Consultant for Supply Chain Management Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to deliver life-saving reproductive health products and services, particularly in humanitarian contexts, and is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes transformative results, including ending preventable maternal deaths and gender-based violence, and aims to build forward better in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for reproductive health products.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) at UNFPA, specifically within the Logistics Management Services (LMS) team. The primary focus will be on developing and implementing a comprehensive stock management strategy that aligns with UNFPA's organizational priorities. This position requires a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches, advanced data analytics, and process optimization to enhance global stock management practices. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including procurement teams, regional and country offices, and external partners, to ensure that stock strategies are responsive to partner needs and improve supply chain visibility and efficiency. The consultant will also provide technical expertise in stock strategy design, business process mapping, and performance monitoring, ultimately contributing to the operational readiness of UNFPA's supply chain.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key areas: 1) Supporting the design and implementation of UNFPA’s global stock management strategy, including the development of KPIs and monitoring frameworks. 2) Leading data collection and analysis of stock-related data to improve visibility and decision-making, including the creation of dashboards and forecasting models. 3) Mapping and reviewing existing stock management processes to propose improvements and support digitalization efforts. 4) Developing training materials and knowledge products to enhance capacity-building initiatives for staff on stock strategy and data utilization. 5) Collaborating with SCMU colleagues and external partners to ensure coherence in stock strategy implementation and contributing to donor reporting on stock-related performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field. A certification such as CIPS Level 2 or CILT at intermediate qualification (Level 3) is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain, logistics, or inventory management, preferably in the public health or humanitarian sectors. Demonstrated expertise in global inventory management, supply and demand planning, and data analytics is essential. Candidates should also have experience with ERP systems and logistics visibility platforms, as well as strong communication skills to convey complex data effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Inventory and Replenishment Planning, Demand and Supply Planning, International Commerce/Trade, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in supply chain management are advantageous and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in supply chain, logistics, or inventory management at a global or regional level. Candidates should have a proven track record in inventory management, including stock optimization and risk management, as well as experience in data analytics and visualization tools to monitor stock performance and inform decision-making.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time, and while the specific contract duration is not mentioned, candidates should be prepared for a role that may involve international collaboration. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes gender parity and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. UNFPA does not charge any fees related to the application or recruitment process.