Current vacancies

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link

For every child, dedication

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families.  UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.

For every child, a champion

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The Supply and Logistics Associate performs highly skilled work on UNICEF supply chains, 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.

Key functions/accountabilities:

1. Planning

• 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.
• Support regular local market surveys to identify, evaluate, and maintain a roster of qualified suppliers, ensuring procurement of goods and services at optimal cost, quality, and value. Provide analysis of market trends and recommend sourcing strategies to the supervisor and programme teams.
• Serve as a focal point for procurement and contracting planning with programme sections, proactively coordinating needs assessments, advising on optimal procurement strategies, and supporting the development and review of technical specifications, terms of reference, distribution plans, and procurement timelines to ensure timely and efficient delivery of supplies and services.

2. Procurement/contracting (specialized):

• Provide input and advice on the annual supply plan. Conduct data review and analysis for category management and development of procurement strategies. Conduct market research in relevant areas for UNICEF and advise on best approaches to obtain best value for money and sustainable procurement. Support product innovation and market shaping initiatives for specific categories of supplies and services.
• Liaise with colleagues in planning procurement and contracting initiatives, supporting development of appropriate specifications, terms of reference, and logistics arrangements and timelines. Take into account opportunities to strengthen sustainability of supply chains.
• Support the establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) and act on specific procurement requisitions as might be required. Prepare and process Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as might be requested by the Supervisor. Organize bid openings and conduct technical and financial analysis of offers as might be required. Conduct clarifications and negotiations with suppliers. Maintain the highest level of integrity, ethical standards, and accountability in the procurement of goods, contracting of services, and construction work.
• Prepare requests for award including submissions to Contracts Review Committee (CRC). Prepare purchase orders and contracts in VISION/SAP (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning system), and submit relevant approvals, ensuring completeness of documentation in UNICEF systems.
• Keep stakeholders/partners informed on the progress. Liaise with suppliers, ensuring timely follow-up on delivery schedules. Implement appropriate vendor management practices, e.g. supply performance reviews.
• Ensure appropriate filing of procurement cases and maintain up to date records for future reference including audit.
• 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.
• Generate and review detailed reports on the status of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), Sales Orders (SOs), Purchase Requisitions (PRs), Purchase Orders (POs), and Institutional Contracts, identifying bottlenecks and discrepancies. Take timely corrective actions in coordination with relevant programme teams and stakeholders, and provide technical input to improve transaction workflows and compliance

3. In-country logistics (specialized)

• 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.
• Keep track of demurrages and detention charges. When applicable, ensure that LTAs are with national clearing agents. Support with Airport/Port/Shipping Line for waiver of demurrage/detention charges whenever required.
• Provide specialized support in the area of 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. customs clearance, 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. customs clearance, invoice verification), and take appropriate actions to resolve operational issues, escalating complex issues to the supervisor.

4. Warehousing and inventory management (specialized)

• 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.

5. Partnership, coordination and collaboration

• Support and contribute to the development of partnerships and collaborative relationships with UN agencies and other partners by participating in joint planning, procurement harmonization efforts, and logistics coordination initiatives. Represent the supply function in inter-agency meetings as required and provide technical input to strengthen collaborative procurement and supply chain arrangements.
• Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with UN organizations to support harmonized and collaborative procurement and logistics arrangements.

6. Supply Chain Strengthening for national/ government supply chains

• 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.
• Support the coordination with government counterparts and implementing partners to support the implementation of evidence-based supply chain interventions. Monitor progress against country-specific supply chain roadmaps and contribute to reporting and follow-up actions in collaboration with the supervisor.

7. Alternative delivery mechanisms, Procurement Services and Supply Financing

• Facilitate Procurement Services (PS) transactions in collaboration with programme sections and UNICEF Supply Division (SD). As appropriate, support CO counterparts on forecasting and costing of PS-channel supplies. Monitor the issuance of Purchase Orders (POs) and/or Copenhagen Warehouse Stock Transfer Orders on PS Sales Orders. Follow up with SD and UNICEF freight forwarders as needed on timely delivery/shipment of PS orders. Support communications and follow up with COs with regard to partnership requests and negotiations as required.
• Maintain up-to-date files for all Procurement Service transactions, including a system for monitoring the different stages of each transaction.
• Monitor the incoming pipeline of PS shipments. If required based on the division of responsibilities agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cost Estimate (CE), supervise the arrival, customs clearance, storage, packing and in-country distribution of PS commodities to the agreed delivery point.
• Support in the coordination and implementation of financing initiatives, including the Vaccine Independence Initiative (VII) and match fund mechanisms, by providing logistical and administrative assistance. Contribute to monitoring progress, preparing relevant documentation, and liaising with stakeholders to facilitate timely and efficient financing of operations.

8. Localization

• Support in administrative and logistical processes to facilitate national and regional procurement of essential supplies and services, including managing vendor communications and ensuring accurate and timely documentation in compliance with UNICEF policies.
• Support in the planning, organization, and documentation of capacity-building activities for local suppliers and service providers, contributing technical inputs and ensuring follow-up actions to strengthen supplier performance and compliance.
• Provide coordinated administrative and technical support for engagements with local manufacturers, assist in efforts to enhance national production capacity, monitor compliance with quality standards, and promote alignment with UNICEF procurement requirements.

9. Emergency Preparedness

• 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.
• Coordinate administrative and logistical activities related to emergency supply preparedness, including regular updates to the Emergency Supply List (ESL) and support procurement planning to ensure readiness and timely response.
• 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.

10. Info- and Data management and reporting

• Ensure continuous and accurate availability of procurement-related data, including forecasting, requisitions received, orders placed, incoming goods, and delivery schedules. Analyze data trends to support decision-making and prepare comprehensive periodic and ad-hoc reports to inform management and programme teams.
• Support assessment of and collaboration with implementing partners including civil society, for establishment of Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), and monitoring of supply components under Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).

11. Other duties/responsibilities

• In cases where the incumbent has managerial responsibility of lower-level GS staff, the incumbent will ensure timely and effective performance management of staff, providing practical advice and guidance to ensure individual and team objectives are met.
• In collaboration with supervisor, Supply Division, Regional Office and the global supply community, provide input to help ensure knowledge exchange and learning is prioritized to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.
• 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. Professional and/or university courses related to the field of work are highly desirable.

Experience:   

Minimum six years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management or in a commercial context is required.

Language Requirements:   

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as 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

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. (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people) for supervisory role

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

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 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 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.

Remarks:

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is a role with direct contact with children, works directly with children, is a safeguarding response role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

This position is opened for one year.

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