Supply & Logistics Specialist at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Supply & Logistics Specialist, P-3

Job Number: 501807
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Work Type: Fixed Term Staff

Purpose of the Position

• Under the direct guidance of the Supply Manager, the incumbent manages the supply and logistics operations of a complex nature with significant impact on programme delivery, services, supply and logistic, 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 Programmes.
• Collaborate with institutional partners and other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices for supply and logistic initiatives in line within Reform/coherence.

Key End-Results

• Rapid and relevant responses provided to evolving supply needs and situations, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money.
• The highest level of integrity, standards and accountability maintained by implementing sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular and accurate reporting.
• Technical leadership, support, coaching and training provided to capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely delivery of supplies. UNICEF, Government and all implementing partners; accountability is ensured for supply assistance Government counterparts and implementing partners are orientated and trained in UNICEF supply assistance policies and procedures.
• Effective procurement of program supplies conducted to contribute to program results.
• Effective collaboration and partnership in supply/logistics with internal and external counterparts developed and maintained through better coordination, communication and networking. Effective partnership standby agreement concluded to ensure timely procurement, delivery, utilisation and monitoring of quality and movement of supply assistance.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
Provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply and logistics needs and situations facing children and families, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money:

• Responsible for logistics/supply planning through coordination with Operations/Programme Sections. Provides technical advice on supply and logistics arrangements facilitating cost-effective efficient supplies mobilisation, customs clearance, inventory management and distribution of supplies and equipment, in support of the country programme implementation.
• Participate in the Country Programme strategy planning preview and reviews to advice on supply/logistics requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans... Develops Supply/Logistics component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of supplies to all project sites.

Ensure sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability:

• Establish and maintain contacts with the Supply Division in Copenhagen on supply procurement and shipping policies. Interprets 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.
• Establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport immigration authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of UNICEF supplies, in keeping with established protocol. Conclude standby agreements with relevant private business companies for cost effective mobilisation of third party logistics services and emergency supplies as well as for fielding of supply assistance to projects sites/End users
• Ensure preparation of supply and logistics reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc.
• Regularly create and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging and incoming supplies information.

Ensure that effective support UNICEF and Government capacity-building efforts are provided in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery:

• Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF's staff/consultants and counterparts in supply management, customs clearance, distribution and inventory management of supplies and equipment in order to maximize supply delivery. Provide effective coaching to the staff/consultants as required. Develop and implement a strategy to strengthen states last mil logistics.

Supervise and manage effective procurement, local and/or offshore, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality:

• Conduct local procurement through issuance of tenders, bid adjudication and contract management... Conduct market research, identify and recommend potential local suppliers. Gather and maintain data on and evaluate local supply sources' overall performance, (competitive pricing, cost-effectiveness, product quality and timely delivery,). Monitor and assess supply operations and control mechanisms and advises on appropriate actions to take.
• Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement through regular contacts with the Action Office(s). 
• Communicates and reports quality issues with respect to supplies and/or service agreements.

Collaboration and Partnership:

• Coordinate with the Programme Section 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 (at federal and states level) 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.
• Team with the Programme Section to facilitate mobilisation as well as efficient customs clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment; to strengthen states capacities to implement last mile logistics; and to monitor effective delivery and use of program supplies.
• Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities including distribution, monitoring supply inputs, and inventory.
• Inform Programs of slow moving inventory, upcoming field distributions or deliveries, incoming materials and quality issues to ensure maximum use of available transportation, warehousing space, manpower and other resources.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Education:

• Master's degree 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. Equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.)
• First university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• Five years of relevant professional work experience.
• Both national and international work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related fields.
• Work experience in emergency duty station.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required and another UN language is desirable

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies:

• Communication [II]
• Drive for Result [II]
• Working With People [II]

Functional Competencies:

• Applying Technical Expertise [II]
• Deciding and Initiating Actions [II]
• Following Instructions and Procedures [II]
• Leading and Supervising [II]
• Planning and Organizing [II]

Application Closing Date
11th January, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.
• Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service