Procurement Associate (DRC Census & Humanitarian)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization emphasizes the importance of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA's mission is articulated through its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which aims to respond to complex global challenges and enhance resilience and renewal in various contexts. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, focusing on ensuring the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and other program supplies. UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, delivering high-impact results and fostering effective partnerships in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate (DRC Census & Humanitarian) plays a crucial role within the Humanitarian Supplies Team (HST) of the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). Reporting to the Humanitarian Supplies Specialist (Team Lead), the Associate is responsible for providing high-level technical and administrative support to the DRC Census and humanitarian portfolios. This position is pivotal in ensuring end-to-end visibility of commodities, bridging the gap between global sourcing and the complex delivery requirements of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Associate will work closely with various stakeholders, including SCMU colleagues, country office management, and external partners, to facilitate effective procurement processes and ensure that supplies are delivered efficiently and effectively to meet humanitarian needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Associate will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Strategic Procurement Support: Conducting market research for specialized census equipment, assisting in managing Global Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), and supporting technical bid evaluations for complex requirements.
• Operational 'End-to-End' Visibility: Collaborating with the DRC Country Office to develop procurement plans, monitoring core commodity transactions, and managing the 'Green Light to Ship' process.
• Third-Party Monitoring & Quality Assurance: Facilitating the contracting of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and ensuring compliance with quality standards for census materials.
• Data Analytics & Reporting: Maintaining dashboards for tracking spend, lead times, and vendor performance, and updating the SCMU DRC Control Tower with real-time data.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Country Office Liaison: Acting as a liaison between the SCMU and the DRC Country Office, coordinating procurement processes, and supporting cross-functional collaboration within SCMU.
• Additional duties as required by the Chief, SCMU in consultation with the UNFPA Representative in the DRC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University degree at the Bachelor Level in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, International Commerce, or a related field. A professional Supply Chain Management certification such as Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) at Level 2 and/or Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK) at Level 2 is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations, particularly in development and/or complex humanitarian environments. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain partnerships are essential, along with experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and proficiency in report writing and presentations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related disciplines. Additional certifications in supply chain management or logistics are advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in this area.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least six years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations. Experience in development and/or complex humanitarian operating environments, particularly in low-resource countries, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the unique challenges and regulations in these contexts will be beneficial. Experience in a matrix organizational structure and knowledge of UNFPA frameworks will also be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with a high working knowledge of French to facilitate coordination with the DRC office. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The duration of the assignment is six months, with the possibility of extension. The position is based on-site at the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) premises in UN City, Copenhagen, although a remote working modality may be considered based on the candidate's level of experience. Occasional travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) may be required, and candidates must be willing to travel on short notice. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.