Supply & Logistics Specialist at UNICEF | May 2024

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, Hope.

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, education and protection of a society’s 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?

Under the direct guidance of the Deputy Representative, Operations, the incumbent manages the supply and procurement operations of a complex nature with significant impact on programme delivery, supply and logistics, institutional services, processes and systems, requiring advanced professional technical mastery and expertise in support of operations and programme objectives.  Accountable for effective planning, contracting, procurement, distribution, inventory management of UNICEF’s supplies, in support of the Country Programme as well as Procurement Services and GAVI Co-financing. 

Actively participates in Tanzania One Procurement Team to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business Practices for supply and procurement initiatives in line within reform/coherence.

• Manages procurement actions in respect of requisitions for contracts for services and supply of goods to UNICEF programs, or Procurement Services for direct supply to specialized agencies, governmental and non-governmental agencies. Responsible for accurate performance as per UNICEFs financial rules and regulations throughout the procurement process, including but not limited to solicitation, issue of institutional special service agreements and other contracts and long-term agreements with suppliers and contractors and, when required, co-ordinates with all parties concerned on outstanding issues. Ensure accurate evaluation of current supplier performance on the basis of quality of services rendered, product acceptability and delivery record. In accordance with UNICEF standard practices and as assigned by the supervisor, takes lead in managing the more complex bidding exercises and administer large, long term agreements. Manages the team to ensure matching competencies and capacities are available.
• Support team members capacity building and maintaining a positive spirit through interactive communication including but not limited to; regular and ad-hoc meetings, knowledge sharing.   Supports the procurement process including providing input to TORs, CRC presentations, development of technical evaluation criteria, assistance with evaluation of vendor proposals and guidance during contract formulation, drafting and negotiation. Provide technical advice to the field offices and Programme Sections on supply planning, category management, specifications/ToRs, supply administration as well as offshore and local procurement policies and procedures. Acts as UNICEF focal point for joint bidding exercises for common goods/services required.
• Facilitates and coordinates establishment of the Annual Plan for procurement of services and/or goods based on inputs from Programme Sections and Field Offices. Ensure proper category management of categories assigned to the team through regular monitoring and interactive collaboration with category managers, corresponding markets and users. Coordinate with the Chief of Operations to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare recommendations on sourcing strategies, practices and procedures.   Corresponds with Supply Division, Country Offices and Field Offices or other requesters when needed.
• Provides technical assistance to strengthen the government supply chain systems. This includes needs assessment, preparation of ToRs and subsequent contracting of companies or individuals. Backstopping and managing contracts in relation to capacity development of the national procurement and supply chain management systems. 

• Collaboration and Partnership: Coordinates with the Programme Sections on supply planning, providing technical advice on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme.  Provide advice to the Country Office, Government and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment. Coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.  Develops and maintains partnership and collaborative relations with Government, UN, NGOs and bilateral counterparts to provide technical assistance to strengthen national/government supply chain systems. 

• Any other duties or assignments as requested.  

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES

1.  Education

• Masters degree from a recognized University in Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Engineering, International Development, Contract/commercial Law or specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting OR equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.). 

2. Work Experience

• Minimum Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related fields in national or international level. Knowledge and experience in capacity development and strengthening of national/government supply chain systems an asset. 

3. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in written and spoken English 

4. Technical Knowledge

Specific Technical Knowledge Required for the job.

• Knowledge of Supply Chain Management preferably in a developing country context
• Mastery of technical knowledge (product knowledge, market research/analysis) required for Supply Management/Purchasing/Contracting (e.g., vaccine, equipment, medical supplies, contracts, customs function, taxation, insurance, etc.)
• Knowledge of relevant Information Technology software

Common Technical Knowledge Required for the job group

• Knowledge of managing inventory, transport, and diverse logistics operations (e.g., programme supply & logistics) in the international environment.
• Knowledge of supply/contracting/logistics policies, goals, strategies, and approaches
• Knowledge of public procurement principles and processes
• Knowledge of procurement process from procurement planning to execution to contract management and administration, including procurement methods and tools of good procurement practice
• Knowledge of establishing strategic, long term and sustainable procurement arrangements
• Knowledge of general principles and processes involved in risk management in procurement, including risk analysis and evaluation techniques
• Knowledge of financial and legal implications in procurement process-
• Knowledge of category management.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values 

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1), Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2), Works Collaboratively with others (2), Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2), Innovates and Embraces Change (2), Thinks and Acts Strategically (2), Drive to achieve impactful results (2), Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidate irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.  

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.