GradeGS5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonTemporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment
Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily<p></p><p></p>
Residential location (if applicable)
Target Start Date2025-02-01
Target End Date2025-08-31
Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 5, 2052
Standard Job Description
Senior Supply Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Supply Assistant provides supply support to all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing & procurement, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, assets & fleet management and monitoring within the area of responsibility (AoR).
The incumbent is supervised by a higher level supply position and receives regular guidance and instructions from the supervisor on successive steps. S/he works independently on routine tasks while follows instructions of the supervisor on more complex issues. The incumbent may have contacts on a working level on specific issues with other UNHCR offices, UN agencies, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors in the area to facilitate performing the supply function. The duty of the incumbent is to support the management of material resources within the geographical area covered while exercising efficiency in the use of those resources.
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
- In compliance with supply chain rules and procedures, support the related supply activities to facilitate UNHCR end to end processes resulting in a timely and quality delivery of goods and services to persons of concern.
- Apply UNHCR's sourcing & procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services.
- Initiate custom clearance of consignments, draft exemption requests, and liaise with local agents.
- Support warehouse management, and assist with planning of goods & services deliveries, and provide information on the status of requests and the availability of items in the supply chain.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide reports and updates periodically, and on request.
- Examine purchase requests to ensure conformity and liaise with requesters.
- Prepare quotation requests and tenders, produce bid-tabulations from tenders and prepare Purchase Orders for approval.
- Dispatch approved Purchase Orders, and follow-up with the delivery of ordered commodities and services.
- Provide information on all procurement activities within the AoR.
- Produce standard asset management reports and other asset information, periodically and when requested.
- Maintain accurate data in all relevant business systems. Compile statistical information on supply chain related matters that will assist in decision making.
In the Regional Bureaux:
- Track global Supply KPIs for the region and assist in preparation of regional ones, as required.
- Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, and year-end accounts closure procedures and provide relevant reports to senior managers.
- Assist Country Operations in MSRP management.
In the Country Operations:
- Ensure local liaison to effectively support the supply activities.
- Assist in the management of the storage of goods according to \"best practices\" and UNHCR rules and regulations;
- Assist in managing Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) effectively according to UNHCR rules and regulation, including registration and marking of new PPE, physical verification of PPE, preparation of agreements and disposal forms (including submissions to LAMB/AMB), and assistance with disposal of PPE.
- 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
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Not specified
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management
SC-Supply Planning
SC-Customs clearance
SC-Logistics
SC-Warehouse Management
SC-Asset Management
SC-Fleet Management
(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 ProfileThe Senior Supply Assistant position at the Regional Bureau for the Americas, based in Panama, plays a crucial role in supporting UNHCR’s procurement and logistics operations across the region. Reporting directly to the Supply Officer, the role involves providing comprehensive assistance in the procurement of goods and services while ensuring adherence to public procurement rules and regulations. The incumbent will manage logistics operations, including the coordination of import and export processes, and support warehousing and inventory management to maintain an efficient supply chain. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in procurement and logistics, ideally within a UN agency, NGO, or public organization, alongside a strong understanding of public procurement regulations and basic knowledge of warehousing and inventory practices. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, in English and Spanish, are essential for effectively liaising with UNHCR field operations across the Americas and collaborating with UN sister agencies based in Panama City. The candidate should possess strong analytical abilities to handle monitoring, reporting, record-keeping, and the implementation of administrative requirements. Experience in vendor negotiations, vendor management, and contract administration is highly desirable. This role demands a proactive individual who can work independently and navigate cross-cultural environments with ease. Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing complex operational settings, the Senior Supply Assistant will play a vital role in advancing UNHCR’s regional initiatives.
Desirable Knowledge in Procurement processes (preferably in the humanitarian context) RFP/RFQ/ITB, waivers of competitive bidding, and contract management, Experience in supply chain activities, Mandatory English and Spanish languages, hands-on experience on managing supplier relationship. Preferably strong skills in analysis and reporting tools (excel, powerbi, etc…), preferable knowledge in ERP systems . Minimum knowledge in inventory and warehouse management.
Fluency in Spanish and English required.
Candidates must be nationals or legal residents of Panama. The candidates who are not nationals of Panama but are legally residing in the country must demonstrate a proof of residency and work permit at the time of application.
Only the candidates who are pre-selected according to the requirements of the position will be called for a written test and might be requested for an interview.
Applications will be accepted until 05 February 2025 (Midnight, Geneva Time)
Functional ClearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
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Additional Qualifications
SkillsIT-Computer Literacy, SC-Asset Management, SC-Customs clearance, SC-Fleet Management, SC-Logistics, SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management, SC-Supply Planning, SC-Warehouse Management
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
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