Asset Management/Warehouse Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of an effective and efficient stores management system, an updated inventory, plus the expeditious requisitioning, procurement and movement of supplies, equipment and services within the mission area.

Under the direct supervision of Integrated Warehouse Chief, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: - Monitor physical inventory of stocked items on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of records and location of property; Issue supply expendables and non-expendable goods from the Warehouse to the end-user; - Monitor and control the receiving, inspection and verification of all materials; - Coordinate with R&I in conducting all appropriate receiving and inspection operations against Purchase Order; - Prepare the scheduling of equipment deliveries to the end users; - Coordinate the returns of equipment to the warehouse; - Initiate actions leading to maintenance, repair, write-off and disposal of items/equipment; - Assist in preparation of acquisition plan, performance reports and budget proposal for all supplies; - Raise requisitions for Supply/Engineering related groups and services within the budget allotment; - Coordinates Supply/Engineer operations, if required, with Receiving and Inspection (R&I), Movement Control (MOVCON) Procurement, Property Control and Inventory Unit (PCIU) and Budget Sections; - Ensures the smooth operation of all facets of the Asset Management in accordance with UN regulations/guidelines; - Coordinate with the Technical units to ensure correct and proper accountability and maintenance of Section property; - Ensures that the accuracy and integrity of the inventory is maintained; - Processes equipment requests from the Section Chief and controls the issuance of equipment, supplies and spare parts; - Evaluates stock levels and advises the Section Chief and/or Technical units of requirements and surplus quantities of assets and related equipment to ensure adequate stock are maintained to meet the operational requirements of the Mission; - Ensures that appropriate procedures are carried out for the Write off of Section Assets; - Controls and operates the Engineer inventory regularly updating the system when additional equipment is acquired, relocated, transferred or removed by write off action from the inventory, ensuring that all items are accounted for; - Coordinates the Engineer portion of the receiving and inspection of all goods received via local or UNHQ Purchase Orders and by inter-mission or central logistic base transfers; - Assist in the processing of all non-expendable Engineer equipment that is obsolete, defective or surplus to requirements, for removal from the Engineer inventory by Property Survey Board action; - Focal point for the transition from Galileo to UMOJA; - Capacity building and knowledge sharing as part of continuous learning process for all counterparts; - Work alongside national counterparts and he/she will incorporate a capacity building/mentoring programme for National Staff to transfer his/her skills and knowledge thereby building the professional skills of Nationals in Asset management and ware-house operations. - Prepares reports as required and performs any other duties related to Asset / Ware-house Management requested by Section Chief. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: - Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); - Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; - Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; - Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; - Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

Degree level: Bachelor's degree

Type of Degree: Certification in administration / warehouse / asset management / supply chain desirable.

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive com-pound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. The mission has three compounds in Kabul: Compound Alpha, and UNOCA (UN Operational Complex in Afghanistan) the largest one.

UNAMA has three different locations in Kabul, most of the substantive offices, including the SRSG’s are located at the so-called alpha Compound and Palace #7 , which is adjacent to UNDP close to the city center, while most of the administrative and technical support offices are located at the UNOCA compound on Jalalabad Road, at some distance from central Kabul.

Generally speaking stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN volunteers as other UN staff, are quite limited in all Afghan duty stations when it comes to movement, walking virtually not allowed. The movement is done inside the “green box” (only) mostly in armored vehicles driven by national qualified UN drivers. Many places are off limits (including restaurants). There is also a curfew throughout the country, generally from 11pm to 5:30am but this can very between duty stations.

There are number of security measures to be compiled with, such as the minimum Operational Residential Security Standards or MORSS before moving into any accommodation. The UNAMA Security section provides these guidelines during the initial security briefing upon arrival in the mission area.

Upon arrival, volunteers are accommodated at the UNV designated accommodations within the UNOCA compound for a fix charge of US$ 10 per day (US$ 300 per month for a room), exclusive of food. Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a restaurant, a “Superette” and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs, run by the welfare Office, within the same compound.

Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics. Most produce/staples are common in the markets e.g. rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt etc. UNOCA has a new minimarket where basic goods can be bought also. There are also a number of UN cleared supermarkets in Kabul, in Jalalabad, and in Mazar-I-Sharif.

Contact with and outreach to the local community is usually limited. As mentioned many places are off-limits and the choice of recreational facilities are very poor. For all these reasons, bring a stock of books, DVDs/VCDs, computer games, etc., is highly recommended.

Living allowances are paid in US$ at the end of each month, but bank transfers by UNAMA to accounts abroad are possible. There are several Western Union money transfer offices in Kabul and two other international banks are operating downtown as well as in the UNAMA com-pound. Summer in Afghanistan is hot and dry but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary. Most common consumer articles are available in Kabul (and in the regions).

Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are absolutely essential.