Associate Supply Officer

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 Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

e.g. This UNV assignment is part of [Host Agency’s] project/flagship programming initiative etc. Provide brief description of the project including relevant stakeholders, outcomes etc. and/or include web link.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Senior Supply Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Supply Officer will undertake the following tasks:

Strategy: • Prepare plans for sourcing of relief items and services according to operational needs, • Establish co-operation with operational and implementing partners to ensure that supply and support activities are coordinated and integrated appropriately

Operational Support: • Apply UNHCR's procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services; • Assist in all activities pertaining to the procurement function within his/her area of responsibility in line with UNHCR procedures; • Evaluate purchase requisitions to ensure that specifications, delivery dates and all other requirements are in order; • Draft and dispatch quotation requests and/or tenders, assist in the evaluation of offers and draft bid-tabulations, and the selection of suitable suppliers and prepare proposals for award of contracts to the Committee on Contracts; • Prepare Purchase Orders, confirmations, requests for inspection and other correspondence; • Maintain and update the roster of UNHCR suppliers; • Monitor the manufacture/transport of ordered goods to ensure timely delivery; • Analyse matters relating to procurement activities, and provide timely information on all procurement activities within area of responsibility; • Provide guidance and advice on UNHCR procurement policies and procedures to support and assist requesting sections;

Infrastructure Support: • Identify partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the implementing partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations; • Analyse the quality of commodities and services delivered in line with the needs of the location and agreed standard of quality. • Establish a local quality assurance process.

Business Support: • Analyse the existing supply infrastructure and ensure that it is optimally aligned with the operational needs. • Implement practical projects to improve supply performance that has clear objectives, timescales, tasks and resources defined. • Monitor the project implementation and report on the progress. • Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain related data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyse statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain related matters that will assist in decision-making. • Promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR's global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management. • Ensure effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt local process to the prevailing environment.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• 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; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• 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; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNHCR’s team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o UNHCR delivers timely and quality goods and services to persons of concern in compliance with supply chain rules and procedures. o The local supply chain function is optimised and aligned with the operations' evolving needs and management systems and has an infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate operational requirements. o Supply chain activities are supported by effective partners. o The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; standby decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• At least 2 years of relevant professional job experience preferable in public procurement • Public or UN Procurement training • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; • Leave management; • DSA for official travel, when applicable;ing bet.

Protection from sun related damages is highly recommended. Bring a hat and plenty of high- factor sunscreen and lip balm. Increase the quantity of water you drink. In general, terms Niger’s climate could be described as hot, dry and dusty. Three main seasons characterized the climate in Niger this is due to the country geography and position, which is close to the equator. The cool season started from October to February, during this time the day temperatures are around 30 °C. This is the right time to travel to Niger, the less scorching quarter extending from December to February, which February is characterized by a relatively cool season during which temperatures at night can sometimes drop below 10ºC. Here are the latest weather reports. The hot season started from March to May, the average day temperatures exceed 40 °C. Some dust storms are possible in April-May. The rainy season also started from June to September. The heat is humid, and the air does not circulate. Niger's climate is mainly desert (hot and dry) however, at the extreme South on the edge of the River Niger Basin it is tropical. Please get more information from the UNHCR Security advisor before familiarizing with the public transportation system. The capital city Niamey is a family duty station with E classification. Housing in Niamey is mainly in individual houses or apartments, which are easily available but with high rental prices including request for rent advances for 3-4 months. Most of the international staff rent houses, portions of houses or apartments. Finding house for rent is one of the crucial problems even for the local people; staff may use colleagues at work or a local property dealer to get a suitable place. Rent prices are not fix it could vary depending on the area where you would stay, but a rent price for plateau’s house could be around 250.000 to 800.000 FCFA per month. There are number of supermarkets where local and foreign goods 20 are available and number of restaurants offering Turkish, Lebanese, Chinese, French, Italian and other foods. Limited educational services are available; French and American International Schools exist with limited space for enrolment. The Medical Section in Geneva recommends two clinics as safely accessible by UNHCR staff and family members, yet they are with basic infrastructure. There are several banks and ATMs available in the capital. Electricity is expensive and a backup generator is recommended for frequent power cuts. Most local travel within the country is undertaken through UNHAS flights. Non accessible localities are reached by car. Accommodation with minimum standards is available in the field offices. There are three seasons in Niger: rainy (June-September), hot (October-February), and very hot (March-May). Security level in Niamey is 3. Despite tension around its borders, with military operations taking place regularly, Niamey remains reasonably stable. Due to criminality, staff members are discouraged from walking in the streets, taking taxis, staying out late at night and visiting public places alone. Staff in Niamey should reside within a certain perimeter in the city. Pertaining to civil unrest and disturbances, the situation in Niamey can be volatile and unpredictable. Due to threat of terrorism, kidnapping and armed attacks against convoys in south of Niamey Region, any mission should move under armed escorts between 7:00 to 18:00. In addition, public unrest, demonstrations, sit-ins and roadblocks have become recurring issues. Personal security arrangements are highly recommended. In Niamey, there is no curfew but there are authorized travel times out of the city, weekly radio control and security advisory broadcasts. Security Clearance is required and can be requested via TRIP at https://dss.un.org. Requests for clearance should be submitted 7 days prior travel.