JOB DESCRIPTION

H (no hardship)

Family

Family

PR2

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

August 8, 2025

Associate Supply Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Supply Officer supports all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance and warehousing management within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The position may be located at Headquarters (within DEPS), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office.

The incumbent is normally supervised by the (Senior) Supply Officer or other senior staff with supply oversight function who defines the objectives and provides general guidance. S/he will also refer to UNHCR manuals and relevant policy papers. The incumbent normally supervises some staff and/or AWF.
In Bureaus and country operations s/he maintains regular contacts on working level with other UN agencies, UNHCR Partners, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors in the area of operation.

S/he will support effective supply chain that enables the office to meet the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Further, the incumbent will assist in the maintenance of a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with effective partners to support supply activities.

The Associate Supply Officer maintains impartial, ethical and customer-oriented relations with suppliers and Partner organizations; exchanges information with counterparts in other UN agencies, and International Organisations within the limits established by UN /UNHCR Procurements Rules and assists with joint procurement actions if, as and whenever necessary.

The incumbent will support the coordination of the delivery of assistance from the regional warehouse, if applicable. S/he will liaise with SMS staff who manage the Global Stockpiles and who manage the Global Asset and Fleet Management, if and as required and if applicable.

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
– Support all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, asset and fleet management, as applicable.
– Support the procurement process to ensure timely, cost-effective and adequate delivery of commodities and services to support operational needs.
– Identify partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the UNHCR Partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations.
– Develop relevant contacts and build constructive relations with UN agencies, UNHCR Partners, government authorities and other partners as applicable.
– Ensure accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide timely reports and updates both periodically and on request.
– Manage the vendor related processes including identification, assessment and selection of vendors based on their capability for delivering commodities and services. Ensure vendor and item master databases are up to date.
– Oversee tender processes and manage the preparation of proposals for award of contracts to the relevant CoCs.
– Ensure the quality standards for commodities and services are respected by vendors in relation to the needs of the location and tender/purchase specifications.
– Prepare plans for delivery of relief and other non-food items according to the operational needs and regularly update the information in UNHCR IT systems.
– Apply UNHCR’s sourcing and procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services.
– Ensure timely customs clearance of consignments and establishment & maintenance of warehousing according to “best practices” and UNHCR rules and regulations.
– Manage an efficient system for the release, and redeployment of goods.
– Oversee and coordinate as required the release and transportation and of relief and other non-food items.
– Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain related data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyse statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain related matters that will assist in decision making
– Implement supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented.
– Resolve difficulties in the local supply chain by finding solutions to problems and bottlenecks, and provide regular reports on supply chain activities, the status of requests and the availability of items in the supply chain.
– Disseminate, promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR’s global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management.

– Support effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt process and documents to the prevailing environment.

In the Regional Bureaux:
– Support Country Operations in implementing supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented particularly in emergency context.
– Assist country operations achieving full compliance with rules & regulations in all supply activities.
– Track the progress of specific periodic operations and provide guidance that ensures timely implementation.
– Facilitate training of supply staff and assist in coaching and advising individuals or Supply teams as requested.
– Track global Supply KPIs for the region and devise regional ones as required.
– Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, and year-end accounts closure procedures and ensure that they are implemented throughout the region and provide relevant reports to senior managers.
– Support the analysis of country financial reports and work with the Country Operations Supply Team leaders to address red areas relating to Supply aspects of operations.
– Support the country needs assessment plans and assist in combining them into regional procurement plans and monitor their timely implementation and changes based on operational needs.

