The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Zambia is looking for suitably qualified candidates to apply for the vacancy below:
Supply Officer-Fixed-Term Appointment, NO-B (National Category, Level B), for 1 year (renewable) to be based in Lusaka. Under the direct supervision of the Supply/Logistics Specialist, the incumbent administers the supply operations of a relatively simple nature and limited impact, requiring basic professional technical expertise in support of operations and programme objectives. Responsible for effective planning, contracting, procurement, distribution, and inventory management of UNICEF’s supplies, in support of the Country Programmes and operations.
Contribute to the collaboration with all other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices for supply and logistic initiatives in line within Reform/coherence.
Duties
- Provide rapid and relevant assistance and support to evolving supply needs and situations facing children and families, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money.
- Support supply planning through coordination with Operations/Programme Sections. Provides technical support in preparation of appropriate documents, and input on specifications and supply and logistics arrangements, facilitating cost-effective efficient procurement, clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment to project sites, in support of the country programme implementation.
- Assist in the Country Programme strategy planning review to recommend on supply requirements and to provide support in the preparation of Plans of Action. Assist in the implementation of supply/logistics component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of supplies to all project sites.
- Implement sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability.
- Maintain effective working relations and contact with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, to confer on supply procurement and shipping policies and procedures. Advise the country office on policies and procedures impacting on offshore and local procurement and delivery. Maintain link with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies.
- Establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of UNICEF supplies, in keeping with established protocol. Contribute to the negotiation of standby agreements with relevant private business companies for country offices effective local procurement of supplies as well as for fielding of supply assistance to projects sites/End users
- Support Contract management, administration and closure: Ensure that all parties to contracts fully meet their respective obligations as efficiently and effectively as possible, providing the best value for money. Contract management includes monitoring and documenting performance; ensure that contracts are amended or terminated to reflect agreed changes in circumstances.
- Work closely with the UNICEF consultant engineers, as well as other partners, to ensure that the construction Rehabilitation project goals are achieved; Observe and report back to head of section activities under construction projects and to UNICEF management any concerns about the overall construction process;
- Assess the capacity of UNICEFs partners in this procurement , to identify their strengths and possible weaknesses;
- Participate in the preparation/compilation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc.
- Regularly develop and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging and incoming supplies information.
- Support UNICEF as well as Government capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery.
- Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF’s staff/consultants and counterparts in supply management, customs clearance, distribution and inventory of supplies and equipment in order to improve supply delivery.
- Assists in the identification of training needs and plan training activities in supply administration for UNICEF’s staff/consultants and counterparts, to improve supply delivery.
- Conduct and monitor effective procurement, local, regional and/or offshore, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality as applicable.
- Undertake field visits to project sites and monitor inventory and supply inputs. Proposes corrective actions to improve logistical procedures.
- Conduct local procurement through issuance of tenders, bid adjudication and contract management Identify and recommend potential local suppliers. Maintain data on and evaluate local supply sources’ overall performance, (competitive pricing, product quality and timely delivery). Assess supply operations and control mechanisms and propose appropriate actions.
- Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement through regular contacts with the Action Office(s).
- Communicate and report quality issues with respect to supplies and/or service agreements.
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Coordinate with the Programme Section on supply planning, providing technical support on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme.
- Provide advice to the Country Office, Government and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.
- Team with the Programme Section and other members of the Operations Section to facilitate procurement as well as efficient customs clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment.
- Maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities, including distribution, and monitoring supply inputs and inventory.
Education
University degree in Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Engineering, International Development, Contract/commercial Law or in directly related areas of specialization, including credited courses in supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting. Or, a recognized qualification in procurement and contracting.
Educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply change management, etc.). Minimum of Two years of relevant professional work experience. Both national and international work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting and administration and/or other related fields. Work experience in emergency duty station an asset.
Values and Competency
Core Values (Required)
- Commitment
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Integrity
Core Competencies (Required)
- Communication [I]
- Working with People [I]
- Drive for Results [I]
Functional Competencies (Required)
- Applying Technical Expertise [II]
- Following Instructions and Procedures [II]
- Planning and Organizing [II]
Interested candidates should send their application by 08 January 2016 with updated Curriculum Vitae with at least 3 traceable references and completed UN Personal History form (P-11) to Lusaka@unicef.org or the Human Resources Specialist, UNICEF Lusaka Office, UN House 3rd Floor, Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 33610, Lusaka. Please clearly indicate the VN No. for the position applied for. Note that the Personal History form (P-11) can be downloaded from the UNICEF Lusaka website under ‘Opportunities.’ The advertisement is also being posted on our website.
“UNICEF IS COMMITTED TO GENDER EQUALITY IN ITS MANDATE AND ITS STAFF. WELL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PARTICULARLY FEMALES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY”.
