Supply Chain Specialist

Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Provide support to supply chain planning and coordination activities.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, business administration, economics, or a closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in supply chain, logistics, operations, or related areas, preferably with the UN.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is committed to supporting Member Countries and Partners in preparing for and responding to disasters and crises that threaten agriculture, food and nutrition security or food safety. FAO’s work in emergencies focuses on reducing people’s vulnerability to these hazards, including animal and plant diseases, before, during and after disasters through good emergency management practices, including risk assessment, risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response, and rehabilitation.

FAO's Logistics Services Division (CSL) provides corporate logistics and supply chain strategies, policies, tools, and guidance to FAO Headquarter and Decentralized Offices. CSL supports FAO operations by strengthening logistics and supply chain systems to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timely delivery of assistance in support of FAO’s mandate.

The Logistics Services Division (CSL) works to secure a safe operating environment and to achieve greater efficiency, effectiveness, and synergy in operational and administrative practices, with a strong focus on timely, reliable service delivery in support of FAO programmes and operations.

FAO invites qualified senior professionals to express interest for inclusion in a roster, to support complex, high-visibility assignments related to the expansion, transformation, and orchestration of FAO supply chains at global level.

This Call for Expressions of Interest is for roster inclusion only and does not guarantee immediate selection or assignment. Successful candidates may be considered for short-term or long-term assignments at FAO Headquarters, Regional Offices, Sub-regional Offices, or Country Offices, subject to operational needs and funding availability. FAO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages qualified women and nationals of under-represented countries to apply.

Reporting Lines

For Headquarters-based assignments, the Supply Chain Specialist reports administratively, operationally, and technically to the designated Head of Supply Chain Orchestration team (CSLO).

Technical Focus

Operational and analytical support to supply chain planning, coordination, documentation, and capacity development activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide analytical and technical support to supply chain initiatives under close supervision and within established methods and procedures. • Support data collection, analysis, and reporting related to supply chain performance, processes, and activities. • Maintain trackers and reporting tools, produce routine status updates, and follow up on missing or inconsistent information. • Assist in the documentation of processes, SOPs, guidance materials, and training content. • Support training and capacity development activities, including preparation of materials and logistical coordination. • Support the coordination of administrative and knowledge management tasks such as filing, SharePoint organization, and version control for working documents. • Any other related tasks assigned by the Supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, business administration, economics, or a closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSA: University degree in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, business administration, economics or a related field. • At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in supply chain, logistics, operations, or related areas, preferably with the UN. • Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Foundational knowledge of end-to-end supply chain and logistics management, including planning, coordination, transport operations, warehousing, and emergency logistics preparedness. • Ability to provide analytical, technical, and operational support to supply chain planning, coordination, and implementation activities. • Experience or demonstrated aptitude in data collection, basic analysis, and reporting. • Ability to support the preparation of documentation, such as process descriptions, SOPs, guidance notes, or training materials. • Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within multicultural teams. • Ability to follow guidance, manage assigned tasks, and deliver outputs within agreed deadlines. • Ability to establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds. • Knowledge of other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is preferred.

Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with humanitarian or development operations is an asset. • Strong reliability and comfort working with structured guidance and supervision. • Strong analytical skills. • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and learn quickly. • Experience working with, or alongside, UN agencies or comparable international organizations is an asset.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: fao.org