Consultancy: Remote-based Supply Chain Design Specialist

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 in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that reproductive health and rights are prioritized globally. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, and gender equality. UNFPA's Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, tasked with ensuring effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and supplies. The organization emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Service Desk pilot in Dakar, West and Central Africa (WCA). The consultant will evaluate the operational performance and impact of the WCA Regional SCM Desk against its original objectives, assess the effectiveness of the current structure, and identify best practices and systemic bottlenecks encountered during the pilot phase. The consultant will also assess the feasibility of scaling the model to other regions and develop a strategic roadmap for expansion or recommend alternative solutions. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including SCMU leadership and regional office colleagues, to ensure that supply chain considerations are integrated into program planning and execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for analyzing the efficiency and effectiveness of the SCM Service Desk in handling procurement, supply planning coordination, last-mile assurance support, logistics coordination, and advisory services to Country Offices (COs). They will review the impact of the Desk on domestic resource mobilization and partner engagement, evaluate the integration of the Desk with digital transformation tools, and assess client engagement strategies. Additionally, the consultant will conduct a governance and structural analysis, reviewing current reporting arrangements and comparing them with other regions. They will conduct stakeholder interviews, synthesize findings into a 'Lessons Learnt' report, and draft a 'Global SCM Service Desk Blueprint' if findings support global expansion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or related fields. A minimum of 7 years of experience in international supply chain management is required, with previous experience within the UN system or international NGOs considered a strong asset. Candidates should have a proven track record in evaluating decentralized operational models and organizational design, as well as a deep understanding of procurement, logistics, and last-mile assurance in fragile and humanitarian contexts. The ability to synthesize complex data from digital platforms into strategic recommendations is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or related areas is required for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage supply chains in complex environments.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in international supply chain management. This experience should include working in diverse and challenging contexts, particularly within the UN system or international NGOs. Familiarity with evaluating decentralized operational models and organizational design is crucial, as is a deep understanding of procurement and logistics in fragile and humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA. Proficiency in French is highly desirable, given the operational context of the WCA region and the need for effective communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for eight weeks, with consultants working Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30, following the current schedule of SCMU in Copenhagen. The consultancy will be conducted on a fully remote basis, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process.