Last Mile Assurance 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 dedicated to advancing the global agenda on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, while also focusing on building forward better in the post-pandemic world.

Job Overview:
The Last Mile Assurance Associate position is situated within the Country Support Team of the UNFPA Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). This role is pivotal in ensuring that UNFPA programme supplies are effectively managed throughout the supply chain, enhancing visibility and accountability. The associate will report directly to the Last Mile Assurance Analyst and will be responsible for supporting the LMA process, which includes reviewing and proposing updates to guidelines, developing work plans, and managing budgets. The position requires a proactive approach to capacity strengthening, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of supply chain initiatives. The associate will also play a key role in training supply chain professionals and facilitating workshops to enhance the capabilities of UNFPA Country Offices and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Last Mile Assurance Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the LMA process by reviewing and proposing updates to guidelines, enhancing data collection and reporting systems.
• Developing and monitoring the annual LMA work plan, including managing budgets and implementing action plans.
• Identifying and managing third-party service providers to ensure quality deliverables for LMA activities.
• Creating training materials and facilitating workshops for UNFPA Country Offices and partners.
• Collaborating with Country Offices to develop and monitor remedial action plans and supply chain recommendations.
• Aggregating LMA results and preparing reports for stakeholders.
• Supporting UNFPA's capacity-strengthening initiatives and training supply chain professionals.
• Contributing to knowledge sharing and best practices in supply chain management.
• Assisting with resource mobilization proposals and maintaining relationships with donors and partners. 1
• Participating in meetings related to supply chain management functions and carrying out additional duties as required by the Chief of SCMU.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as supply management, quality assurance of medical products, and logistics information systems. This experience is reduced to three years for candidates with a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Candidates should demonstrate advanced knowledge of relational databases, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools, as well as experience in developing standard operating procedures and delivering training. Strong interpersonal skills, professional written and spoken presentation skills, and experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are also required. Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health commodities and experience working in a matrix organizational structure are considered assets.

Educational Background:
A secondary education is required, with a university degree at the Bachelor level in fields such as Medical Science, Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Public Health, International Development, Logistics, Business Administration, Economics, Data Science, Accounting, or Audit being an asset. Professional certifications in Supply Chain Management, quality management systems, or related fields are also advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in supply chain management, with a focus on quality assurance and logistics. Candidates with a relevant degree may qualify with three years of experience. Experience in data analytics, training delivery, and developing standard operating procedures is highly valued. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain partnerships are essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication within the UN system and with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including health insurance and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in hiring, training, and compensation, and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.