Job and Career Info

VACANCY NO.: Job ID 1580
CLOSING DATE: 1 June 20102010 (5:00 p.m. New York time)
POST TITLE: Humanitarian Logistics Specialist*
CATEGORY: ICS- 11
POST TYPE: Non-rotational
DUTY STATION: New York
DURATION: 1 year Fixed-Term initially
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Commodity Security Branch, Technical Division

Background Information

A major objective of the Program of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in September 1994, was to make reproductive health care accessible to all individuals by the year 2015. The Program of Action specifically called attention to the needs of vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and refugees. Subsequently the concept of a “Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP)” was adopted by the agencies involved in humanitarian work. In keeping with the objectives of the MISP, UNFPA manages Reproductive Health Kits with the goal to provide the supplies needed to facilitate the timely and appropriate delivery of reproductive health services in humanitarian situations. UNFPA also provide humanitarian logistics management support to countries. Such support include not only in the distribution of RH kits but also all other RH services, supply management and commodities. An integrated, coordinated, and systems strengthening approach is fundamental to the Division’s overall strategy.

Organizational Setting

The Humanitarian Logistics Specialist is located in the Commodity Security Branch of the Technical Division, and reports directly to the Chief of Commodity Security Branch and in close collaboration with the Chief of the Humanitarian Response Branch.

Main Activities/Expected Results

- Provide advice, guidance and strategical support on all aspects of humanitarian (and programme) logistics;
- Devise a humanitarian logistics strategy aligned with and integrated into the overall UNFPA Humanitarian Response Strategy including performance measures and targets;
- Develop, implement and monitor humanitarian logistics operational policies, standards, processes and procedures, including deployment plans for rapid response teams;
- Devise and implement performance measures for humanitarian logistics response and humanitarian preparedness plan;
- Develop a catalogue of emergency requirements and put in place supporting supply arrangements;
- Develop logistics management information system for operations, governance and management for conflict and post conflict situations
- Develop capability standards for logistics, particularly humanitarian, in UNFPA;
- Develop guidance to assist country offices to determine the most appropriate warehousing and distribution arrangement for their emergency stock;
- Work closely with RHCS advisers and other humanitarian experts inside and outside of the organization;
- Work closely with Humanitarian Response Branch, Procurement Services Branch and other relevant units and divisions to provide needed support to countries in conflict, post conflict and in recovery stages;
- Work closely with key partners and global logistics clusters for coordinated support to countries and advocacy for donor support for raising funding support to countries and in country logistics management ;
- Provide advice and prepare briefing notes and policy papers which will help orient UNFPA policy thinking in its dealings with different donors, on RHCS; and,
- Provide substantive advice to the Division Director and senior management of UNFPA on the issue of humanitarian logistics.

Required Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES:

- Values Integrity/Commitment to mandate
- Performance Management
- Developing People/Fostering Innovation and Empowerment
- Self-management/Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management
- Communicating Information and Ideas
- Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking
- Knowledge Sharing/Continuous Learning

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

- Business Acumen
- Advanced negotiation skills
- Innovation and marketing new approaches
- Client orientation
- Job knowledge/Technical expertise
- Results-based programme development and management

Qualifications and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree in or relevant combination of qualifications and experience, in the logistics field.

Knowledge and Experience:
- Seven years experience in the emergency logistics area, including demonstrated knowledge and work experience in supply chain management in relief contexts, with direct experience of designing and implementing logistics systems and procedures for international organizations during emergencies.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of supply chain management requirements and techniques (needs assessments, source identification, procurement, international freight procedures, customs, warehousing, distribution and monitoring/accountability).
- Good knowledge of the actors and mechanisms of humanitarian response in emergency context.
- Experience with logistics management in natural and complex political emergencies in diverse cultural and climatic settings.
- Strong skills and experience in external relations with donors, other UN agencies and others, including developing partnerships, fundraising, negotiation and liaison.
- Excellent training, coaching and mentoring skills and experience.
- Ability to work independently, with little direct supervision, and function effectively as part of a team.
- Fluency in written and spoken English required. Knowledge of another UN language an asset.

The job may require the person to work under difficult circumstances including stress, high security risks and harsh living conditions, as well as to spend some proportion of time travelling away from home.

This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.