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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

 

For every child, an Education

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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. Therefore, 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.

 

Strategic office context:

The Contracts Officer reports to the Supply Chain Specialist P3, Project Support Unit (PSU) in WSEC, Supply Division.

Project Support Unit (PSU) in WSEC is responsible for the global procurement of: Staff Security items Armored vehicles, Flak jackets and Helmets), Transport equipment (Vehicles, motorcycles);  power generation and core relief items such as High performance tents and others with an annual throughput of $USD 50 million.  

 

 

How can you make a difference? 

The contracts officer provides contractual and transactional support and is responsible for managing the procurement and supply chains of PSU contracting team that includes planning, procurement, contracting, inspection, delivery, warehousing, transport as well as monitoring of supplies and emergency orders.

 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

 

1. Supervision of the supply team

 

• Preparation of the annual work plan for the contracting team; assist in determining priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitoring work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Supervise and coach team members, ensure timely performance management of staff. In collaboration with Supply Division, Regional Offices and the global supply community, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.
• In consultation with supervisor, ensure establishment and maintenance of operational capacity to handle workload and priorities, including staffing (appropriate staffing structure, timely recruitment, clarity of roles and responsibilities).

 

 

2. Procurement and supply chain service delivery and emergency response

 

• In consultation with supervisor, provide input to Annual Work Plans, mid-year review, mid-term review and OMP preparation for the unit. Participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the operations and transactions including establishment of contractual arrangements, CRC submission, NFRs and assessment of fit for purpose of products.
• Monitor and review supply spend, and draft procurement approaches/notes based on category management in order to focus on strategic, essential supplies and services that contribute to results for children and support the establishment of long-term agreements (LTAs), CRCs submissions where relevant. Maintain highest level of integrity, ethical standards and accountability mainly in the procurement of goods,
• Monitor progress of PS, security and other relevant transactions and take action to ensure timely delivery of supplies to the last destination. Maintain appropriate stock level in SD warehouse and SD controlled hubs, including Emergency Supply list stock at SD and with suppliers. Keep relevant partners informed on the progress. Implement appropriate vendor management practices e.g. supply performance reviews.
• Analyze supply dashboards, monitor key performance indicators and supply chain dashboard to track critical deliveries. Support technical function in conducting root cause analysis of supply chain bottlenecks and challenges, with a view to drive improvements and ensure efficient and effective supply chains for children.
• Participate in the development of an emergency supply list and strategies to support emergency response. Ensure monitoring of emergency orders and timely delivery of supplies.
• In collaboration with procurement and technical colleagues, identify opportunities for capacity building and improving the procurement and supply chain process to make it more effective, including documenting best practices and lessons learned.

 

 

3. Collaboration with UN agencies, UNICEF offices and Divisions

 

• In consultation with supervisor, participate in collaboration with other UNICEF offices and division, other UN agencies in designing and implementing best solutions for PSU procurement and ensure value for money in delivering results for children.
• Prepare supply documentation, reports, data analyses to facilitate dialogue with suppliers, partners and country offices.  
• Build strong working relations with other centres and units in Supply Division, Regional and country offices to align with global and regional approaches and management of supply plans.
• Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with suppliers, UN organizations and bilateral counterparts in Project support procurement activities including harmonized and collaborative procurement.

 

 

4. Technical and advisory support to country offices and partners

 

• Provide input to promoting of supply chain strengthening and Project support procurement management initiatives with country and regional offices, to ensure efficient and effective delivery of PSU commodities for children.
• Provide input to capacity development initiatives in the area of PSU procurement in close collaboration with the team.
• Prepare relevant supply reports to facilitate advisory support to supervisor and management in defining and determining supply solutions for children, such as use of procurement services procurement modality and instruments, local procurement etc.

 

 

5. Innovation, products and markets

 

• Contribute to pilots and support the actual roll-out of new products in close collaboration with supervisor, Technical Officer and Product Innovation Centre.
• Support initiatives for promote critical thinking, innovative approaches and good practices on procurement and supply chain management within the organization as well as with externals to ensure effective and efficient supply chains for children.
• Further to analysis of supply spend and related procurement strategies, support initiatives to ensure local market development where relevant, including in collaboration with MSFC on market shaping initiatives, price increase for raw materials etc.

 

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

 

Education:

• A university degree is required in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Contract/Commercial Law, International Development or related social science field.

 

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required. However, candidates with 5 years of relevant experience mainly in the procurement, contract management and supply chain management will preferred.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Emergency experience is an advantage. 
• Supply chain management experience is an advantage.

 

Language Requirements:  Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) 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: UNICEF Values

 

The 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

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be 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 canceled.

 

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, will be prioritized, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.