General

Description of assignment title: Associate Supply Officer

Assignment country: Mozambique

Expected start date: 08/31/2024

Sustainable Development Goal: 17. Partnerships for the goals

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNHCR

Type: Onsite

Expected end date: 12/31/2024

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Maputo

Details

Mission and objectives

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.

We work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home.

Since 1950, we have faced multiple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.

We help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home.

Context

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Task description

Strategy:

•  Prepare plans for delivery of relief items according to operational needs.
•  Apply UNHCR’s procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services.
•  Through regular physical verification of Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) establish their status, propose old and obsolete PPE for disposal and plan for the arrival of re-placement items.

Operational Support:

•  Contributing within the Multifunctional team to Identify partners, in particular for supply chain projects, based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations.
•  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.
•  Ensure timely customs clearance of consignments and manage storage of goods according to “best practices” and UNHCR rules and regulations.
•  Maintain an efficient system for the release, distribution and redeployment of goods.
•  Coordinate transportation and distribution of relief items.
•  Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on logistical activities and provide timely reports and updates both periodically and on request.
•  Coordinate activities of implementing partners and/or contractors performing supply reated activities and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.
•  Through regular physical verification of PPE establish their status.
•  Propose old and obsolete PPE for disposal and plan for arrival of replacement items.

Infrastructure Support:

•  Evaluate purchase requisitions to ensure that specifications, delivery dates and all other requirements are in order.
•  Draft and dispatch quotation requests and/or tenders, assist in the evaluation of offers and draft bid-tabulations, and prepare proposals for award of contracts to the Committee on Contracts.
•  Prepare Purchase Orders and send confirmations, requests for inspection and other correspondence;
•  Monitor the manufacture/transport of ordered goods to ensure timely delivery.
•  Analyse matters relating to procurement activities and deliver information on all procurement activities within area of responsibility. Provide guidance and advice on UN-HCR procurement policies and procedures to support and assist requesting sections.
•  Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, saves cost and safeguards the investment of the organisation including receipt, inspection, registration and marking of new PPE, and organisation of the physical verification of PPE.
•  Ensure that PPE agreements are properly issued and signed.
•  Ensure proper preparation of disposal forms and cases for the Asset Management Board. eTAFlbQ Dmn81h
•  Organise the disposal of PPE, according to Asset Management Board decisions.
•  Provides asset management reports, customised reports, and gathers information on all assets and provides in-depth reports periodically and when requested.
•  Analyse the quality of commodities and services delivered in relation to the needs of the location and established quality standards. Establish a local quality assurance pro-cess.

Business Support:

•  Analyse the existing infrastructure and ensure that it is optimally aligned with the operational needs.
•  Implement practical projects to improve supply performance that has clear objectives, timescales, tasks and resources defined. Monitor the project implementation and report on progress.
•  Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain related data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyse statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain related matters that will assist in decision making.
•  Disseminate, promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR’s global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management.
•  Adapt local supply chain structures to be consistent with the operational needs. Ensure effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt local process to the prevailing environment.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

•  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
•  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
•  Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
•  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
•  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
•  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
•  Harmonize the activities of the UNHCR supply unit with those of the Business Operation Strategy (BOS) set up by the United Nations system.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in relevant professional job, preferably in public procurement.

Computer literate; proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, etc) and Internet browsing.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Business management, Procurement and contracting

Driving license

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Portuguese, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Logistics, Mathematics or related field.

Competencies and values

•  Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
•  Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
•  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.
•  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working

relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

•  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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
•  Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
•  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22°c and the average daily highs of 30°c. The rain season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13°c to 24°c. Nampula is a C, Family duty-station where the security level is considered low (2). Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions and is not recommended. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 68.3 (MZN) as per April 2022. Other than meticais, US dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies. Major international credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and Amex) are accepted (hotels, restaurants, and some shops) in all major towns. The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Private clinics can be found in Maputo and larger cities in Mozambique. Mozambique lies in a malaria zone, so the necessary precautions should be taken: Avoiding mosquito bites by using nets, candles and sprays is recommended. Vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended. Tap water in Mozambique is not safe to drink, so bottled or boiled water should be used instead. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The security situation in area north, Nampula and Niassa provinces are relatively calm. The biggest concern is criminality in the main urban centres of Nampula, Nacala, and Niassa where there are many medium and high-income individuals and business activities. In Nampula, basic health facilities and food shops/restaurant are available. Accommodation can be found through house renting from the private sector.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds

Candidatura: https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1762695941295360