Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-28

Senior Supply Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Supply Officer leads, oversees, coordinates and supports the supply activities at global, regional or country operations level. The position may be located at Headquarters (within DEPS), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office. In the Bureau the incumbent normally reports to the Senior Operations Coordinator or to the Head of Bureau Strategic Planning and Management Service or the Senior Strategic Planning and Management Coordinator. In the Country Operation s/he normally reports to the Head of Office, to the Representative or the Deputy Representative (Operations) at the same level as the Programme and Administration functions. The incumbent directly supervises professional and general service staff in an operation.

The incumbent will ensure effective local supply chain that enables the operation to meet the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons as well as timely delivery of quality goods and services to forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
The incumbent will advise Country Operations on how to create/maintain a supply chain infrastructure that is robust and flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the operation and that enables timely emergency responses, along with regional oversite of effective partners to support supply activities.

The incumbent maintains impartial, ethical and customer-oriented relations with suppliers and Partner organizations; exchanges information with counterparts in other UN agencies, and International Organisations within the limits established by UN /UNHCR Procurements Rules and assists with joint procurement actions if, as and whenever necessary. In the Bureau the incumbent will assist upon needs, in operations will coordinate the delivery of assistance from the regional warehouse, if applicable. S/he will liaise with SMS staff who manage the Global Stockpiles and who manage the Global Asset and Fleet Management, if and as required. In addition, the incumbent will coordinate with SMS regarding policies, overall planning and management of resources that have an impact on Supply or where Supply has an impact on other parts of the operation.

In the Bureau the Senior Supply Officer function extends to providing advice, capacity-building, coaching and guidance on policy and operational issues to ensure compliance with UNHCR procurement, logistics and asset management rules and regulations; as well as support supply planning, implementation, reporting and statistics. The Senior Supply Officer, being part of the Bureau Supply team will, take on the role of advising, analysing and coaching the supply functions at Country Operation levels. The Senior Supply Officer from the Bureau will primarily focus on advising and reviewing the sourcing/procurement aspects of the supply function, as Bureau remains a procurement-prone region requiring a sound level of risk management tools. In complex and challenging operational environment, an excellent procurement expertise will then be required to mainstream UN procurement principles as well as UNHCR internal policies throughout the region. Furthermore, the incumbent will be the ex-officio of the Regional Committee on Contracts which has been established to approve cases at a higher threshold than the Local Committee on Contracts. In addition, the incumbent will review procurement cases from the operations that are above the country operations delegations, provide feedback as required and clear them for the relevant procurement authority. S/he will also have a large responsibility on capturing, analysing and reporting the information from the different Country Operations of the Bureau. This would require strong interaction and coordination in addition to an excellent knowledge of UNHCR tools (Cloud ERP, Power BI - Results Data Portal) and data analysis.

In country operations the incumbent will have direct working relationship/arrangement with the Head of UNHCR offices that fall within the domain of the office and will also have a responsibility to monitor, coach, guide and intervene with the staff within the given area of responsibility.
The incumbent will also create/maintain offices' supply chain optimised and aligned with the operations' evolving needs and management systems.

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
- Analyse the existing infrastructure and ensure that it is optimally aligned with the operational needs.
- Coordinate and manage all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, asset and fleet management in the operation.
- Coordinate and manage the procurement process to ensure timely, cost-effective and adequate delivery of commodities and services to support operational needs.
- Develop relevant contacts and build constructive relations with government authorities, implementing partners, UN agencies and others, to foster mutual cooperation for the timely delivery of relief items avoiding bottlenecks such as streamlining customs clearance processes.
- Set up and adapt standard supply chain structures to the local environment that are consistent with the operational needs.
- Support and guide the office should they need additional office space or extensions to their office leases, lease hold improvements or other construction. Carry out the procurement aspect of the establishment of office leases or extensions.
- Coordinate with CBI stakeholders the design and implementation of the market assessment and market monitoring to determine if CBI is option. Carry out the procurement action to contract Financial Service Providers (FSP).
- Identify partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the Partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Identify, assess and select vendors based on their capability for delivering commodities and services. Maintain vendor and item master databases.
- Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, increase efficiency and safeguards the investment of the organisation.
- Draw up plans for the disposal and replacement of old and obsolete asset and coordinate with SMS on the proper disposal of assets.
- Analyse the quality of commodities and services delivered in relation to the needs of the location and established quality standards.
- Coordinate activities of Partners and/or contractors performing supply related activities, and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures. Ensure Supply participation in the multifunctional teams for partner verification.
- Establish and maintain an efficient and skilled workforce that is capable of supporting on-going operations.
- Maintain an up-to-date overview of the location`s supply chain capacity and preparedness, as well as, that of its partners to ensure that adequate capacity exist also to cover emergencies.
- Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain related data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyse statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain related matters that will assist in decision making.
- Resolve difficulties in the local supply chain by finding solutions to problems and bottlenecks, and provide regular reports on supply chain activities, the status of requests and the availability of items in the supply chain.
- Disseminate, promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR's global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management.
- Ensure effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt process and documents to the prevailing environment.
- Coordinate the work of the supply units so as to achieve operational objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner. Ensure the effective and efficient use of financial and material resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.
- Prepare plans for delivery of relief items according to UNHCR's short and medium term requirements.
- Plan and develop an effective procurement plan for the geographical area of responsibility taking into account local procurement options. Use procurement planning tools and DEMANTRA demand planning.
- Ensure adequate capacity to respond to an emergency and develop contingency plans for the supply function as part of the operational plan.
- Act as ex-officio for the related contract committee. Review and/or clear procurement cases for the relevant procurement authority.
- Assess the environment and situation in which a supply operation will take place. Implement supply operations in the best manner possible through elimination of obstacles.
- Sustain the supply chain's capacity throughout an emergency and ensure an efficient flow of relief items to forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Rapidly respond to changing needs and quickly reallocate resources when required.
- Implement practical projects to improve supply performance that has clear objectives, timescales, tasks and resources defined. Monitor the project execution against the plans and take action when actual implementation deviates from plans.

