UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works tirelessly 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, promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it’s a calling that requires dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment.

Job Overview

UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Supply & Logistics Manager to join their team in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is crucial in ensuring effective and efficient supply chain management for UNICEF programmes and government partners, directly impacting program goals and results for children across the region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supply Planning and Monitoring (25%)

• – Provide technical support to UNICEF Country Offices on supply planning and monitoring
• – Develop and implement strategies for effective supply chain management
• – Analyze supply data and trends to optimize planning processes

2. Supply Chain Service Delivery and Emergency Response (30%)

• – Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, contracting, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution
• – Lead emergency response efforts related to supply and logistics
• – Ensure timely delivery of supplies to beneficiaries and partners

3. Collaboration and Partnership (20%)

• – Work closely with Country Office programme and supply teams
• – Collaborate with implementing partners to align supply interventions with programmatic needs
• – Foster relationships with key stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem

4. Technical Advisory Support (15%)

• – Provide expert guidance to governments and national systems on supply chain management
• – Develop capacity-building initiatives for local partners and authorities
• – Contribute to the development of policies and procedures related to supply and logistics

5. Innovation, Products, and Markets (10%)

• – Stay abreast of market trends and innovations in supply chain management
• – Identify and implement new technologies and processes to improve efficiency
• – Contribute to product innovation efforts to meet the evolving needs of UNICEF programmes

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) is required in one of the following fields:

• – Business Administration
• – Management
• – Economics
• – Supply Chain Management
• – Logistics
• – Procurement
• – Contract/Commercial Law
• – International Development
• – Health or related social science field

Experience

• – A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience at the national and international levels in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration, or other directly related technical fields
• – Experience in developing country contexts and/or familiarity with emergency situations is highly desirable
• – Understanding of development and humanitarian work is essential
• – Health supply chain management experience is considered an advantage

Language Requirements

• – Fluency in English is required
• – Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language of the duty station is considered an asset

Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). Additionally, they should exhibit the following competencies:

1. Builds and maintains partnerships
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
3. Drives 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 roles)

Additional Information

• – This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO)
• – UNICEF offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements
• – The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds
• – UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with UN values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• – All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• – UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require specific vaccinations, including against COVID-19
• – Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications are invited to submit their applications through the UNICEF career portal. The application should include:

1. A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and how your skills and experience align with the role
2. An up-to-date CV/resume
3. Three professional references

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All UNICEF positions are advertised publicly, and the selection process is transparent and merit-based.