Supply Officer

Hardship Level

B

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-07-01

Deadline for Applications

July 11, 2025

Standard Job Description

Supply Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Supply Officer supports the supply activities at global, regional or country operations level. The position may be located at Headquarters (within DESS), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office. In the Bureau the incumbent normally reports to the Senior Supply Officer or the Senior Operations Coordinator. In the Country Operation s/he normally reports to the Senior Supply Officer or the Head of Office, as appropriate. The incumbent maintains contact with other UN agencies, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors to facilitate supply activities operations. The incumbent may directly supervise professional and general service staff in the office. As and when required, the incumbent will provide support to other units under the respective area of responsibility.

S/he will ensure effective supply chain that enables the office to meet the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Further, the incumbent will create/maintain a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with effective partners to support supply activities. The incumbent will also create/maintain offices' supply chain optimised and aligned with the operations' evolving needs and management systems.

The incumbent 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 incumbent will support the coordination of the delivery of assistance from the regional warehouse, if applicable. S/he will liaise with SMS staff who manage the Global Stockpiles and who manage the Global Asset and Fleet Management, if and as required. In addition, the incumbent will coordinate with SMS regarding policies, overall planning and management of resources that have an impact on Supply or where Supply has an impact on other parts of the operation.

In the Bureau the function extends to capacity-building, coaching and guidance on policy and operational issues to ensure compliance with UNHCR procurement, logistics and asset management rules and regulations; as well as support supply planning, implementation, reporting and statistics. The Supply Officer, being part of the Bureau Supply team will, take on the role of supporting, analysing and coaching the supply functions at Country Operation levels. The Supply Officer will primarily focus on supporting the sourcing/procurement aspects of the supply function, as Bureau remains a procurement-prone region requiring a sound level of risk management tools. In complex and challenging operational environment, an excellent procurement expertise will then be required to mainstream UN procurement principles as well as UNHCR internal policies throughout the region. This would include to ensure that each country operation can maintain an effective and compliant supply chain that enables the office to meet the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Furthermore, the incumbent will be part of the reviewing team of the Regional Committee on Contracts which has been established to approve cases at a higher threshold than the Local Committee on Contracts. The Supply Officer will assist Country Operations on how to create/maintain a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with effective partners to support supply activities. S/he will also have a large responsibility on capturing, analysing and reporting the information from the different Country Operations of the Bureau. This would require strong interaction and coordination in addition to an excellent knowledge of UNHCR tools (COMPASS, Cloud ERP, Power BI - Results Data Portal) and data analysis.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Analyse the existing infrastructure and ensure that it is optimally aligned with the operational needs.
- Support all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, asset and fleet management in the operation.
- Support the procurement process to ensure timely, cost-effective and adequate delivery of commodities and services to support operational needs.
- Contribute to the development of relevant contacts and build constructive relations with government authorities, implementing partners, UN agencies and others, to foster mutual cooperation for the timely delivery of relief items avoiding bottlenecks.
- Adapt standard supply chain structures to the local environment that are consistent with the operational needs.
- Guide the office should they need additional office space or extensions to their office leases, lease hold improvements or other construction. Carry out the procurement aspect of the establishment of office leases or extensions.
- Assist in the coordination with CBI stakeholders the design and implementation of the market assessment and market monitoring to determine if CBI is option. Carry out the procurement action to contract Financial Service Providers (FSP).
- Establish and maintain an efficient and skilled workforce that is capable of supporting on-going operations.
- Support the Identification of partners 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.
- Participate in Identifying, assessing and selecting vendors based on their capability for delivering commodities and services. Maintain vendor and item master databases.
- Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, increases efficiency safeguards the investment of the organisation.
- Analyse the quality of commodities and services delivered in relation to the needs of the location and established quality standards.
- Support the coordination activities of Partners and/or contractors performing supply related activities, and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Maintain an up-to-date overview of the location's supply chain capacity and preparedness, as well as, that of its partners to ensure that adequate capacity exist also to cover emergencies.
- 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
- Implement supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented.
- 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.
- Disseminate, promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR's global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management.
- Ensure effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt process and documents to the prevailing environment.
- Depending on the size of the operation act as ex-officio in the LCC Review and clear procurement cases for the relevant procurement authority.

