Job description

The Position:

The Procurement Associate (DRC Census & Humanitarian) is located within the Humanitarian Supplies Team (HST), Pillar 1 – Resilience and Capacity Development in the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). The position reports directly to the Humanitarian Supplies Specialist (Team Lead), Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) with a dotted line to country office management in the DRC. The Associate will work closely with other SCMU colleagues, Country Office, Regional Office, other HQ Business Units and a number of external partners. 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

The UNFPA Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) is self-funded and was made operational in January 2022. It is tasked with ensuring that UNFPA is able to effectively and efficiently support the delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and other programme supplies to the end user when and where they are needed. To achieve this, it is important to strengthen the capacity of governments and implementing partners to ensure coordination, end-to-end visibility and accountability on all supply chain and logistics management related activities, in particular for programme supplies, across all UNFPA programmes.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

Job Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Humanitarian Supplies Specialist (Team Lead) in the Humanitarian Supplies Team (HST) at SCMU, and a dotted line of supervision with the Procurement Specialist in the DRC Country Office, the Associate provides high-level technical and administrative support to the DRC Census (RGPH2) and humanitarian portfolios. Following the framework of the various tiers of the supply chain, this role ensures "end-to-end" visibility of commodities, specifically bridging the gap between global sourcing and the complex delivery requirements of the DRC.

You would be responsible for:

You will support the Humanitarian Supplies Specialist (Team Lead) and the Humanitarian Supplies Team (HST)  with:

A. Strategic Procurement Support (Category Focus):

  • Market Intelligence: Support the Category Manager in market research for specialized census equipment (IT/Software, biometric devices, and solar kits) as outlined in the RGPH2 roadmap.
  • LTA Maintenance: Assist in managing Global Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) for the DRC CO and ESARO region, ensuring they are technically fit for the DRC's high-risk operating environment.
  • Bid Analysis: Support technical bid evaluations for complex requirements, such as cartography software (ITSO) and large-scale census kit production.

B. Operational "End-to-End" Visibility:

  • Procurement Planning: Work closely with the DRC Country Office to translate their census work plans (PTA) into technically sound and expeditious procurement plans.
  • Tracking & Remediation: Monitor core commodity transactions (ordering, receipt, and inspection) to identify bottlenecks and implement remedial actions from Last Mile Assurance (LMA) recommendations.
  • Green Light to Ship: Manage the "Green Light to Ship" process, ensuring all technical justifications for high-cost IT equipment are cleared before international transit.

C. Third-Party Monitoring & Quality Assurance:

  • Contract Administration: Facilitate the contracting of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and monitors to verify the quality of census materials at final distribution points.
  • Technical Compliance: Coordinate with Product Quality Assurance (PQA) to ensure commodities meet WHO Good Storage/Distribution practices and national guidelines in the DRC.

D. Data Analytics & Reporting:

  • Spend Analysis: Maintain dashboards tracking spend, lead times, and vendor performance for the census project.
  • Dashboard Management: Update the "SCMU DRC Control Tower" with real-time data to inform monthly task force meetings and risk-mitigation strategies.

E. Cross-Functional Coordination & Country Office Liaison:

  • Act as the SCMU liaison, bridging the DRC Country Office's operational needs and the SCMU Humanitarian Supplies Team's procurement processes.
  • Proactively coordinate with the SCMU DRC Focal Point and the ESARO Regional Supply Chain Management Specialist and Regional Logistician to flag potential logistics bottlenecks, expedite urgent issues, and ensure alignment on regional LTAs for the DRC CO.
  • Provide foundational technical and administrative support for day-to-day procurement operations, including managing the 'Green Light to Ship' process and tracking exceptions.
  • Support cross-functional collaboration within SCMU  with the Humanitarian Response Division, ITSO, Finance and Budget Branch, and all relevant units to ensure the timely and effective delivery of supplies and Census equipment.
  • Contribute input for comprehensive forecasting and supply planning exercises for DRC's humanitarian and census commodities.

F. Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Chief, SCMU in consultation of UNFPA Representative in the DRC 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

  • A University degree at Bachelor Level in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, International Commerce, or equivalent field is an asset.
  • A professional Supply Chain Management certification such as Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) at Level 2 and/or Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK) at Level 2 would be an additional asset.

Knowledge and Experience: 

  • Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics or supply chain operations is required. Hands-on experience working in development and/or complex humanitarian operating environments in low-resource countries with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulations specific to these contexts is an added advantage.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and capability to develop and maintain broad diversified partnerships are required.
  • Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is required.
  • Professional written and spoken presentation skills, including for the development of reports, presentations, and the ability to synthesize complex supply chain documents for both technical and non-technical audiences, are an asset.
  • Experience working in a matrix organizational structure is an asset.
  • Knowledge of UNFPA Frameworks is an asset: 
    • Deep understanding of UNFPA’s Strategic Plan (2022-2025/2026-2029) and its application to census processes and supply chain resilience.
    • Familiarity with the Strategy for Family Planning 2022-2030, the Acceleration Plan, and the Strategy and Operational Plan to Scale-up GBV in Emergencies (2023-2025) to ensure procurement aligns with organizational priorities.
    • Knowledge of UNFPA’s Country Classification System (Tier 1, 2, 3) and the Humanitarian Thematic Fund (HTF) to effectively manage high-priority/high-risk procurement for the DRC.
  • Basic knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of sexual and reproductive health commodities in global development and the humanitarian community is an asset. 
  • Proficiency in ERP systems (Quantum/Quantum+), advanced Excel for dashboarding, and familiarity with ESAR regional logistics is an asset.
  • Knowledge of AI and its ethical application, especially Gemini applications, is a strong asset. 
  • Demonstrated experience in procurement and lifecycle management of specialized census or survey equipment (e.g., IT systems, biometric registration devices, and solar kits) will be considered an advantage.  

Languages: 

  • Fluency in English and a high working knowledge of French are essential for coordinating with the DRC office.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

  • Exemplifying integrity, 
  • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
  • Embracing cultural diversity, 
  • Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

  • Achieving results,
  • Being accountable,
  • Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
  • Thinking analytically and strategically,
  • Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Duration:

The duration of the assignment is 6 months, with the possibility of extension. 

Place where services are to be delivered:

On-site at the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) premises in UN City, Copenhagen. A remote working modality may be considered and agreed upon based on the candidate's level of experience.

Expected travel:

This position may require occasional travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Please note that travel is a core responsibility of this role. The position requires the ability and willingness to travel on short notice, and acceptance of the job offer signifies agreement to strictly comply with this requirement.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.