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, Commitment

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 favouritism. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, nutrition, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil 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? 

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the P3 Supply Specialist (Supply Section), the incumbent will coordinate the planning and implementing of a sound and sustainable procurement process, including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management and performance measurement UNICEF’s construction works, in support of operations and program objectives.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

 Below is a summary of key functions and accountabilities.

1. Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes and government counterparts through involvement of in programme supply planning and preparation for implementation of supply component as well as monitoring and evaluation.
2. Conduct surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
3. Preparation of BLPA requests with supporting documents related to construction activities and share with Supply Division HQ for approval.
4. Prepare Statement of Works, Terms of Reference, solicitation documents, Contracts, Grant Agreements and other documents required for project implementation in cooperation with UNICEF Construction Unit, Contracting Centre in Copenhagen.
5. Assist in bidding processes; manage the pre-qualification and short-listing of bidders, preparations of bids, issuance of bids, pre-bid conference, receipt and opening of bids Coordinate the tender evaluation process (Technical and financial) after bid opening and bid evaluation, recommendation of award, contracts negotiations, contract finalization and issuance.
6. Develop and implement systems for internal control that would ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions, in collaboration with the program team.
7. Make recommendations for payments upon review of certified invoices from construction engineers.
8. Monitor and analyse contract performance against agreed benchmarks and through agreed reporting mechanism. Advise Construction Manager on any potential issues and recommend remedial actions or solutions.
9. Negotiate, within the terms and conditions of the contract, solutions to conflicts/problems arising in case of poor performance or non-compliance with contractual obligations.
10. Frequently convene meetings with contractors to allow ample opportunity for the identification and early resolution of potential disputes.
11. Realize syntheses of lessons learnt and best practices in procurement /contract management.
12. Develop appropriate contract management tools, guidelines and manuals for standardization and knowledge sharing purposes.
13. Ensure key meetings and work procedures are properly documented and institutionalized.
14. Engage and involve government counterparts as appropriate, to facilitate contract management as well as to contribute to the capacity building
15. Any other duties as assigned

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

Education:

Advanced degree in Supply Chain management, Business Administration, Contracts/ Commercial law, Construction engineering other relevant areas. A first level university degree with additional three-years of relevant work experience in construction or engineering field may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, Business Administration, supply chain management, contract law site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Working proficiency in Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)
• Emergency experience an advantage, especially in Nigeria, and a willingness to travel to all locations in Nigeria.
• Experience working with the UN systems in similar function is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with working with SAP systems.
• Working experience in UN or other international development organization is an asset.
•  

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: 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.  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 female candidates 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.