In the Regional Bureaux:
- Support Country Operations on how to implement supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented.
- Ensure that global Supply policies are understood by all Supply teams in the region by offering summaries and relevant interpretations in the regional context.
- Seek opportunities for regionalizing and streamlining Supply operations where operational advantage can be achieved
- Track the progress of specific periodic operations and provide guidance that ensures timely implementation.
- Organize and deliver training at regional level in the different Supply functions such as procurement, logistics, asset and fleet management.
- Assist in coaching and advising individuals or Supply teams as requested.
- Track global Supply KPIs for the region and devise regional ones as required.
- Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, and year-end accounts closure procedures and ensure that they are implemented throughout the region.
- Regularly visit country operations and their Supply teams including visits to camps and other operational sites, provide oversight and support within the operational context.
- Assist in providing a diagnostic on Cloud ERP and Power BI management reports for country operations, and coordinating with the Regional Supply Coordinator for necessary follow-up to ensure that data, in particular stocks accurately and completely reflect the reality in the warehouses.
- Support the revision of country financial reports and work with the Country Operations Supply Team leaders to address red areas relating to Supply aspects of operations.
- Ensure that country needs assessment plans are established, combine them into regional procurement plans and monitor their timely implementation and changes based on operational needs.
- Monitor and advise operations on import and customs clearance (as required) to resolve and ensure bottlenecks a smooth flow of goods to the operations.
- Ensure coordinated emergency deployments of staff in consultation with SMS to countries in the Bureau.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Supply Chain Management;
Business Administration;
International Commerce;
Engineering;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Certificate from Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies, e.g. CFIPS, CMIPS, MCIPS;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Proficient knowledge of logistics/supply systems with proven experience at previous work positions, preferably UN. Good working knowledge and experience in handling contract issues in the context of UN policies and standards. Experience in contract negotiations; ability to provide technical guidance to subordinate staff; ability to plan and organise work assignments, often under close deadlines. Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks with speed, in a courteous and service oriented manner. Proven ability to manage a team.
Desirable
Database management skills and experience and working knowledge of ERP systems, ideally of UNHCR's Cloud ERP would be an advantage. Strong 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 for Headquarters, Regional and Field Offices would be an advantage. Relevant training, such as CIPS, or other public procurement trainings. Knowledge of UN and UNHCR Financial Regulations and Rules relating to procurement and UNHCR Chapter 8. Aviation services knowledge for movements of goods/passengers.

Functional Skills
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures
DM-Database Management
SC-Supply Chain planning and strategy development
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Possesses proficient knowledge of Supply Chain Management.
• Proven Experience in managing complex procurement
• Experience in assets management and Low Value Tracked Items
• Track records in manging vast and complex logistics activities including transportation management, warehousing management and inventory management.
• Proven Experience in Fleet Management and Fuel Management
• Experience in contract negotiations; ability to provide technical guidance to subordinate staff; ability to plan and organise work assignments, often under close deadlines.
• Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks with speed, in a courteous and service-oriented manner. Proven ability to manage a team.
• Familiarity and experience in working with CERP and ability to navigate the system, review, report and analyse data
• Good Knowledge with UNHCR and UN supply chain rules and regulation

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Supply Officer supports the supply activities at the country operations level. The position is located at the County Office (Kampala). The Supply Officer reports to the Senior Supply Officer. The Supply Officer maintains contact with three Sub-Offices (Adjumani. Arua and Mbarara) and other UN agencies, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors to facilitate supply activities operations. The Supply Officer may directly supervise professional and general service staff in Kampala office. As and when required, the Supply Officer will provide support to other units under the respective area of responsibility.

The Supply Officer will act as the Officer in Charge OiC in the absence of the Senior Supply Officer and OiC for the Fleet Management in the absence of the Fleet Management Officer.

