Technical Officer, P2, TA, #123161, WSEC, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen

The position reports to the Supply Chain Specialist PSU P3, within the Water, Sanitation and Education Centre (WSEC) in UNICEF Supply Division and will be responsible to support technical review of Project Support portfolio, in support of UNICEF programmes worldwide. Project Support technical unit currently composed of one staff member at GS-5.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Hope

 

Strategic office context:

The position reports to the Supply Chain Specialist PSU P3, within the Water, Sanitation and Education Centre (WSEC) in UNICEF Supply Division and will be responsible to support technical review of Project Support portfolio, in support of UNICEF programmes worldwide. Project Support technical unit currently composed of one staff member at GS-5.

Project Support Unit (PSU) in WSEC is responsible for the global procurement of: Staff Security items (Armored vehicles, Flack jackets and Helmets), Transport (Vehicles, motorcycles) power generation and core relief items such as High-performance tents and others with an annual throughput of $USD 80 million

Procurement centers are responsible for supply operation including market intelligence, forecasting, procurement, delivery, innovation and analysis of product groups and procurement strategies. The technical function leads in expertise in product specification, technical evaluations, looking into international applicable  standards and conformity, ensure fit for purpose, identifies global supply sources with specific focus on geographical diversity of suppliers – endeavoring to bring sourcing closer to demand, keeps abreast of industry shifts in product innovation including changes in raw materials used for PSU  product range.  Interacts with UN agencies and other players to gain intelligence to improve product specification in line with industry practice.

 

How can you make a difference?

The position reports to the Supply Chain Specialist PSU P3, within the Water, Sanitation and Education Centre (WSEC) in UNICEF Supply Division and will be responsible to support technical review of Project Support portfolio, in support of UNICEF programmes worldwide. Project Support technical unit currently composed of one staff member at GS-5.

Supports Supply Chain Specialist in communication with counterparts in field offices and other UN organizations, establishes technical specifications, standards, and guidelines for a group of commodities owned by the PSU, which are requisitioned by UNICEF programmes, or by specialized UN agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis.  Identifies commodity sources and evaluates technical appropriateness of commodities with a focus on sustainable procurement. Explores markets/industry including consultation with other UN Agencies, UNGM to identify geographically diverse supplier source for PSU products.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Reviews and updates technical specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness for review by supervisor. Advises requesting offices on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization. Clarifies inadequate specifications with requesting office in consultation with Supply Chain Specialist, proposing substitute or alternative items as necessary.
2. Conduct preliminary desk review and sample evaluation (where applicable) of all tenders in consultation with Supply Chain Specialist and completes technical evaluation of all tenders for final approval.
3. Supports Supply Chain Specialist to collaborate with UN agencies primarily with UNHCR, UNPD and those who deal in similar product range, Country Offices and/or other agencies /stakeholders to find synergy of new supplier base, past performance, availability or use of similar products and appropriateness of products. Methodically reviews UNGM, other commercial media and global market to identify potential supplier for participation in Supply Division manages procurement/solicitations.
4. Under the guidance of Supply Chain Specialist collaborates with Product Innovation unit reviews existing commodity group to identify product gaps and propose improvements for disability inclusiveness. In consultation with Supply Chain Specialist investigates global markets, maintains resource files potential sources, and provide updates periodically.
5. Work closely with Project Support contracting team to consult on technical support required for all solicitations. Compiles and drafts, proposals on product evaluation criteria, sample requirement, Pre-delivery Inspection, while ensuring product quality.
6.  Screens for release all incoming pre-delivery inspection, escalating complexities, and ambiguity to Supply Chain Specialist. Maintains systematic database inspection report with support of Technical Assistance for timely follow up with suppliers and Quality Assurance Centre.
7. Responsible for technical screening of security items, shelters/core relief items, packing materials and items related to transportation and power generation etc., for emergency response and/or warehouse replenishment. Take lead and coordinate with supplier to gather all relevant information to propose final outcome to supervisor.
8. Supports on Special PSU Projects such as Expansion of security portfolio and Health Emergency Facility etc. Consults and drafts initial technical input for such initiatives in the best interest of the organization and the project outcome including drafting both product and supplier validation criteria.
9. In partnership with Quality Assurance Centre, Emergency Coordination Unit and Warehouse reviews PSU portfolio product lists to keep them updated while coordinating material depletion or write off where necessary. Researches, evaluates and promotes new products, and promotes development of new technologies when appropriate, to meet programme requirements especially focusing on environmental sustainability.
10. Reviews the range of commodities under the Project Support Unit responsibility, as well as the part of Supply Emergency List.
11. Supports the Supply function with technical support in field offices by assisting in preparation of special projects that may arise. Any other unplanned objective specifically assigned as per ad-hoc necessities.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education

• A completed 1^st University degree (bachelor’s degree) in technical field mainly in electro-mechanical engineering, or mechanical/or electrical engineering or any relevant discipline. Specialist knowledge of commodity area required.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 years of progressive relevant professional experience.
• Experience in institutional procurement of security items and products related to transport and power generation. 
• Experience in handling and managing technical portfolio and products related to security, shelters, transportation and power generation in UNICEF or other UN/ International agencies desirable.

Other technical skills and knowledge:

• Product and Market knowledge of wide range of Project support product group
• Current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field of work.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
• teamwork abilities. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
• Able to work independently and problem-solving oriented.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is 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

 

The 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 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

 

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

 

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.