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 Champion!

Under the direct guidance of the Chief of Operations the incumbent manages the supply and logistics operations of a complex nature with significant impact on programme delivery, services, supply and logistic, processes and systems, requiring advanced professional technical mastery and expertise in support of operations and programme objectives. Accountable for effective planning, contracting, procurement of both supplies and services, distribution, inventory management of UNICEF's supplies, in support of the Country Programmes. 

How can you make a difference? 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS:

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. Provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply needs and situations facing children and families, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money.

• Responsible for logistics/supply planning through coordination with Operations/Programme Sections.
• Provides technical advice on specifications, supply and logistics arrangements facilitating cost-effective efficient procurement, customs clearance, inventory management and distribution of supplies and equipment, in support of the country programme implementation.
• Participate in the Country Programme strategy planning preview and reviews to advise on supply/logistics requirements for the of Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans.
• Develops Supply/Logistics component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of supplies to all project sites.
• Ensure systems are in place for end user monitoring of supplies.

2. Ensure sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability.

• Establish and maintain contacts with the Supply Division in Copenhagen on supply procurement and shipping policies.
• Interprets and advises the management of the country office on policies and procedures impacting on offshore and local procurement and delivery.
• Maintains links with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies.
• Oversee the overall preparation of appropriate documentation: cash and supply requisitions, purchase orders, long term arrangements, CRC submissions etc.
• Act as secretary and adviser to the CRC.
• Establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport immigration authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of UNICEF supplies, in keeping with established protocol.
• Ensure preparation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc.
• Regularly create and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging and incoming supplies information.

3.  Ensure that effective support is provided to develop Government capacity in supply chain management.

• Assess gaps in national supply chain systems and position UNICEF’s assistance
• Provides technical and advisory support to government and partners on supply chain management issues.
• Plan, design and conduct training for Government partners in supply management, customs clearance, distribution and inventory management. .
• Provide effective training and coaching to the staff/consultants in supply chain as required.
• Plan gradual hand over of logistics to the Government.

4. Supervise and manage effective procurement, local and/or offshore, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality.

• Ensure procurement is done in accordance to UNICEF financial rules and regulations and  supply policies, and efficient work processes are in place
• Supervise the Supply and Logistics Section staff, and ensure implementation of the section's work plan.
• Conduct local procurement of both supplies and services through issuance of tenders, bid adjudication and contract management.
• Conduct market research, identify and recommend potential local suppliers.
• Gather and maintain data on and evaluate local supply sources' overall performance, (competitive pricing, cost-effectiveness, product quality and timely delivery,).
• Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement through regular contacts with the Action   Office(s).
• Communicates and reports quality issues with respect to supplies and/or service agreements.

5. Collaboration and Partnership

• Coordinate with the Programme Section on supply planning, providing technical advice on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme.
• Provide advice to the Country Office and Government on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with Supply Division on supply policy and/or activities.
• Team with the Programme Section and other members of the Operations Section to facilitate procurement as well as efficient customs clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment.
• Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities including distribution, monitoring supply inputs, and inventory. Drive forward ‘’UN procuring as one’’
• Coordinate Procurement Services.
• Inform Programs of slow moving inventory, upcoming field distributions or deliveries, incoming materials and quality issues to ensure maximum use of available transportation, warehousing space, manpower and other resources.
• Drive the localization of production agenda in Nigeria

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Engineering, International Development, Contract/commercial Law or specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting. Equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.).

• Work Experience: Ten years of relevant professional work experience. Both national and international work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related fields. Work experience in emergency duty station.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 

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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.