Supply Associate, GS 6 at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Supply Associate, GS 6

Job Number: 557938
Location: Abuja
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Level: G-6
Categories: Supply Management
TA: 364 days

How Can You Make a Difference?

• The Supply Associate performs highly skilled work on UNICEF supply chains, and manages the more complex cases and client requests, which frequently requires the evaluation of difficult situations and adaptation of procedures and processes to resolve such cases.
• This is the senior GS level for specialized supply chain work and requires advanced specialized knowledge acquired through formal training and experience.
• The function is characterized as highly independent and provides opportunities for Associates to lead and carry out responsibility for end to end supply chain management from the beginning to the end of the process and provide input into the design and development of improved supply chain services and delivery mechanisms.
• The incumbent may supervise lower-level GS staff.

Major Responsibilities
Below is a summary of key Functions and Accountabilities:

• In consultation with supervisor, provide input to the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans. Participate in the forecasting, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the construction portfolio.
• Provide input to the annual construction plan. Conduct data review and analysis for category management of construction materials. Conduct market research in relevant areas for UNICEF and advice on best approaches to obtain best value for money and sustainable procurement.
• Liaise with clients in planning procurement and contracting initiatives, supporting development of appropriate specifications, terms of reference, and timelines. Take into account opportunities to strengthen sustainability of supply chains.
• Where appropriate, establish Long-term Arrangements (LTAs) and act on specific procurement requisitions as might be required.
• Prepare and process Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as might be requested by the Supervisor.
• Organize bid openings and conduct technical and financial analysis of offers as might be required. Conduct clarifications and negotiations with suppliers with support from the supervisor. Maintain highest level of integrity, ethical standards and accountability in the procurement of goods, contracting of services and construction work.
• Prepare requests for award including submissions to Contract Review Committee. Prepare purchase orders and contracts in SAP (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning system), and submit for relevant approvals, ensuring completeness of documentation in UNICEF systems.
• Collate data and share with supervisor to keep management informed on progress and provide inputs to KPI’s and performance monitoring mechanisms.
• Liaise with suppliers, ensuring timely follow-up on delivery schedules. Implement appropriate vendor management practices e.g. supply performance reviews.
• Ensure appropriate filing of procurement cases and maintain up to date records for future reference including for audit.
• And other duties, as assigned by the supervisor.

To Qualify as an Advocate For Every Child You Will Have
Education:

• A University Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or Contract / Commercial Law.
• An added advantage will be experience in contracting for construction and engineering services.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management or a construction context is required. Understanding of development and emergency /humanitarian work is an added advantage.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of a range of specialized topics, including the relevant supply chain policies, partnership mechanisms, rules and regulations.
•  Ability to establish priorities and plan his/her own work and plan, coordinate and monitor the work of those under his/her supervision.
•  High level of proficiency or skill is required in the interpretation and application of specialized rules and regulations to the circumstances of complex individual cases.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF office tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of the relevant supply chain processes and ability to consistently apply relevant policies, procedures and good practices in the daily work. Good judgement in order to handle complex cases including considerations for exceptions.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.
• Ability to use supply related modules within UNICEF ERP system.
• Ability to draft clear and concise reports or rationale for supply related decisions on key issues.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others
• Nurtures, leads and manages people.

Remuneration
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.

Application Closing Date
27th December, 2022 (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Remarks

• UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.
• For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• 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). 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.