Supply Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Central African Republic (CAR) is experiencing a civil conflict since 2013 which led thousands of people into forced displacement. CAR hosts refugees mainly from DR Congo, from Chad and Sudan who fled the ongoing conflict in their countries.

FO Kaga-Bandoro covers four prefectures (Nana-Grebizi, Bamingui-Bangoran, Kemo, Ouham Fafa and Vakanga). The area hosts 56,301 IDPs living in 38 IDPs camps. 1427 Chadians refugees ' live in the Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture.

The overall security situation at level 4 of the FO Kaga Bandoro coverage and its surroundings, and it is relatively calm, especially in urban areas where the presence of the National Security Offices and their Russian auxiliaries and MINUSCA. But remains unpredictable in isolated communities.

The main common factors of insecurity recorded in recent times remain the presence of very active armed elements in the north, in the Vakaga Prefecture in areas of interest and mining; in the transhumance corridors in pursuit of herders, South of Nana Gribizi and East, in Kemo, in search of ransoms for their subsistence and supplies.

In the west, Ouham Fafa, remains the area of the Operation where there is, in the villages and roads, a strong rise in the insurrection of the armed elements CPC Anti-balaka in recent times in the Kambakota axes, Ouogo, Kabo and Ouandago subjecting village inhabitants, road users and humanitarians to looting, violence and robberies, kidnapping to demand ransom.

The area partially controlled by the FACA, and their Russian auxiliaries remains very conflictual because lack of patrol and of the presence of armed elements scattered in the wilderness and along the axes and who often launch sporadic attacks against the positions of the National Army Force.

The roads and road infrastructure are very old and sometimes difficult to access because of the impassable state of the roads. Some roads in the area closed during the rainy season. This has a considerable impact on the execution times of the missions in the axes.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Field Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Supply Associate will:

• In accordance with supply chain rules and procedures, support related procurement activities to facilitate UNHCR's end-to-end processes, resulting in the timely and quality delivery of goods and services to people of concern. • Prepare delivery plans for relief and other non-food items based on operational requirements and regularly update information in UNHCR's IT systems. • -Apply UNHCR's procurement and contracting strategy when planning the purchase of major goods and services. Update information in UNHCR's IT systems. Ensure timely clearance of shipments through customs. • Maintain accurate and complete records of procurement activities and provide periodic reports and updates as requested. • Evaluate purchase requisitions to ensure that specifications, delivery dates and all other requirements are in order. • Write and send out requests for quotations and/or tenders, participate in the evaluation of tenders and prepare tender tables, prepare proposals for awarding contracts to the contracts committee. • Prepare purchase orders and send confirmations, inspection requests and other correspondence, and monitor the manufacture/transport of goods ordered to ensure timely delivery. • Provide guidance and advice on UNHCR's procurement policies and procedures to support and assist requisitioning operations, HQ entities and others as required. • Provide asset management reports, customized reports, gather information on all assets and provide detailed reports periodically and upon request. • Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyse statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain issues that will assist in decision making. • Disseminate and promote UNHCR's global policies, standards and guidelines on supply chain management. • Any other related tasks that may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• 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; stand by 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’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

•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.Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) IT-Computer literacy (MS Office and PeopleSoft/MSRP); IT-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management; SC-Supply Chain Management; SC-Planning; SC-Procurement; SC-Customs formalities; SC-Logistics; SC-Warehouse Management; SC-Asset & Fleet Management;

FO Kaga Bandoro is the capital city of Nana Gribizi province and is 345 Km Centre-North of Bangui. Its population is about 45.000 inhabitants according to the last census half of whom would have been born elsewhere; there are nearly 28 ethnic groups (Banda, Mandjia, Litos, Sara, Dagba, Goula, Rounga, and Gbaya, muslim Peulhs), among others) outside the Sango spoken Almost by all. Most of the population lives on agriculture and fishing, but there are also breeders, especially among the Fulani. The Nana River, which gave its name to the Prefecture, divides the city in two. Kaga Bandoro is one of the largest cities in CAR, with its population and strategic position, Kaga Bandoro was in its time a dynamic economic center. A crossroads of business (trade) with Chad and Sudan. Nana Gribizi Prefecture in general, including its capital Kaga Bandoro in particular, is one of the cities most affected by the security crisis that has shaken CAR since 2013. The region is totally controlled by armed groups (Ex Seleka, MPC, FPRC, Anti-Balaka, UPC, etc.). But since the arrival of FACA and its Bilateral Force Russian, on the 10th of April 2021, they took control of the Town and all the Armed Groups fled, some in the bush far around the town.
MINUSCA has a base in the city, but the impact of its actions is slow to materialize all the area of responsibility (Nana Gribizi).

The MINUSCA force ensures the security of the IDP sites as well as the offices of UN agencies. Housing: At the height of the unrest, most of the houses were destroyed and those that were not destroyed ended up falling into disrepair having been uninhabited for a long time. The owners abandoned them and ended up at the IDP sites. All international staff are obliged to reside in the GUEST houses. There are also no hotels. UNHCR has a five-bedroom Guesthouse reserved for visitors and staff assigned to Kaga Bandoro. At the height of the unrest in the city, it happened that one part of the Main Office building was transformed to rooms to accommodate the national staff at safety risk in the different neighborhoods of the city. And this, for almost five years. But now UNICEF has Guesthouses constructed to accommodate international and national staff of different UN Agencies in the town. There is no water and electricity in the Town. The Humanitarian Offices are powered by self-installed generators and boreholes (drilling). Health: The Kaga Bandoro Prefectoral Hospital operates with the help of ICRC and other NGOs like IRC, MDA in charge of children illness. This hospital operates with a very limited staff and response capacity. In case of serious illness, patients are sent to Bangladesh Medical level II (BANMED II) of MINUSCA or evacuated to Bangui. Banks: There are no banks in the city. The only money transfer structure is Orange and Tecel Money hold by some businessmen very limited in their financial capacity. Telephony Orange and Telecel cards work, but with great difficulty especially in the remote areas. Television Canal Satellite subscription allows international and national staff housed in UNHCR's halfway house or UN Guest House to have access to international channels. Markets and Trade With the exception of beef that is available, the food supply is from Bangui. There are few vegetables except cassava leaves and seasonal fruits (bananas, orange, papaya, mangoes, etc.) MINUSCA has a PX at their base at 04 kilometers from UNHCR Office. Transportation: Most of the population travels on foot, by bicycle or motorcycle taxis. Leisure Places are non-existent, except some Gym Hall in some UN Agencies and MINUSCA for their personnel. UNHCR has its own gym exclusively for its Staff. There is a mid-level restaurant at Minusca Base frequented most by expatriates than national’s staff. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.