UN Volunteer - Supply Chain Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has helped millions of individuals restart their lives, including refugees, returnees, stateless people, and asylum-seekers. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, while also striving for lasting solutions to refugee crises. UNHCR promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, welcoming applicants from various backgrounds and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will be based in Panama City and will work for the UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Panama, which oversees operations in several countries including Panama, Nicaragua, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Belize, and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. The incumbent will support the fleet management and supply chain functions, which encompass planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, and warehousing management. The role requires maintaining ethical and customer-oriented relations with suppliers and partner organizations, as well as collaborating with other UN agencies and international organizations. The selected candidate will report directly to the Associate Finance Officer and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with supply chain rules and procedures to facilitate timely and quality delivery of goods and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake various tasks, including: supporting supply chain activities to ensure timely delivery of goods and services; assisting in the preparation of plans for the delivery of relief and non-food items; updating information in IT systems; preparing purchase requests and dispatching approved Purchase Orders; monitoring asset and fleet pools in coordination with Global Fleet Management; preparing order and disposal forms for fleet and asset-related cases; producing standard asset management reports; identifying and assessing vendors for their capability to deliver commodities and services; maintaining accurate data in relevant business systems; compiling statistical information on supply chain matters; and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations in all supply activities. The volunteer may also perform other related duties as required by the Senior Management Team or direct supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong accountability, adaptability, commitment to continuous learning, communication skills, ethics, integrity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, respect for diversity, and teamwork. These competencies are essential for effectively carrying out the responsibilities of the position and contributing to the overall mission of UNHCR.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of supply chain operations and effectively managing the various tasks associated with the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a background in supply chain management or logistics, with experience in procurement, fleet management, or related fields being highly desirable. Familiarity with UN procurement rules and regulations is an advantage, as is experience working in an international or multicultural environment. The level of experience required may vary, but candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of supply chain processes and the ability to work effectively in a team setting.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory, as it is essential for daily communication and interaction in Panama City. Knowledge of English is also beneficial, particularly for engaging with international colleagues and stakeholders, but it is not widely spoken in local shops and services. Additional language skills may enhance a candidate's profile, especially if they are relevant to the regions served by UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a family duty station with good infrastructure and a relatively safe environment. The cost of living is high, particularly for housing and health services, but accommodation is available in the private market. The city offers a range of recreational activities, including shopping, dining, and access to beaches. The climate is hot and humid, with a rainy season lasting eight months. UN spouses are eligible for work permits, and UN staff members receive tax exemption cards for shops and restaurants.