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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, [insert tagline]

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.

The Supply and Logistics Associate reports to the Supply and Logistics Specialist as per the Country Office (CO) set-up as well as Supply Division (SD) activities in China facilitating various SD engagement in China market, one of the biggest suppliers of UNICEF purchased goods. Having insiders understanding of Chinese market, direct contact and communication with Chinese authorities, vendors, market influencers, logistics providers, other UN Agencies, should provide more efficient access to desired products and expedite procurement processes.

1. UNICEF’s current objectives in that particular office/division; and

UNICEF China office plays a strategic role in supporting UNICEF’s global humanitarian work. In response to rapidly increasing humanitarian and development needs, UNICEF marked its sixth consecutive year of record-breaking procurement in 2022. China has been one of the top supply markets for UNICEF.

UNICEF purchases a variety of products from the China market, including but not limited to vaccines, medical supplies, and educational materials. In addition, the complex regulatory environment in China market plays a significant role in UNICEF's global humanitarian work.

With China’s strengths in producing and delivering high quality goods and services, there is an opportunity for UNICEF China to partner with government authorities in China and other public and private sectors to realize the rights of more children in humanitarian and development contexts globally.

2. The specific role of the position’s section in contributing to their achievement: The Supply Section in the China office is managing both supply chain activities and partnership building with multiple stakeholders to proactively identify the challenges, foresee potential changes, and initiate innovative solutions and opportunities to ensure agile supply chain activities and optimal results of UNICEF’s global humanitarian response.

How can you make a difference? 

The Supply and Logistics Associate reports to the Supply and Logistics Specialist for supervision and guidance.

The incumbent collaborates with internal clients at the China Country Office and the Supply Division to define supply interventions that meet programme management needs and implement the Supply Value Proposition, which involves critical activities such as research, analysis, communication, coordination, supply chain management, strategic planning, partnership building and event management activities.

Other key functions of this role includes market intelligence management, driving innovation, networking and knowledge sharing, and ensuring effective supply chain service delivery and emergency response.

To ensure efficient and effective supply chain activities in the China market, this role will build and maintain strategic partnerships with government authorities and the public and private sectors in China to systematically enhance supply chain agility at UNICEF.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Support to implement the Supply Value Proposition

• Assist in Data Collection: Gather and compile data (for example, the issues and bottlenecks) to support supply chain strengthening and change management initiatives.

• Support Coordination: Assist in organizing meetings and coordinating with program colleagues on capacity development initiatives.

• Basic Analysis: Help analyze data to support advisory services on procurement services and local market development.

• Work Plan Support: Assist in drafting and tracking the Supply and Logistics work plan and procurement plans. Additionally, assist in monitoring the global UNICEF tender calendar and proactively identifying opportunities to disseminate procurement notices through relevant Chinese partners.

• Supply and Logistics Support: Provide support on contract management and logistics tasks such as pre-delivery inspection, warehousing, customs/export clearance, and transport arrangements as required.

2. Innovation, products and markets

• Participate in Pilot Projects: Assist senior staff in pilot projects and the rollout of new products and services.

• Conduct Basic Market Research: Perform market research to identify supply gaps and barriers under guidance.

• Support Initiatives: Help in promoting innovative approaches and good practices in supply chain management.

• Vendor Identification: Assist in identifying and evaluating potential vendors for product development.

3. China market intelligence

• Regulation Monitoring: Monitor government procurement and market/supply regulations and report findings to senior staff.

• Market Analysis: Conduct basic market analysis to track trends in supply, demand, and product availability.

• Procurement Support: Assist in drafting product specifications and supporting competitive tendering processes.

4. Networking and knowledge sharing

• Establish Contacts: Help establish and maintain contacts with relevant government authorities and vendors to facilitate smooth processes in various areas of supply, logistics, product production and warehousing.

• Support Training Sessions: Assist in organizing and delivering training sessions for vendors about UNICEF/UN procurement frameworks.

• Information Sharing: Support the delivery of information sessions to the Supply Division and China Country Office on the China market and tendering processes.

5. Supply chain service delivery and emergency response

• Emergency Coordination Support: Participate in emergency coordination meetings and provide logistical support as required.

• Working Relations: Assist in establishing and maintaining working relations with Regional Chiefs of Supply and Supply Division.

• Contribute to Improvements: Support the development of improved practices to enhance supply chain service delivery.

Impact of Results

Together with other colleagues in the Supply team  at the UNICEF China office,  this position will facilitate the implementation of the Supply Value Proposition in collaboration with the Supply Division.

The objectives of the Supply Value Propisiton includs utilizing China’s supplier network for essential supplies and leveraging Chinese expertises to strengthen global humanitarian responses and other initiatives, such as local production and manufacturing in Africa.

This in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility of UNICEF as an effective and responsible manager of funds entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEF image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable program results for children.

UNICEF can drive progress and create opportunities that optimize supply chain processes, empowering supply chain partners to better fulfill UNICEF's vital mission—not only in humanitarian work but also in advancing sustainable procurement globally.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: 

Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to supply chain, business administration, contract/commercial law, or another relevant technical field.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 6 years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management, coordination, operations management, or a commercial context is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work is an advantage.
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace an additional two years.

Skills: 

• Skills to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of supply chain processes, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, logistics and delivery, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of supply chain issues, ethics, and risk management of supply chain operations.

Language Requirements: 

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as 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…

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

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.  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.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates with disability 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.

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.