S/he will ensure effective supply chain management that enables the office to meet the needs of People Forced to Flee as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to persons of concern. Further, the Supply Officer will create/maintain a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with effective partners to support supply activities.

The Supply Officer will also create/maintain offices' supply chain optimised and aligned with the operations' evolving needs and management systems.

The Supply Officer 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 Supply Officer role in Procurement Management is to deploy effective and efficient procurement skills in conformity with the prevailing rules and regulations. The Supply Officer will assist in the development of complex goods and services contracts, will manage vendors, define clear terms and conditions and ensure best value for money as well as assist in identifying and managing associated risks.  S/he takes part in the development of effective procurement strategy, in cooperation with requesting units, leveraging sustainability, social, economic, environmental and/or climate considerations in support of SDG12. S/he reviews and/or drafts procurement cases to be presented to the respective Committee on Contracts. 

The Supply Officer function extends to providing advice, capacity-building, coaching and guidance on policy and operational issues to ensure compliance with UNHCR procurement rules and regulations. The Supply Officer provides necessary support in identifying opportunities for capacity development in the supply teams, for requesting units, and for other stakeholders (such as Partners).

The Supply Officer will support effective logistics operations that enable the office to meet the needs of POC as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to them. Further, s/he will contribute to the maintenance of logistics infrastructure including coordination and communication with UNHCR Uganda Logistics implementing Partners.

The Supply Officer will support the coordination of the delivery of assistance from the main warehouse in Kiryandongo and two regional warehouses in Bidibidi (West Nile) and Nakivale (Southwest), if applicable. S/he will liaise with SMS staff who manage the Global Stockpiles and who manage the Global Asset and Fleet Management, if and as required. In addition, the Supply Officer will coordinate with SMS regarding policies, overall planning and management of resources that have an impact on Supply or where Supply has an impact on other parts of the operation.

The Supply Officer supports capacity-building, coaching and guidance on policy and operational issues to ensure compliance with UNHCR procurement, logistics and asset management rules and regulations; as well as support supply planning, implementation, reporting and statistics to Sub-Offices, Field offices and implementing partners. The Supply Officer, being part of the Country Supply team will, take on the role of supporting, analysing and coaching the supply functions at Country Operation levels. The Supply Officer will primarily focus on supporting the sourcing/procurement aspects of the supply function. The Supply Officer will assist Country Operations on how to create/maintain a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with effective partners to support supply activities. S/he will also have a large responsibility on capturing, analysing and reporting the information from the different field locations. This would require strong interaction and coordination in addition to an excellent knowledge of UNHCR tools (CERP,) and analysis.

Living and Working Conditions:

Kampala is a Family Duty Station Capital city with a large offer of comfortable houses and flats are available, bank services is excellent as well as a decent internet service and mobile coverage. Power supply might be irregular in some areas hence a generator or backup inverter might be necessary. Medical facilities including hospital of good quality are available as well as a large choice of international school and nurseries. Food and house supplies are available in supermarkets and markets and online purchase and home deliveries is efficient. No decent public transport is available, but Taxis/Uber are commonly used, and car purchase is an easy option as the offer is wide

Although Kampala and Entebbe are considered under a moderate security level (Security levels III), many UN agencies and funds are headquartered in Kampala including UNHCR's branch office to provide support on the mandate to protect and assist refugees of both Urban caseloads and those in settlements in the Southwest, Midwest and West Nile regions. Kampala is considered a family duty station with better social amenities- schools, recreation and health services. The major threat to staff includes and is not limited to prospects of terrorism allowed heavy security presence in both uniform and plain cloth, high road traffic accidents, common law crimes and spontaneous outbreaks of water born disease like Typhoid, cholera plus occasional political /civil unrest mostly contained by Government. The security management systems have put in place mitigations measures to avert the impact of the threats therein and is a collective responsibility of all staff members.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, SC-Supply Chain planning and strategy development, SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Marketing, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Institute of Purchasing and Supply - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 1 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium - Part B

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance