Senior Supply & Logistics Specialist P5

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally and operates in various sectors, including health, education, and emergency response, with a strong focus on humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Supply & Logistics Specialist will be a key member of the Emergency Response Team, deployed up to 70% of the time to Country Offices to manage supply and logistics emergency response activities. This role involves supporting and managing supply and distribution planning, pipeline development, and the rapid expansion of logistics services as required. The incumbent will provide guidance to Country Office management regarding staffing structure changes necessary for emergency response and will facilitate emergency supply communications. The specialist will also build relationships with counterparts in sister UN agencies and support inter-UN trainings. The position requires a proactive approach to establishing supply and logistics response strategies, ensuring efficiency in supply operations, and coordinating with various stakeholders to deliver essential supplies effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Supply & Logistics Specialist include:

• Supporting Country Offices affected by emergencies by establishing adequate supply and logistics response strategies, including supply plans and distribution planning.
• Providing expert advice in supply and logistics during emergency programming processes to ensure timely and cost-effective input.
• Reviewing procurement strategies and coordinating with relevant centers in the Supply Division.
• Ensuring appropriate procedures and systems are in place for efficient supply operations.
• Liaising with Supply Division and other UNICEF offices to implement new initiatives and align with best practices.
• Managing staffing structures for supply and logistics, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and deadlines.
• Overseeing the preparation and review of supply documentation, including requisitions and contracts.
• Advising and supporting NGOs and UN agencies on emergency supply logistics.
• Coordinating logistics with government counterparts and third-party service providers. 1
• Establishing monitoring systems and performing data analysis to improve emergency preparedness and response. 1
• Conducting training for UNICEF staff and counterparts in supply management. 1
• Undertaking field visits to monitor supply inputs and propose improvements. 1
• Supporting the identification of supply considerations in emergency preparedness plans.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Business Administration, Economics, Management, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in supply/logistics management, with at least four years in developing countries and two years at the management level.
• Extensive experience working in emergency settings is essential.
• Knowledge of public procurement, contract negotiations, and administration is required.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills are necessary.
• Understanding of logistical support and supply chain management in emergencies is crucial.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications, including SAP, is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in a relevant field such as Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Business Administration, Economics, or Management. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in supply and logistics management. This includes at least four years of experience in developing countries and two years at a management level. Candidates should have extensive experience working in emergency settings, which is critical for the role's responsibilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset and is desirable for enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term role within UNICEF, which emphasizes the importance of mobility as a condition of international professional employment. The role may require candidates to be deployed to various locations, including hardship duty stations. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must comply with UNICEF's vaccination requirements and undergo background checks as part of the recruitment process.