Opportunity Details
Details:
Mission and objectives
UNAMA was established in 2002 as a Political/ Peacebuilding Mission, exceptionally) directed and supported by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNAMA is a political mission that provides political good offices in Afghanistan; works with and supports the government; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation. UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Its mandate is reviewed annually with the latest mandate renewal being on 15 September 2020 when the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2543 (2020). Resolution 2543 (2020) calls for UNAMA and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, within their mandate and in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, leadership, and ownership, to continue to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts in full cooperation with the country authorities.
Context
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) assists the people of Afghanistan in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development in the country. UNAMA’s current mandate comprises the following priorities: the provision of good offices; support for the organization of future elections; strengthening capacity in the protection and promotion of human rights including the protection of children affected by armed conflict and prevention of child recruitment; support for gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment; the coordination and facilitation of humanitarian assistance; and support for Afghanistan’s development and governance priorities, including the rule of law, transitional justice as an essential component of the ongoing peace process, budget execution and the fight against corruption throughout the country; The Security Council also recognized that the renewed mandate of UNAMA is in support of Afghanistan’s full assumption of leadership and ownership in the security, governance and development areas.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief, Acquisition Management Unit or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will be responsible for the following duties: • Prior to the budget formulation, liaises with technical units (former Self Accounting Units (SAUs) to prepare projected demand and to establish the mission’s annual demand plan in the Supply Chain Acquisition Plan (SCPT). • Consolidates budget projections and demand plans from technical units through review of stock holdings, consumption patterns, procurement cycle times, requirements and forecasts of internal and external customers. • Liaises with UN Global Service Centre (UNGSC) and/or UN headquarters regarding the submission of the mission’s demand plan as input for the consolidated global acquisition plan; • Monitors monthly mission requisitions of the assigned categories to ensure purchase requests are based on forecasted plans; Liaises with UNGSC and/or counterparts in other Missions on item available prior to making decision to acquire new items either for replacement or additional requirement; • Initiates actions leading to the implementation of the Mission Acquisition Plan, taking into account different sourcing options, including global and regional systems contracts, local market and other conditions, logistics forecasting, inventory holdings, consumption patterns, supply schedules, and ongoing assessment and prioritization of operational supply chain requirements. • Contributes to plan, develop and manage the acquisition process of various services and commodities (e.g. information technology and communication equipment, vehicles, medical equipment and supplies, food rations, fuel, construction and building maintenance materials, stationery and office supplies, furniture and fixtures, accommodation and office equipment etc.), including planning and coordination of transportation requirements and consolidation of inbound deliveries, service contracts requirements and maintenance plans of assigned services, taking into account the different procurement methods, lead times and sourcing options available; • Contributes to the execution of internal controls over acquisition activities and support functions; • Advises recipient entities and technical units periodically on the progress of acquisition activities and detailed status of implementation of the acquisition plan, including a full range of procurement and other supply chain issues encountered, providing them with support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle, and prepares the review for submission to UNGSC and the Department of Operational Support, Office of Supply Chain Management (DOS/OSCM) in headquarters; • Meets regularly with internal stakeholders to review the Mission Acquisition Plan based on changing priorities and emergencies as related to the assigned materials/services groups to ensure an efficient and cohesive approach to managing areas of mutual interest. • Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit, including review of cost estimates from technical units, monitoring performance parameters and critical indicators, and reporting on work program performance. • Prepares integrated, timely and accurate reports to monitor and track all aspects of the Mission supply chain to ensure an uninterrupted supply of goods and services to meet operational requirements. • Review specifications with Technical Units (TUs) and raise shopping carts for the goods and/or services in Umoja Review in relation to the Mission Acquisition Plan. • Liaise with assigned TUs during the requisitioning process for the specifics of their requirements and to incorporate service contracts requirements and maintenance plans of assigned services. • Liaise with Warehouse and Commodity Management Section to harmonize inventory requirements during requisitioning. • Assist in overall budget planning and monitoring of expenditures for assigned TU. • Assist the TU in the update of Product IDs to streamline the requisitioning process. Implement Mission Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and guidelines relating to Requisitioning and Acquisition Management. • Assists Technical Units (TUs), Procurement and Budget units to follow-up on pending issues regarding shopping carts. • Performs other related duties as required
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
5 years of experience in A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, administration or related area is required. Experience with MRP (Materials Requirements Planning) and/or ERP (Enterprise resource planning), e.g. SAP ECC (ERP Central Component), SRM (Supplier Relationship Management), or similar in support of scheduling, procurement, and/or logistics processes is desirable. Experience in providing logistics and supply chain support services in a conflict or post conflict environment is desirable.
Area(s) of expertise
Logistics and Inventory
Driving license
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Technical/vocational diploma in Technical or vocational certificate in at least one of the following areas is required: logistics, supply chain management, business administration or procurement.
Competencies and values
• Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of and exposure to a substantive field of work in the areas of supply chain management, acquisition planning, warehousing, inventory management, distribution and procurement. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary Uses time efficiently • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Afghanistan is classified as a hardship duty station with a volatile security environment. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers with UNAMA are similar to those of other internationally recruited staff members. Volunteers are provided with safe accommodation within a well-secured compound in Kabul, which offers good infrastructure and amenities. UNAMA’s administrative and technical support offices are located at the UNOCA compound on Jalalabad Road, situated some distance from central Kabul. Stringent security measures are in place across the country, and movement for UN volunteers, as with other UN staff, is highly restricted. Walking is virtually prohibited due to security concerns. Before moving into any accommodation, UN volunteers must comply with the Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS). The UNAMA Security section will provide these guidelines during the initial security briefing upon arrival. Upon arrival, volunteers will be accommodated in UNV-designated rooms within the UNOCA compound for a fixed charge of US$10 per day (US$300 per month), excluding food. The compound features two cafeterias, a restaurant, a “Superette,” and three small shops offering a variety of imported canned and frozen foods. There is also a daily fresh vegetable market. Additionally, the compound includes a social center, a gym, and a library with books managed by the Welfare Office. Most staple items such as rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, and salt are commonly available in local markets. A new minimarket at UNOCA provides basic goods, and several UN-cleared supermarkets are located in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Mazar-i-Sharif. Afghanistan experiences hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Both summer and winter clothing, along with insulated boots, are essential. Most common consumer goods can be found in Kabul and other regions. Afghanistan is a unique country, and UNAMA is a distinctive UN mission that demands more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than other locations. Adapting to hazardous and harsh conditions with limited comfort is crucial for making life manageable and affordable in this environment.