracking technologies into daily operations.
- Managed customs compliance for smooth import/export operations, ensuring timely deliveries.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for successful execution of global logistics projects.
- Streamlined international shipping processes by implementing efficient logistics management strategies.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with freight forwarders and carriers, securing cost-effective transportation solutions.
- Established standard operating procedures for global shipments, ensuring consistency across all regions served.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Transport & Logistics
UNISA
Pretoria, South AfricaAPM Project Management Certification - undefined
Damelin
Pretoria, South AfricaSkills
- Humanitarian Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Emergency Response Operations
- Country Office Start-Up & Scale-Up
- Procurement & Vendor Contracting
- Fleet, Warehouse & Asset Management
- Security & Risk Management
- Cross-Border & Customs Operations
- SOP Development & Compliance
- Team Leadership & Capacity Building
- Donor Reporting & Accountability
- Stakeholder & Government Liaison
- Crisis Management & Contingency Planning
Timeline
International Logistics Manager
UNOPS
01.2023 - 01.2025
Project Country Logistics Manager
Project HOPE
01.2022 - 01.2022
International Logistics Specialist
UNOPS
01.2015 - 01.2020
Logistics & Security Manager
Mission East
01.2014 - 01.2015
Regional Logistics & Program Manager
CBM International
01.2012 - 01.2014
APM Project Management Certification - undefined
Damelin
Bachelor of Commerce - Transport & Logistics
UNISA