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.

UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2019-2023) is aligned with the Government of Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The programme supports the Government of Malawi to meet its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in line with international conventions and standards. The country programme is guided by the principles of children’s rights, equity, gender equality, inclusion and resilience, and supports evidence-based, integrative and innovative programming. The vision is that ‘all girls and boys in Malawi, especially the most disadvantaged and deprived, realize their rights’.

The programme focuses on: early childhood (parenting, high-impact social services, early stimulation and learning), middle childhood and adolescence (learning, multi-sectoral services, active citizenship), communities (decentralized services and systems, community ownership, social norms), programme effectiveness (monitoring, evaluation, HACT, Innovation, Social Protection and Social Policy and External Communication. The programme is based on ‘leaving no child behind’, realizing ‘rights for all children in Malawi’.

Within COVAX, , UNICEF is leading the procurement of vaccines and associated immunization supplies such as syringes and also supporting transportation arrangements by leveraging our collaboration with key airlines and logistics service providers

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Procurement Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Supply Officer will:

Provide technical advice on specifications/Terms of Reference, facilitating efficient procurement.

Participate in the coordination activities with Programme and Operations Sections to provide supply input and guidance in order to improve the implementation of the Country Programme activities with emphasis on COVID-19 response and education activities

Conduct and monitor effective local, regional and offshore procurement, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality as applicable.

Establish and maintain supply source and availability plans for offshore and local procurement.

Advise on raising Requisitions (Sales Orders, Purchase/Service Requisitions) and ensure development of appropriate evaluation criteria, solicitation documents, evaluation of offers, negotiation and formulation of contracts and long-term arrangements (LTAs) with suppliers and contractors.

Assist in maintaining links with Supply Division on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies and monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement through regular contacts with action office and provide regular updates to relevant sections

Communicate and report quality issues with respect to supplies and/or service agreements.

Evaluate and make recommendations on potential local suppliers.

Implement sound, accurate supply management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability.

Ensure accurate evaluation of supplier performance based on quality of services rendered, product acceptability and delivery record

Communicate with suppliers to confirm deliveries and feed/update into current delivery schedules in close liaison with logistics to ensure coordination of deliver

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

of professional work experience in supply chain management activities with primary focus and hands-on experience in undertaking procurement of goods, services and works contracting at the national and/or international level in humanitarian and development settings or other relevant programmes; experience with health programming is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

Located in Southern Africa, Malawi is landlocked, sharing its borders with Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania. The country has an estimated population of 18.6 million (2019), with over eight native ethnic groups make up the population. The country’s official languages are Chichewa and English, which over half of the population is capable of speaking. Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world despite making significant economic and structural reforms to sustain economic growth. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, employing nearly 80% of the population, and it is vulnerable to external shocks. The political climate is more stable than it has been in the past.

Volunteers moving to Malawi can expect warm temperatures between November and April, when it is also prone to equatorial rain and thunderstorms, with the heavy rains reaching their zenith around March. Malawi is generally a very peaceful country and volunteers should be fairly safe. Nevertheless, there is crime but it is most often opportunistic. For residential security, UNICEF will ensure compliance with Residential Security Measures as defined by UNDSS. When traveling around Malawi by car, volunteers need to be sure to keep all doors locked and windows closed as armed car-jacking has been known to occur; they also need to keep a vigilant eye out for obstructions on the road or strangers attempting to stop the vehicle. Public transport in Malawi is very basic and vehicles are often in poor condition, overcrowded, and travel too fast. The roads themselves are often in a state of disrepair. It is important to use common sense in these situations.

Conservative and professional dress is extremely important in Malawi. While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if dressed conservatively and abiding by local cultural norms. Alcohol consumption in Malawi can carry negative connotations, especially for women, and communities may consider it disrespectful.

Accommodation in Malawi is usually free-standing houses or gated complexes and are generally well-priced as compared to the region. Volunteers must be sure they understand the rental agreement before signing. Initial costs can be high since substantial deposit and first month’s rent are required upfront. Living in Malawi, volunteers will have to get used to the power cuts and water shortages that occur in Malawi. Some rental properties do provide generators to power essentials in the house.

The cost of living is reasonable in Malawi. There is decent mobile phone connectivity especially in the cities and common mode of communication is WhatsApp using internet bundles. While the number of doctors is low, there are many skilled expat and local doctors, especially in the cities, who are able to provide good healthcare. Pharmacies usually have most medication available. Volunteers should take necessary precautions to avoid malaria.

Malawi is a unique country and UNICEF has a unique operating landscape - it provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness.