Supply Specialist

Join the WHO Supply Chain Unit to manage logistics for emergency operations.

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Application deadline 5 months ago: Thursday 11 Dec 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Join the WHO Supply Chain Unit to manage logistics for emergency operations.

You have:

  • At least two years of experience in supply chain management.
  • Experience in developing countries.
  • Prior humanitarian working experience at field level, with WHO, other UN agency, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization.
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Good general knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems.
  • Demonstrated skills in database management and use for monitoring of cargo, inventory, and forecast needs.
  • Ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions.
  • Flexibility and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable in Dakar.

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.

As a member of the Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) Supply Chain Unit, the incumbent is responsible for reception, stock management and cargo preparation of essential commodities prepositioned at the emergency hub and ready to be shipped to countries responding to emergencies. The incumbent is expected to be deployed to emergency operations when required.

Under the direct supervision of the OSL Supply chain management officer (first level), the OSL Programme Area Manager (second level), the incumbent will support the stock management of supplies and equipment required by EPR Dakar Hub to provide support to the WHO response teams across the member states. The incumbent will have ongoing contacts with the OSL Procurement officer and customs clearance officer at the hub level, the freight forwarders and as well as the teams in the AFRO country offices.

The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  1. Coordinate the reception and distribution/delivery of international and national shipments; monitor and assess quality, quantity, and safety of the received goods; oversee clearance and proper storage of goods, and initiate duty exemption requests.

  2. Schedule and monitor deliveries by suppliers, clearing agents, and the organization's warehouses.

  3. Establish and maintain regular contacts with clearing and forwarding agents, customs, UN Agencies, NGOs, and Government authorities.

  4. Follow up and ensure that goods are promptly delivered to the right recipients and that appropriate receipts are received.

  5. Monitor ongoing shipments, pipeline information, insurance claims, and other data; brief supervisors of any unforeseen problems pertaining to discharge, clearing operations, deliveries, etc., and recommend solutions /corrective actions.

  6. Regular updating of the WHO systems (GIMS/WMS), Prepare monthly and ad hoc reports on regional hub warehousing activities (inbound and outbound shipments), including inventories and movement of stocks, office consumables, and office equipment. Prepare monthly inventory report with indicative analysis giving roots cause of discrepancies (if any).

  7. Maintain an up-to-date record of all - fixed assets and attractive items.

  8. Generate annual fixed assets movement cards based on the WHO e-manual.

  9. Provide logistics support for upcoming logistics requirements as may be required.

  10. Support the management of the office premises and furniture and arrange repair/maintenance when required.

  11. Perform other related duties as required or instructed, including providing support to other areas of work.

•Teamwork •Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences •Communication •Producing results •Ensuring effective use of resources

At least two years of experience in supply chain management.

Experience in developing countries. Prior humanitarian working experience at field level, with WHO, other UN agency, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization.

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. • Good general knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems. • Demonstrated skills in database management and use for monitoring of cargo, inventory, and forecast needs.

Senegal is a unique country and Dakar is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you coordinated the shipment of goods in a challenging environment. This question assesses your ability to manage logistics under pressure. Focus on the steps you took to ensure timely delivery and how you handled any obstacles.
Can you provide an example of how you have ensured the quality and safety of goods received in the past? The interviewer wants to know your approach to maintaining quality standards. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple shipments? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for maintaining effective communication with diverse stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Share an experience where you had to solve a logistics issue on short notice. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach updating and managing inventory records? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever experienced a delay in goods delivery? What actions did you take? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have with emergency operations logistics? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 5 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unv.org