Development Supplies Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, tasked with ensuring the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and other program supplies.

Job Overview:
The Development Supplies Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the Development Supplies Team within the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). This position is integral to the procurement services operations, ensuring that supplies are procured efficiently and effectively in alignment with UNFPA's strategic goals. The Associate will work closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including regional and country offices, to facilitate procurement processes and ensure timely delivery of supplies. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing demands within the supply chain context. The Associate will also contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives and knowledge sharing within the organization, advocating for best practices in supply chain management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Supplies Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the Development Supplies Procurement Team Lead in day-to-day procurement operations, ensuring alignment with UNFPA’s Strategic Plan.
• Designing and implementing procurement strategies that facilitate efficient procurement of supplies.
• Providing counsel to Regional and Country Offices on local procurement actions and facilitating the publication of procurement solicitations through the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM).
• Ensuring compliance with UNFPA procurement policies and procedures, including the review and approval of procurement orders.
• Leading coordination of sourcing and procurement activities for non-Long-Term Agreement (LTA) items.
• Advocating for and implementing capacity-strengthening initiatives for supply chain professionals.
• Engaging with industry experts and participating in relevant forums to promote UNFPA's supply chain thought leadership.
• Establishing effective collaboration with stakeholders to ensure tailored solutions for supply chain interventions.
• Representing SCMU in meetings related to supply chain management functions. 1
• Supervising team members and creating a conducive working environment, if applicable. 1
• Carrying out any other duties as required by the Chief, SCMU.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates with a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain partnerships are essential. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required, along with professional written and spoken presentation skills. Knowledge of UNFPA’s strategic plans and operational aspects of sexual and reproductive health commodities is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, commitment to UNFPA's mission, and the ability to embrace cultural diversity and change.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required, with a University degree at the Bachelor Level in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field being an asset. Professional certifications in Supply Chain Management, such as Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK) at Level 2, are additional assets that enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations. However, candidates with a relevant first-level or advanced university degree may qualify with only three years of experience. Experience in development or complex humanitarian environments, particularly in low-resource countries, is highly valued. Candidates should also have experience working in a matrix organizational structure and be familiar with UNFPA’s country classification system and strategic plans.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.