Head of Category Management Unit

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

• Develop a clear strategic vision for the category management unit, aligning it with the overall goals and objectives of SMS, the Global Procurement Section and UNHCR as a whole considering industry trends, emerging technologies, market dynamics and customer needs
• Utilize data and analytics to gain insights into market trends, supplier performance, and cost drivers. Leverage technology and tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Establish performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of category strategies and initiatives. Regularly monitor and analyse performance data to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven adjustments.
• Identify and assess technical risks associated with the category, such as supply disruptions, price fluctuations, or regulatory changes. As needed, develop adequate mitigation actions to be incorporated into the relevant category strategy
• Develop, disseminate, and monitor compliance with UNHCR’s global policies and guidance related to Category Management and standards.
• Contribute to the development and update of Technical Specifications for the items under the responsibility of SMS.
• Under the leadership of the Chief of Global Procurement Section and in collaboration with the Head of Sourcing and Global Markets Unit contribute to develop effective and efficient procurement strategies for high value and critical goods and services
• Effectively engage stakeholders to understand their needs and incorporate their insights into category strategies.
• Maintain open and proactive communication with internal stakeholders, such as senior management and business units. Keep them informed about category strategies, performance, and any significant developments or challenges.
• Foster strong collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams, such as other SMS Sections and Units, HQ Divisions, Regional Bureaux, and Field operations.
• Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers based on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit. Collaborate closely with suppliers to optimize costs, drive innovation, and ensure a reliable supply chain for the items under the categories managed by the Unit.
• Lead by example and inspire the team to achieve excellence. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, providing coaching and development opportunities to enhance skills and expertise.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the category management unit. Encourage innovation, strive for sustainability, explore new market opportunities, and seek efficiencies in processes and operations.
• Support and develop direct reports by monitoring, coaching, and identifying appropriate learning and development opportunities to enable them to meet job expectations as well as personal and UNHCR’s career development plans.
• Set specific, measurable targets to drive the staff performance and ensure continuous improvement.
• Actively engage with other UN Agencies and other International/Public Organization to partner in development, pioneering, piloting, and testing of new products and services under the assigned categories.
• Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
• Perform other relevant duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Professional Work Experience:

• For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Fields of Education:

• Natural Sciences Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, or related fields
• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or rerated field)
• Business Administration or other relevant field.

Relevant Job Experience:

Essential:

• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership/managerial role in large/international supply chain operations.
• Strong theoretical background and substantive experience in contracting of goods and services on international level with excellent working knowledge of business administration, commercial and contractual aspects.
• Ability to comprehend complex technical information, technical formulas, diagrams, and drawings.
• Experience in modelling and statistical analysis relevant to the assigned category markets and supply chain in general Experience in handling complex contract issues in the context of public procurement. Proven problem-solving ability and ability to lead a highly skilled team.
• Proven proactive and customer service- oriented attitude. Experience in contracts negotiations; ability to provide technical guidance to subordinate staff; ability to plan and organise work assignments, often under close deadlines.
• Experience in supervising and leading multifunctional teas and experience in supervision and assignment of bayes.
• Experience in working in field missions in humanitarian and development context, preferably in developing countries and/or countries in transition.
• Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks with speed, in a courteous and service-oriented manner. Team player, flexible and adaptive in various situations, including multi-cultural and multi-lingual environments.

Source: https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Budapest-GSC-Hungary/Head-of-Category-Management-Unit_JR2552988-2