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.

You can watch our video to learn more about UNICEF Türkiye Country Office and a glance of our worklife.

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

For every child, 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. 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? 

Key Accountabilities, Duties and Tasks

1. Planning

• In consultation with the supervisor, provide input to the Country Programme Action Planning and advise on Supply requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans including supply plans. Participate in the forecasting, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the supply chain operations, including establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of products and services.
• Support regular local market surveys to identify, evaluate, and maintain a roster of qualified suppliers, ensuring procurement of goods and services at optimal cost, quality, and value. Provide analysis of market trends and recommend sourcing strategies to the supervisor and programme teams.
• Serve as a focal point for procurement and contracting planning with programme sections, proactively coordinating needs assessments, advising on optimal procurement strategies, and supporting the development and review of technical specifications, terms of reference, distribution plans, and procurement timelines to ensure timely and efficient delivery of supplies and services.

2. Procurement/contracting (specialized):

• Provide input and advice on the annual supply plan. Conduct data review and analysis for category management and development of procurement strategies. Conduct market research in relevant areas for UNICEF and advise on best approaches to obtain best value for money and sustainable procurement. Support product innovation and market shaping initiatives for specific categories of supplies and services.
• Liaise with colleagues in planning procurement and contracting initiatives, supporting development of appropriate specifications, terms of reference, and logistics arrangements and timelines. Take into account opportunities to strengthen sustainability of supply chains.
• Support the establishment of 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. Maintain the 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 Contracts Review Committee (CRC). Prepare purchase orders and contracts in VISION/SAP (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning system), and submit relevant approvals, ensuring completeness of documentation in UNICEF systems.
• Keep stakeholders/partners informed on the progress. 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 audit.
• Monitor and analyze supply dashboard reports to track key supply and logistics performance indicators. Coordinate with programme sections and supply colleagues to proactively follow up on pending actions, ensuring timely and effective supply responses in support of UNICEF programme implementation.
• Generate and review detailed reports on the status of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), Sales Orders (SOs), Purchase Requisitions (PRs), Purchase Orders (POs), and Institutional Contracts, identifying bottlenecks and discrepancies. Take timely corrective actions in coordination with relevant programme teams and stakeholders, and provide technical input to improve transaction workflows and compliance.

3. In-country logistics (specialized)

• Provide logistics input to the supply plan, including advising on infrastructure constraints (e.g. customs clearance, port capacity, transport options and warehousing capacity) and different delivery mechanisms. Support provision of budget requirements for various delivery modalities and ensure establishment of budget with programme colleagues.
• Liaise with supply colleagues and use supply dashboards to ensure pipeline monitoring and establishment of appropriate logistics capacity. Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement and take action to ensure timely customs clearance of supplies entering the country. Perform research, collect data and conduct analysis, produce reports, and ensure information accuracy to enable informed decision-making.
• Keep track of demurrages and detention charges. When applicable, ensure that LTAs are with national clearing agents. Support with Airport/Port/Shipping Line for waiver of demurrage/detention charges whenever required.
• Provide specialized support in the area of logistics, following standard processes and contributing, directly or indirectly, to the effective delivery of programme supplies. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support logistics operations management and contribute to effective service delivery.
• Identify needs for contracting of logistics third party services (e.g. customs clearance, warehousing, transport, distribution) and support in the management of contracting of such service providers including establishment of KPIs and performance monitoring mechanisms.
• Manage documentation processing for execution of logistics operations (e.g. customs clearance, invoice verification), and take appropriate actions to resolve operational issues, escalating complex issues to the supervisor.

4. Warehousing and inventory management (specialized)

• Support in the arrangement of UNICEF warehouse facilities and operations in line with UNICEF policies and procedures. Assess warehousing capacity including facilities, conditions of equipment, manpower, and processes. Propose corrective actions to supervisor. Assess new warehouse facilities when required. If necessary, implement and organize new warehouse facilities which may include installation and assembly of temporary warehouse structures (e.g. Wiik-Halls/Rub Halls).
• Maintain appropriate warehousing and inventory management processes in support of the country's programme implementation. Ensure accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are in place, and relevant records are properly maintained.
• Assess availability of space and prepare stacking and storage plans to ensure appropriate storage and optimize use of space.
• Supervise receipt of consignments and dispatch of supplies.
• Prepare stock reports. Monitor inventory tracking trends and account for the inventory status from source to beneficiary. Carry out regular physical counts of inventory in the warehouse. Prepare documentation for commodity disposal through Property Survey Board committee.

5. Partnership, coordination and collaboration

• Support and contribute to the development of partnerships and collaborative relationships with UN agencies and other partners by participating in joint planning, procurement harmonization efforts, and logistics coordination initiatives. Represent the supply function in inter-agency meetings as required and provide technical input to strengthen collaborative procurement and supply chain arrangements.
• Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with UN organizations to support harmonized and collaborative procurement and logistics arrangements.

