UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, Result
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, nutrition, education and protection of a society most disadvantaged citizens addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose for the Job:
Under the general supervision of the Deputy Representative of Operations, the Chief Supply and Logistics manages the supply, logistics and contracting operations of the country office. Responsible for planning, procurement, distribution and monitoring of UNICEF’s supplies, in support of the Country Programmes.
The Chief is expected to provide advisory support to the Chief of Operations and to the Representative in the functional area and works only under general supervision. Incumbent is expected to take the initiative and exercise judgment in interpreting existing policies and procedures, as well as advising and resolving supply, logistics and contracting -related issues.
Summary of the Key Functions/accountabilities:
- Responsible for supply/ logistics planning through coordination with Programme Sections. Provides technical advice on supply specifications and logistics arrangements facilitating efficient procurement, clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment, in support of the country programme implementation.
- In collaboration with relevant programme sections, provide leadership in supporting the government in national and sub national supply chain system strengthening for essential commodities particularly in the areas of health and nutrition.
- Conduct market research, identifies and recommends potential local suppliers including those in the field or townships. Maintains data on and evaluates local supply sources’ overall performance, (competitive pricing, product quality and timely delivery).Assesses supply operations and control mechanisms and advises on appropriate actions. Facilitates decentralized procurement and contracting.
- Participate in the Country Programme strategy planning and reviews meetings and in the preparation of Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plan to advice on supply requirements and related opportunities linked to product and tracking innovation. Develops Supply component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of supplies to all project sites.
- Establish and maintains contacts with the Supply Division,
- Copenhagen on supply procurement and shipping policies. Interpret and advises the country office on policies and procedures impacting on offshore and local procurement and delivery. Maintains links with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies.
- Manage the Supply Section, supervises staff in the preparation and implementation of the Section’s workplan.
- Supervise offshore and local procurement, as required. Acts as secretary and adviser to the CRC. Establishes and maintains a system of contact with customs and immigration authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of UNICEF supplies, in keeping with established protocol.
- Undertake field visits to out-posted project sites and zone-offices, to monitor supply inputs and proposes actions on improving logistical procedures.
- Review and supervise preparation of appropriate documentations: supply requisition and purchase orders. Act as focal point for SAP/VISION Supply and Logistics module, and control and monitor programme requisitions and expenditure levels.
- Design and conduct training for UNICEF staff/consultants and counterparts in supply chain management, in order to improve supply delivery.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
- Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, International Development, Supply Chain management, Supply, Logistics, Procurement, Purchasing, Contract/commercial Law or a directly related technical field(s) is required. A valid professional certification (CSCP; SCCM; CPSM; SCMP; etc.) from an accredited supply management institution
- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional relevant work experience at the national and international levels in supply, logistics, procurement, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related technical field is required.
- Prior experience in contracts, purchasing and medical supply chain management in a developing country context is desirable
- Previous hands on experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity is required.
- Prior work experience in emergency duty station is an asset.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.