Supply and Logistics Associate, G-6, Gaza, State of Palestine, Temporary Appointment (364 days)

If you are a committed, creative professional and you would like to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better and safe world for children, we would like to hear from you. The State of Palestine office is seeking a dynamic qualified candidate to join our team as a Supply and Logistics Associate at the G-6 level based in the Gaza Strip, SOP.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built, we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a fair chance

UNICEF in the State of Palestine (SoP) works to uphold the rights of children to access services and protection, from early childhood through to adolescence. Our objective is to ensure that every child in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, irrespective of background or circumstance, has an equal chance to fulfil their potential.

In the past years, UNICEF in the State of Palestine has achieved a high reach and engagement through its communication channels. UNICEF-SoP would like to build on this and continue engaging with our audience, who are not only seek information but are willing to have important conversations on crucial issues concerning children’s wellbeing and rights. 

How can you make a difference?

The Supply and Logistics Associate perform highly skilled work on UNICEF supply chains in the State of Palestine’s CO Gaza Field Office, and manages the more complex cases and client requests, which frequently requires the evaluation of difficult situations and adaptation of procedures and processes to resolve such cases.

The function is characterized as highly independent and provides opportunities for Associates to lead and carry out responsibility for end-to-end supply chain management from the beginning to the end of the process and provide input into the design and development of improved supply chain services and delivery mechanisms.

The incumbent may supervise lower-level GS staff.

Your key functions/accountabilities

- In consultation with the supervisor, provide input to the Country Programme Action Planning and advise on Supply requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans including supply plans. Participate in the forecasting, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the supply chain operations, including establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of products and services.

- Monitor and analyze supply dashboard reports to track key supply and logistics performance indicators. Coordinate with programme sections and supply colleagues to proactively follow up on pending actions, ensuring timely and effective supply responses in support of UNICEF programme implementation.

- Provide logistics input to the supply plan, including advising on infrastructure constraints (e.g. customs clearance, port capacity, transport options and warehousing capacity) and different delivery mechanisms. Support provision of budget requirements for various delivery modalities and ensure establishment of budget with programme colleagues.

 - Liaise with supply colleagues and use supply dashboards to ensure pipeline monitoring and establishment of appropriate logistics capacity. Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement and take action to ensure timely customs clearance of supplies entering the country. Perform research, collect data and conduct analysis, produce reports, and ensure information accuracy to enable informed decision-making.

- Provide specialized support in logistics, following standard processes and contributing, directly or indirectly, to the effective delivery of programme supplies. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support logistics operations management and contribute to effective service delivery.

- Identify needs for contracting of logistics third party services (e.g. warehousing, transport, distribution) and support in the management of contracting of such service providers including establishment of KPIs and performance monitoring mechanisms.

- Manage documentation processing for execution of logistics operations (e.g. transportation, warehousing invoice verification), and take appropriate actions to resolve operational issues, escalating complex issues to the supervisor.

- Support in the arrangement of UNICEF warehouse facilities and operations in line with UNICEF policies and procedures. Assess warehousing capacity including facilities, conditions of equipment, manpower, and processes. Propose corrective actions to supervisor. Assess new warehouse facilities when required. If necessary, implement and organize new warehouse facilities which may include installation and assembly of temporary warehouse structures (e.g. Wiik-Halls/Rub Halls).

- Maintain appropriate warehousing and inventory management processes in support of the country's programme implementation. Ensure accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are in place, and relevant records are properly maintained.

- Assess availability of space and prepare stacking and storage plans to ensure appropriate storage and optimize use of space.

- Supervise receipt of consignments and dispatch of supplies.

- Prepare stock reports. Monitor inventory tracking trends and account for the inventory status from source to beneficiary. Carry out regular physical counts of inventory in the warehouse. Prepare documentation for commodity disposal through Property Survey Board committee.

- Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with UN organizations to support harmonized and collaborative procurement and logistics arrangements.

- In collaboration with Supply colleagues and Programme Sections, support in identifying opportunities for capacity building of Government counterparts and improving the supply chain process to make it more effective.

- Provide operational and logistical support for end-to-end supply chain strengthening initiatives with partners, including active participation in needs assessments, forecasting exercises, and supply planning. Contribute technical input to ensure alignment with programme goals and national priorities.

- Support the organization of capacity-building activities, including training and knowledge-sharing sessions with government and partners, in areas such as last mile delivery, supply chain digitalization, and workforce development. Facilitate logistics and contribute content or technical guidance where relevant.

- Supports emergency preparedness and response activities including establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs), Logistics Capacity Assessment and Contingency Plan update, and pre-positioning of stock.

- Monitor and analyze pre-positioned stock levels, delivery schedules, and warehouse operations, proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and coordinating with relevant teams to minimize delays and strengthen rapid response capabilities during emergencies.

- Support the development and facilitation of training of newcomers, providing inputs towards establishment of processes or manuals to support effective workflows.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to supply chain, business administration, contract/commercial law, or another relevant technical field.

Experience:

A minimum of 6 years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management or in a commercial context is required. Understanding development and humanitarian work is an advantage.

Flexibility Clause: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a relevant field may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.

Language Requirement:

- Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

Capabilities Required

1. Project Management (3)

- Create project plans, objectives and deliverables

- Track and organize resources like time, budget, and team efforts

- Identify and report potential risks for further guidance

2. Collaboration (3)

- Navigate organizational dynamics and adapt behavior to respond to different situations

- Choose appropriate words, tone and tailors' messages respectfully and persuasively to suit

different audiences

- Write clear, concise and well-structured reports and documents using appropriate language

- Pay close attention to what others are saying, ask questions for clarification

- Present ideas and information clearly in front of groups

3. Problem Solving (3)

- Analyze data, identify trends, patterns and anomalies

- Evaluate information, analyze problems, identify underlying causes and risks

- Summarize and communicate findings, focusing on actionable insights to support decision-making

- Make decisions in time-sensitive situations, even with incomplete information

- Assess the potential impact of solutions (costs, benefits and risks)

4. Digital Dexterity (3)

- Utilize AI-powered tools and platforms to automate data analysis

- Apply prompts to improve the quality of reports and data, ensuring alignment with internal regulations and policies

- Use specialist technology business systems and software

- Analyze and summarize data from various business systems to generate reports and insights

Skills

- Thorough knowledge of a range of specialized topics, including the relevant supply chain policies, partnership mechanisms, rules, and regulations.

- High level of proficiency or skill is required in the interpretation and application of specialized rules and regulations to the particular circumstances of complex individual cases.

- Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other UNICEF office tools.

- Demonstrated understanding of the relevant supply chain processes and ability to consistently apply relevant policies, procedures and good practices in daily work. Good judgement in order to handle complex cases including considerations for exceptions.

- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.

- Ability to use supply related modules within UNICEF ERP system.

- Ability to establish priorities and plan his/her own work and plan, coordinate and monitor the work of those under his/her supervision.

- Ability to draft clear and concise reports or rationale for supply related decisions on key issues.

This position is not considered an elevated risk role. However, UNICEF reserves the right to conduct further vetting/assessment within the scope of child safeguarding as appropriate. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

This position is located in Gaza and any offer of appointment is subject to the candidate’s ability to take up the position at the duty station within a reasonable period.

In the current evolving emergency context, this position will be based in Gaza where medical facilities have been negatively affected and individual chronic and/or serious medical conditions cannot be adequately addressed.

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

This is required for all posts requiring a higher education degree. “UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

The VA is open to all (internal and external candidates)

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.