Assistant Supply Officer (Proximity Sourcing Specialist)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR works in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR also strives to improve the lives of refugees and displaced people through various programs and initiatives, including the Proximity Sourcing project, which aims to enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Supply Officer (Proximity Sourcing Specialist) will play a crucial role in supporting the Proximity Sourcing project, which is a supply chain innovation initiative by UNHCR. This project focuses on sourcing Core Relief Items (CRIs) such as blankets, tents, and hygiene kits from suppliers located near the final beneficiary destinations. The aim is to minimize transit times, costs, and environmental impact during emergency responses. The incumbent will conduct targeted market research to identify viable local CRI suppliers, enabling faster and greener aid delivery. The position requires comprehensive market research, data collection and analysis, supplier validation, and the development of a sourcing strategy that aligns with UNHCR's humanitarian principles and sustainability goals. The successful candidate will be responsible for mapping CRI suppliers, analyzing proximity feasibility, engaging stakeholders, and tracking progress through regular updates and evaluations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Supply Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: conducting market scans for CRI categories in target regions and delivering detailed reports; identifying potential suppliers with verified capacity and creating a supplier database; analyzing proximity feasibility in terms of quality, pricing, and compliance; engaging stakeholders through virtual and in-person assessments; producing a Proximity sourcing strategy with projected impacts; tracking progress through bi-weekly updates; supporting the Project Coordinator in donor reporting; preparing capacity building materials for field engagement; and assisting in the preparation of field visits to potential suppliers’ facilities. The incumbent will also monitor performance through agreed project milestones and ensure timely delivery of outputs, including market assessments, supplier profiles, and analytical reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Law. Professional certifications in procurement are highly desirable. The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or no experience with a Graduate or Doctorate degree. Relevant experience should be in public-sector procurement, supply chain management, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on international experience. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting procurement reviews and managing complex procurement processes, particularly in the context of fundraising.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or university degree in relevant fields such as Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Law. Candidates with a first-level degree may be considered if they have additional relevant experience. Professional certifications in procurement are highly desirable and can enhance a candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The Assistant Supply Officer (Proximity Sourcing Specialist) position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or no experience with a Graduate degree; or no experience with a Doctorate degree. Relevant experience should be in public-sector procurement, supply chain management, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on international experience. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting procurement reviews and managing complex procurement processes, particularly in the context of fundraising.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is also required. For National Professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is essential. Additional language skills are considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with 40 working hours per week, based in Budapest, Hungary. The contract duration is from August 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test, and only those shortlisted will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All UNHCR workforce members are expected to contribute to a safe and empowering working environment, demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.