Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-04-01
Job Posting End DateFebruary 4, 2024
Standard Job Description
Assistant Supply Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Supply Officer supports all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing & procurement, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing assets & fleet management within the area of responsibility. The position may be located at Headquarters (within DESS), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office.
The incumbent is normally supervised by the (Senior) Supply Officer or other senior staff with supply oversight function who defines the objectives and provides general guidance. S/he will also refer to UNHCR manuals and relevant policy papers. The incumbent may supervise some staff and/or AWF.
In Bureaus and country operations s/he maintains regular contacts on working level with other UN agencies, UNHCR Partners, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors in the area of operation.
S/he will support effective supply chain that enables the office to meet the needs of persons of concerns as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to persons of concern. Further, the incumbent will assist in the maintenance of a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with effective partners to support supply activities.
The Assistant Supply Officer maintains impartial, ethical and customer-oriented relations with suppliers and Partner organizations; exchanges information with counterparts in other UN agencies, and International Organisations within the limits established by UN /UNHCR Procurements Rules and assists with joint procurement actions if, as and whenever necessary.
The incumbent will support the coordination of the delivery of assistance from the regional warehouse, if applicable. S/he will liaise with SMS staff who manage the Global Stockpiles and who manage the Global Asset and Fleet Management, if and as required and if applicable.
Contacts are predominantly with other UN agencies, Implementing partners and Government Departments on relevant subject matters at the working level.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Support all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, asset and fleet management, as applicable.
- Support the procurement process to ensure timely, cost-effective and adequate delivery of commodities and services to support operational needs.
- Identify partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the UNHCR Partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide timely reports and updates both periodically and on request.
- Manage tender processes and assist in the preparation of proposals for award of contracts to the relevant CoCs.
- Prepare plans for delivery of relief and other non-food items according to the operational needs and regularly update the information in UNHCR IT systems.
- Apply UNHCR's sourcing and procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services.
- Ensure timely customs clearance of consignments and manage warehousing according to \"best practices\" and UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Maintain an efficient system for the release, and redeployment of goods.
- Coordinate the release and transportation and of relief and other non-food items.
- Analyse matters relating to sourcing & procurement activities, and deliver information on all sourcing & procurement activities within area of responsibility. Provide guidance and advice on UNHCR procurement policies and procedures to support and assist requesting sections.
- Provides asset management reports, customised reports, and gathers information on all assets and provides in-depth reports periodically and when requested.
- Analyse the quality of commodities and services delivered in relation to the needs of the location and established quality standards. Establish a local quality assurance process.
- Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain related data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyse statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain related matters that will assist in decision making.
- Disseminate, promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR's global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management.
In the Regional Bureaux:
- Support Country Operations on how to implement supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented.
- Track the progress of specific periodic operations and provide guidance that ensures timely implementation.
- Assist in coaching and advising individuals or Supply teams as requested.
- Track global Supply KPIs for the region and devise regional ones as required.
- Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, and year-end accounts closure procedures and ensure that they are implemented throughout the region and provide relevant reports to senior managers.
- Assist country operations in MSRP management.
- Support the analysis of country financial reports and work with the Country Operations Supply Team leaders to address red areas relating to Supply aspects of operations.
- Support the country needs assessment plans and assist in combining them into regional procurement plans and monitor their timely implementation and changes based on operational needs.
In the Country Operations:
- Ensure that the local supply chain functions are optimised and aligned with the operations' evolving needs and management systems, and there is an infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate operational volatile requirements.
- Coordinate supply activities of UNHCR Partners and/or contractors performing supply related activities, and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Through regular physical verification of PPE establish their status.
- Propose old and obsolete PPE for disposal and plan for arrival of replacement items.
- Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, saves cost and safeguards the investment of the organisation including receipt, inspection, registration & marking of new Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE), and organisation of the physical verification of PPE.
- Ensure that PPE agreements are properly issued and signed. Ensure proper preparation of disposal forms and cases for the Asset Management Board. Organize the disposal of PPE according to Asset Management Board decisions.
- Adapt local supply chain structures to be consistent with the operational needs. Ensure effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt local process to the prevailing environment.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Business Administration,
Engineering,
Logistics,
Supply Chain Management,
International Commerce
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Supply Chain Learning Programme
Fritz Institute Certificate in Humanitarian Logistics (CHL)
Certificate from Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies, e.g. CFIPS, CMIPS, MCIPS;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.
Desirable
Other UN procurement and logistics training ยฟ such as IAPSO and UNPD.
Functional Skills
SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management
IT-Computer Literacy
SC-Supply Planning
SC-Customs clearance
SC-Logistics
SC-Warehouse Management
SC-Fleet Management
SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures
SC-Asset Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile This vacancy is open to: Internal UNHCR candidates and candidates with UNHCR Experience.
The candidate should have solid and proven experience in data management and ability to analyze large volumes of data to synthesize trends. The incumbent shall have the ability to setup KPIs, analyze performance and report in clear and concise manner to various audiences. A demonstrated project management experience is an asset. The candidate should have excellent drafting skills and command of both English and Spanish languages, as well as proven working experience with commonly used data analysis tools (Excel, PowerBI, etc.). The Assistant Supply Officer should have solid experience in dealing with procurement and logistics matters, ideally in a UN agency. The candidate should have a good command of public procurement rules and regulations as well as be conversant with warehouse and Inventory management matters such as logistics/customs clearance, transportation and related topics. S/he needs to have sound demonstrated skills in negotiations with vendors, vendor management and contract administration. He/She must have ability to work in cross-cultural environments and be proactive, independent, passionate, and hardworking. Demonstrated awareness of the political and security challenges which may impact the normal delivery of the required functions is needed. The candidate should have previous experience in working under stressful environment.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
The Assistant Supply Officer works under the supervision of the Supply Officer. The Regional Supply Unit oversees and provides technical support and guidance to all countries in the region as well as the outposted HQ Division units collocating with the Bureau. The position supports the work of the Regional Supply Unit with data analysis and management, implementing the regional supply communication and reporting strategy, through the preparation of reports and trends analysis to a varied group of stakeholders and acts as a focal point for user support and supply help desk for the operations in the region. The position further will analyze performance KPIs, compliance with procedures and regulations, and support the oversight function the regional unit provides. The incumbent will have demonstrated knowledge of public sector supply chain management, with preference given to candidates with proven skills in UN supply chain management rules, regulations and procedures.
Living and Working Conditions:
Panama City is classified 'A' Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. -In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level '1 minimal' whereas for Dariรฉn Province (border with Colombia) it is security level '2 low'. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. -UNHCR offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called 'Ciudad del Saber' where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc.
The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. -In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighboring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common week end activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Commerce, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Logistics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Supply Chain Management
CertificationsFritz Humanitarian Logistics - Other, HCR Supply Chain Learning Program - UNHCR, Institute of Purchasing and Supply - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance