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, shelter...
The UNICEF Namibia Country Office (NCO) Programme 2025-2029 aims to support the Government to meet its commitments to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights, in line with the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the 2024 recommendations from the Committee on the Rights of the Child. It is aligned with the Government’s priorities, as identified in the National Development Plans (NDP5 and NDP 6 White Paper), Harambee Prosperity Plan II (2021-2025), and Namibia Vision 2030, as well as with the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022– 2025 and is derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025-2029. The 2025-2029 Country Programme results for children contribute to four strategic priorities areas of the UNSDCF, namely: 1. Effective Governance & Public Service Delivery, 2. Economic Recovery, Transformation & Resilience, 3. Sustainable Development & Green Growth Opportunities, and 4. Human Development & Community Resilience.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose for the job:
Under the general supervision of the Operations Manager, the Supply and Administrative Associate will be responsible for executing a broad variety of procedural and specialized administrative tasks with a high level of independence and will provide guidance on supply chain management. The Supply & Administrative Associate will contribute to the efficient planning, management and oversight of cost-effective procurement, contracting, inventory, storage and delivery of supplies and related services directly impact on program delivery of goals and results in the Country Office.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
1. Quality control and ensure accuracy of UNITRACK generated stock reports and monthly reconciliation of stock inventory reports from different offices and prepare monthly stock reports on management performance indicators for warehousing operations.
2. Ensures continuous availability of data related to procurement, including forecasting, requisitions received, orders placed, incoming goods, actual delivery schedules. Prepares periodic reports, and ad-hoc reports as needed.
3. Maintains supplier database and files with full information, in accordance with UNICEF supply guidelines.
4. Correspond with offshore suppliers when required and Copenhagen for standard warehouse items and obtain LPA when required.
5. Generates and compiles a variety of warehouse reports from vision and monitoring reports from the supply dashboard/pipeline reports.
6. Maintains purchase order/contract files with all required procurement documentation (POs, invoices, delivery receipts, payment requests, correspondence, etc.).
7. Prepares Direct Orders (Purchase Orders) against existing Long-Term Arrangements (LTA) ensuring that the LTA has valid quantities and lead-time meets requirements.
8. Drafts submissions to Contract Review Committee
9. Analyzes, maintains, and provides overview of the work of the office to ensure timely administrative support is provided in general and specialized areas.
10. Undertakes all travel administrative arrangements (i.e., tickets, visas, hotel accommodation, and ensures timely action on note verbal and security clearances), drafts administrative notes for meetings, workshops and seminars.
11. Advises and assists other staff in office management and arranges for and/or attends meetings on day-to-day administrative matters; participates in discussions of new or revised procedures and practices and makes recommendations for follow-up actions.
12. Prepares, on own initiative, correspondence, reports, evaluations, and justifications, as required, on general administrative or specialized tasks which may be of a confidential nature within the assigned area of responsibility.
13. In addition to general administration responsibilities, supervise drivers directly and may also indirectly oversee activities concerned with office, transport and similar services.
14. Requisitions office supplies and equipment locally and abroad and arranges for control of distribution and maintenance of appropriate inventory records. Assists with the safe-keeping and annual physical inventory maintenance of records and implements PSB recommendations on replacement and disposal of expendable properties.
15. Provides interpretation of administrative rules, regulations and procedures.
16. Performs other duties, as required.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: 
Classified Job Descriptions - Supply and Administrative Associate.pdf
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
Education: Completion of secondary education, supplemented by diploma or certificate in the administrative field.
Academic Flexibility: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant related to the position may replace three years of related work experience and a master’s degree may replace an additional two years.
Work Experience: At least A minimum of Six (6) years of progressively responsible clerical, administrative work and experience in supply chain management, understanding of development and humanitarian work is an advantage.
Skills:
- Training and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Supply related modules within UNICEF ERP system and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint.
- In-depth knowledge of UNICEF organizational structure, administrative policies and procedures.
- Organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills and abilities.
- Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with visitors.
- High sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
- Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural background.
- Ability to work in a team environment to achieve common goals and to provide guidance to more junior support staff.
- 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 circumstances of complex individual cases.
- Demonstrated understanding of the relevant supply chain processes and ability to consistently apply relevant policies, procedures, and good practices in the daily work.
- Good judgement 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 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.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.
Desirables: Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. [
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)
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (2)
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (2)
(4) Innovates and embraces change (2)
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
(6) Thinks and acts strategically (2)
(7) Works collaboratively with others (2)
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. 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:
- 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 marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.
- 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.
- Visa residence requirements: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the General Service Category.
- 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.
