Supply Chain Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while providing them with essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services. The organization employs thousands of staff members across its various fields of operation, working tirelessly to support the needs of the refugee population.

Job Overview:
The Supply Chain Officer position at UNRWA is focused on conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current supply chain processes, particularly in relation to medical supplies and inventory management. The officer will be responsible for analyzing existing demand planning, forecasting methodologies, and inventory management practices. This role requires the development of standardized frameworks and methodologies to enhance the accuracy of forecasts and improve supply chain efficiency across all UNRWA fields. The officer will also be tasked with creating an implementation roadmap that includes capacity building packages to ensure sustainable practices are adopted within the organization. The position is expected to last for six months and will involve collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that the supply chain processes align with UNRWA's operational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing supply chain processes, focusing on medical supplies and relevant inventory categories. Assess current forecasting methodologies, planning cycles, and replenishment practices. Analyze historical demand, consumption, procurement, and inventory data. Identify bottlenecks in current end-to-end planning processes and evaluate roles and governance structures related to supply planning. Benchmark practices against WHO, UNICEF, and humanitarian supply chain standards.
• Review and analyze forecasting approaches used across Field Offices and Health Programmes, identifying major drivers of demand variability. Propose a standardized demand planning methodology for medicines and medical supplies, including forecasting models and planning parameters. Establish forecast review processes and develop demand planning calendars.
• Assess current supply planning and replenishment practices, developing an integrated supply planning process aligned with procurement lead times and inventory policies. Recommend inventory planning parameters, including safety stock and reorder points, and develop stock redistribution methodologies.
• Propose a future-state operating model for supply chain management, recommending organizational structures and decision-making frameworks. Develop a Planning and Supply Chain Control Tower concept for centralized visibility across operations.
• Review existing supply chain manuals and procedures, identifying gaps and inconsistencies, and update documentation in line with UNRWA policies. Prepare a consolidated report with recommendations for improvements.
• Review human resources capacity in relation to operational workload and assess alignment with organizational requirements, consulting with HRMSD.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain management, logistics, pharmaceutical logistics, health supply chains, inventory management, demand forecasting, or supply planning is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as supply chain management, logistics, or business administration. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be accepted if combined with additional relevant professional experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in areas such as supply chain management, logistics, pharmaceutical logistics, health supply chains, inventory management, demand forecasting, or supply planning. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in these fields to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Very good knowledge of written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for six months and will involve full-time engagement. The incumbent will be required to conduct consultations and workshops with various stakeholders, including those from the Health Department, Supply and Logistics Section, Procurement, Finance, Information Management, and Field Offices. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.