6. Supply Chain Strengthening for national/ government supply chains

• In collaboration with Supply colleagues and Programme Sections, support in identifying opportunities for capacity building of Government counterparts and improving the supply chain process to make it more effective.
• Provide operational and logistical support for end-to-end supply chain strengthening initiatives with partners, including active participation in needs assessments, forecasting exercises, and supply planning. Contribute technical input to ensure alignment with programme goals and national priorities.
• Support the organization of capacity-building activities, including training and knowledge-sharing sessions with government and partners, in areas such as last mile delivery, supply chain digitalization, and workforce development. Facilitate logistics and contribute content or technical guidance where relevant.
• Support the coordination with government counterparts and implementing partners to support the implementation of evidence-based supply chain interventions. Monitor progress against country-specific supply chain roadmaps and contribute to reporting and follow-up actions in collaboration with the supervisor.

7. Alternative delivery mechanisms, Procurement Services and Supply Financing

• Facilitate Procurement Services (PS) transactions in collaboration with programme sections and UNICEF Supply Division (SD). As appropriate, support CO counterparts on forecasting and costing of PS-channel supplies. Monitor the issuance of Purchase Orders (POs) and/or Copenhagen Warehouse Stock Transfer Orders on PS Sales Orders. Follow up with SD and UNICEF freight forwarders as needed on timely delivery/shipment of PS orders. Support communications and follow up with COs with regard to partnership requests and negotiations as required.
• Maintain up-to-date files for all Procurement Service transactions, including a system for monitoring the different stages of each transaction.
• Monitor the incoming pipeline of PS shipments. If required based on the division of responsibilities agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cost Estimate (CE), supervise the arrival, customs clearance, storage, packing and in-country distribution of PS commodities to the agreed delivery point.
• Support in the coordination and implementation of financing initiatives, including the Vaccine Independence Initiative (VII) and match fund mechanisms, by providing logistical and administrative assistance. Contribute to monitoring progress, preparing relevant documentation, and liaising with stakeholders to facilitate timely and efficient financing of operations.

8. Localization

• Support in administrative and logistical processes to facilitate national and regional procurement of essential supplies and services, including managing vendor communications and ensuring accurate and timely documentation in compliance with UNICEF policies.
• Support in the planning, organization, and documentation of capacity-building activities for local suppliers and service providers, contributing technical inputs and ensuring follow-up actions to strengthen supplier performance and compliance.
• Provide coordinated administrative and technical support for engagements with local manufacturers, assist in efforts to enhance national production capacity, monitor compliance with quality standards, and promote alignment with UNICEF procurement requirements.

9. Emergency Preparedness

• Supports emergency preparedness and response activities including establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs), Logistics Capacity Assessment and Contingency Plan update, and pre-positioning of stock.
• Coordinate administrative and logistical activities related to emergency supply preparedness, including regular updates to the Emergency Supply List (ESL) and support procurement planning to ensure readiness and timely response.
• Monitor and analyze pre-positioned stock levels, delivery schedules, and warehouse operations, proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and coordinating with relevant teams to minimize delays and strengthen rapid response capabilities during emergencies.

10. Info- and Data management and reporting

• Ensure continuous and accurate availability of procurement-related data, including forecasting, requisitions received, orders placed, incoming goods, and delivery schedules. Analyze data trends to support decision-making and prepare comprehensive periodic and ad-hoc reports to inform management and programme teams.
• Support assessment of and collaboration with implementing partners including civil society, for establishment of Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), and monitoring of supply components under Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).

11. Other duties/responsibilities

• In cases where the incumbent has managerial responsibility of lower-level GS staff, the incumbent will ensure timely and effective performance management of staff, providing practical advice and guidance to ensure individual and team objectives are met.
• In collaboration with supervisor, Supply Division, Regional Office and the global supply community, provide input to help ensure knowledge exchange and learning is prioritized to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.
• Support the development and facilitation of training of newcomers, providing inputs towards establishment of processes or manuals to support effective workflows.

The Supply & Logistic Associates’ impact is founded on the provision of input into the design and development of improved services, systems and delivery processes. The impact directly affects the quality and timeliness of the delivery of a range of different specialized services for which the unit is accountable. Working with a high degree of operational independence, Associates are accountable for the achievement of overall service delivery results to clients.

Their client interface focuses on handling specialized and complex supply chain processes and delivery of services to clients. They liaise with concerned clients and with suppliers to solve issues on purchase orders, contracts, delivery, and payments. These relationships are important to ensure that service standards and deadlines are met, and that proposals and actions adhere to policies and rules. The Associates’ work relationships require skills to promote understanding and acceptance of regulations, rules and procedures and/or otherwise improve client services.

External contacts involve liaising with similar organizations for collaboration, research and data / information gathering to compile and assess best practices. Furthermore, extensive external contact with suppliers is required, including negotiating or clarifying unique, complex issues or processes. Collaboration with partners and Governments is also applicable.

 

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: Completion of secondary education is required. Professional and/or university courses related to the field of work are highly desirable.

Work Experience:

• Minimum six years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management or in a commercial context is required.
• For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a relevant field may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace an additional two years.
• Experience working in an international organization, civil society organization and in an emergency setting is considered an asset.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chines, French, Russian or Spanish) or local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

For Skills and Capabilities Required please refer to the Job Description.  Supply & Logistics Associate G6.doc

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…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  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.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

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, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.