In the Country Operations:
– Adapt standard supply chain structures to the local environment that are consistent with the operational needs.
– Assist the office should they need additional office space or extensions to their office leases, lease hold improvements or other construction. Carry out the procurement aspect of the establishment of office leases or extensions.
– Assist in the coordination with CBI stakeholders the design and implementation of the market assessment and market monitoring to determine if CBI is option. Carry out the procurement action to contract Financial Service Providers (FSP).
– Support the establishment and maintenance of an efficient and skilled workforce that is capable of supporting on-going operations.
– Support the identification of partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the Partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations.
– Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, increases efficiency safeguards the investment of the organisation.
– Support the coordination activities of Partners and/or contractors performing supply related activities, and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.
– Maintain an up-to-date overview of the location’s supply chain capacity and preparedness, as well as, that of its partners to ensure that adequate capacity exist also to cover emergencies.
– Depending on the size of the operation act as ex-officio in the LCC Review and clear procurement cases for the relevant procurement authority.

– 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 P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Supply Chain Management; Business Administration; International Commerce; Engineering;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Certificate from Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies, e.g. CFIPS, CMIPS, MCIPS;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Proficient knowledge of logistics/supply systems with proven experience at previous work positions, preferably UN. Good working knowledge and experience in handling contract issues in the context of UN policies and standards. Experience in contract negotiations; ability to provide technical guidance to subordinate staff; ability to plan and organise work assignments, often under close deadlines. Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks with speed, in a courteous and service oriented manner.
Desirable
Database management skills and experience and working knowledge of ERP systems, ideally of UNHCR’s Cloud ERP would be an advantage. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to deal with persons of different cultural and educational backgrounds. Technical knowledge of types of services, supplies and goods purchased by UNHCR for Headquarters, Regional and Field Offices would be an advantage. Relevant training, such as CIPS, or other public procurement trainings. Knowledge of UN and UNHCR Financial Regulations and Rules relating to procurement and UNHCR Chapter 8. Aviation services knowledge for movements of goods/passengers. Proven ability to manage a team.

Functional Skills
SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management
SC-Supply Planning
SC-Warehouse Management
SC-Asset Management
SC-Fleet Management
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures
IT-Computer Literacy
SC-Customs clearance
SC-Logistics
(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.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated knowledge and initial experience in supply planning, project management, sustainability, the use of digital tools, and effective communication. These will include, among others, contributions to ongoing efforts to advance sustainability throughout the supply chain, from planning and sourcing to delivery and lifecycle management.

Candidates should be comfortable working in technology-enabled environments, with exposure to platforms that support supply chain operations, such as Oracle Cloud ERP, data analysis tools, and performance dashboards.

The role requires strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, along with a collaborative mindset and client orientation. A solid understanding of UNHCR’s supply chain operations is expected, including the ability to apply this knowledge in support of planning, implementation, and performance monitoring activities.

Familiarity with field operations and experience in multi-stakeholder settings will be considered assets. Candidates should also be able to support the preparation of technical inputs, reports, and proposals, and effective intra-divisional relations as well as liaison with the Bureaux and other UNHCR entities. Fluency in a second UN official language in addition to English is required.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational health and safety considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The position is based in Budapest, Hungary, within the Supply Planning and Performance Section of the Supply Management Service (SMS) in the Division of Emergency and Programme Support (DEPS). The Associate Supply Officers will report to the Senior Supply Chain Coordinator and be part of a newly established project unit created to support strategic supply chain initiatives.

This unit will contribute to key areas such as planning, performance monitoring, sustainability, operational readiness, and supply chain innovation. The work is closely aligned with the overarching Supply Chain Strategy, which seeks to ensure that supply interventions are swift, simple, and sustainable. Depending on operational needs, the role may also involve supporting internal coordination, donor engagement, and the implementation of externally funded activities.

Living and Working Conditions:

The position is based in HQs in Budapest which is the capital of Hungary where adequate infrastructure, health, education, banking and recreational facilities are easily accessible. Budapest is H category Duty Station. There are no specific security concerns not withstanding incidental events. Personal security is generally not an issue. However, staff members should be cautious and take responsibility for their own personal and residential security.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, SC-Asset Management, SC-Customs clearance, SC-Fleet Management, SC-Logistics, SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management, SC-Supply Planning, SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures, SC-Warehouse Management, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Engineering, Bachelor of Arts: Logistics, Bachelor of Arts: Marketing, Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics

Certifications

Institute of Purchasing and Supply – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 2 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance