Supply Specialist

Volunteering Admin Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Support supply chain and procurement activities within UNHCR MCO Panama.

You have:

• Experience in supply chain management and familiarity with UNHCR procurement policies.
• Strong understanding of fleet management processes and asset management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage vendors and contracts effectively.
• Proficiency in database management systems and ERP software.
• Knowledge of compliance regulations in supply activities.
• Experience in training and coaching supply staff.
• Spanish language proficiency is advantageous.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Panam City, City and work for UNHCR MCO Panama. The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Panama oversees operations in Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. The UN Volunteer maintains impartial, ethical and customer-oriented relations with suppliers and Partner organizations; exchanges information with counterparts in other UN agencies, and International Organisations within the limits established by UN /UNHCR Procurements Rules and assists with joint procurement actions if, as and whenever necessary.

The UN Volunteer supports all activities pertaining to the fleet management and supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance and warehousing management within the Area of Responsibility (AoR), of the MCO Panama Office.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Analyze procurement-related matters and provide updates within their area of responsibility, offering guidance on UNHCR procurement policies and procedures to support requesting units at MCO Panama. • Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pools, in close coordination with Global Fleet Management and other MCO Panama offices. • Prepare order and disposal forms for fleet and asset-related cases on behalf of MCO Panama for submission to HQ. • Prepare and deliver asset management and purchase order reports, including custom-ized and detailed summaries of assets, requisitions, and purchase orders, both periodically. • Align local supply chain structures with operational needs, ensuring smooth information flow and adapting processes to the current environment. • Prepare all required information and documents to order core relief items and plan for delivery of relief and other non-food items according to the operational needs Coordinate transportation and distribution of relief items, in close coordination with RBA Americas and HQ (Division of Emergency and Programme Support) • Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on logistical activities and provide timely reports and updates both periodically and on request. • Manage the vendor related processes including identification, assessment and selection of vendors based on their capability for delivering commodities and services. Ensure vendor and item master databases are up to date. • Launch and oversee tender processes and manage the preparation of proposals for award of contracts to the Local Contracts Committee (LCC). • Act as ex-officio in the LCC Review and clear procurement cases for the relevant procurement authority.
• Resolve difficulties in the local supply chain by finding solutions to problems and bottlenecks, and provide regular reports on supply chain activities, the status of requests and the availability of items in the supply chain • Facilitate training of supply staff and assist in coaching and advising individuals or Supply teams as requested. • Assist country operations achieving full compliance with rules & regulations in all supply activities.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Communication Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-making Planning and Organizing Respect for Diversity Working in Teams

• Database management skills and experience working knowledge of ERP systems. Knowledge of UNHCR’s CERP Supply Chain Module would be an advantage. • Good interpersonal and negotiation skills to deal with persons of different cultural and educational backgrounds. • Technical knowledge of types of services, supplies and goods purchased by UNHCR or other UN agencies for HQ, Regional and Field Offices would be an advantage. • Knowledge of UN and UNHCR Financial and/or Procurement Rules, Regulations, and Rules is desirable.

Panama City is classified as an A duty station (family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards.

In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level 2 (low). The city is a communication hub, and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good option for travelling in general.

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office is located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre, called ‘Ciudad del Saber’ where most of the other UN agencies are also located, as well as international schools, NGOs and research centres.

The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment) especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area.

As other fast-growing cities, in Panama the traffic is heavy at peak hours and considered an issue for people living in Panama City. The climate is hot and humid with a rainy season lasting 8 months a year.

For the everyday life it is recommended to have Spanish knowledge as English is not widely spoken in the shops and services.

The government offers the possibility for UN spouses to get work permits and provides UN staff members with tax exemption cards for shops and restaurants.

The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) and Entry / Exit lump sums, among others, are available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service are available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

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Potential interview questions

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