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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, a vision.

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi's 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union's Agenda 2063; UNICEF's Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Transformative Agenda.

UNICEF Malawi procures 70 to 80 million USD per annum worth of supplies for the achievement of programmatic objectives. As the Supply Officer for UNICEF Malawi, your role is crucial in conducting procurement activities efficiently and cost-effectively. Your responsibility is to ensure that the procurement process achieves the principle of value for  money, ultimately benefiting the women and children of Malawi. This role is particularly exciting as it directly impacts saving lives during emergencies and addressing deprivations in development programmes by providing fit-for-purpose goods and services. Your expertise in procurement will significantly contribute to the overall success of the office's supply operations.

How can you make a difference?

Malawi Country Office presents an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join the Supply and Logistics team. Under the guidance and supervision of the Procurement Specialist, you will have the responsibility of managing the procurement of goods and services as required. This involves conducting competitive tendering process and selecting the best suppliers and vendors. Additionally, you will collaborate with various programmes to understand their supply needs and support your supervisor and team in developing sourcing strategies that are both cost-effective and efficient. Monitoring the performance of the procurement unit to ensure timely procurement is also part of the role.

This temporary position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated, and committed individual to have a significant impact on children's access to essential supplies and services for their survival and development. By excelling in this role, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children with professional excellence and by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:

Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Preparation of Annual Work Plans – Assist in the preparation of the annual work plan for the Supply team, including setting priorities, targets, and performance measurements.

2. Supply Chain Service Delivery and Emergency Response - Monitor and review supply expenditures and draft procurement plan based on category management to focus on strategic and essential supplies and services.

3. Collaboration with Programme and Implementing Partners -  Actively engage with programme sections and partners to proactively implement supply plans , and monitor progress.

4. Technical and Advisory Support to Government/National Systems -  Contribute to strengthening and change management initiatives in supply chains with governments and partners to ensure effective supply chains for children.

5. Innovation, Products, and Markets – Contribute to pilots and support the roll-out of new products and services in collaboration with the supervisor and Supply Division.

You are encouraged to download the detailed Terms  of Reference  for NOB Supply Officer in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Education:

• A university degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Contract/Commercial Law, International Development or  Health supplies is required.

• A valid relevant professional certification in supply, logistics, procurement or contracting is an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of relevant experience in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration, and legal compliance related to engaging suppliers, as well as in negotiation, long-term strategy development, or other directly related technical experience  is required at both national and international levels.
• Relevant experience gained from development and humanitarian organizations  is required.
• Demonstrated experience in working with multiple customers to achieve  efficient and cost effective delivery of supplies is highly desirable.
• Experience in emergency settings is an advantage.

Technical knowledge and skills:

•  Technical knowledge of supply chain emergency response is highly desired.

• Health supply chain management experience will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of UNICEF Procurement Services will be an advantage.

Language:

•   Fluency in English and a local language, both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

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…

(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.

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. 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.

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 that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF.

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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

To effectively contribute to the delivery of results for the children of Malawi, the UNICEF Malawi Country Office operates within a dynamic and results-oriented setting. We foster an environment characterized by creativity, innovation, collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to professional growth, and a safe workspace. Consequently, we are actively searching for individuals who are driven to enact tangible change and dedicated to serving Malawi's children with resourcefulness, resilience, agility, and a commitment to professional excellence.