In the Regional Bureaux:
- Advise Country Operation on how to implement supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented.
- Ensure that global Supply policies are understood by all Supply teams in the region by offering summaries and relevant interpretations in the regional context.
- Seek opportunities for regionalizing and streamlining Supply operations where operational advantage can be achieved
- Track the progress of specific periodic operations and provide guidance that ensures timely implementation.
- Organize and deliver training at regional level in the different Supply functions such as procurement, logistics, asset and fleet management.
- Coach and advise individuals or Supply teams as requested.
- Tracks global Supply KPIs for the region and devise regional ones as required.
- Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, year-end accounts closure procedures and ensure that they are implemented throughout the region.
- Regularly visit country operations and their Supply teams including visits to camps and other operational sites, provide oversight and support within the operational context.
- Provide a diagnostic on Cloud ERP, Power BI - Results Data Portal reports for country operations, and coordinating with the Regional Supply Coordinator for necessary follow-up to ensure that data, in particular stocks accurately and completely reflect the reality in the warehouses.
- Review country financial reports and work with the Country Operations Supply Team leaders to address red areas relating to Supply aspects of operations.
- Ensure that country needs assessment plans are established, combine them into regional procurement plans and monitor their timely implementation and changes based on operational needs.
- Monitor and advise operations on import and customs clearance (as required) to resolve and ensure bottlenecks a smooth flow of goods to the operations.
- Ensure coordinated emergency deployments of supply staff in consultation with SMS to countries in the Bureau.

- 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 related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Supply Chain Management; Business Administration; International Commerce; Engineering or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Certificate from Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies, e.g. CFIPS, CMIPS, MCIPS
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Proficient knowledge of logistics/supply systems with proven experience at previous work positions, preferably UN. Good working knowledge and experience in handling contract issues in the context of UN policies and standards. Experience in contract negotiations; ability to provide technical guidance to subordinate staff; ability to plan and organise work assignments, often under close deadlines. Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks with speed, in a courteous and service oriented manner. Proven ability to manage a team.
Desirable
Database management skills and experience and working knowledge of ERP systems would be an advantage. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to deal with persons of different cultural and educational backgrounds. Technical knowledge of types of services, supplies and goods purchased by UNHCR for Headquarters, Regional and Field Offices would be an advantage. Relevant training, such as CIPS, or other public procurement trainings. Knowledge of UN and UNHCR Financial Regulations and Rules relating to procurement and UNHCR Chapter 8. Aviation services knowledge for movements of goods/passengers.

Functional Skills
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
SC-Supply Planning
SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures
DM-Database Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Essential Attributes

Proven experience in supply chain management across procurement, logistics and inventory management in complex humanitarian or emergency operations.
Strong knowledge of UNHCR supply chain policies, frameworks and governance, including application of first- and second-line assurance functions.
Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-border and cross-line supply operations in volatile access environments, including operational continuity and adaptation to access constraints.
Proven experience in inter-agency logistics coordination, including engagement with clusters and alignment of supply strategies with UN and partner operations.
Strong operational experience in supply planning and management, including pipeline visibility, demand planning, vendor management and integration of supply data into operational decision-making.
Demonstrated experience in supply chain risk management, contingency planning and continuous adaptation of supply modalities in complex environments.

Desirable Attributes

Experience in collaboration with donors, including support to funding proposals and engagement on supply-related contributions (financial or in-kind).
Experience developing and implementing supply strategies, SOPs and system-based improvements aligned with corporate policies.
Certification in supply chain management, humanitarian logistics or public procurement (UNHCR or external, e.g. CIPS).
Experience in capacity building and training of supply and non-supply staff and external stakeholders.
Familiarity with operations in Africa, including complex emergency and protracted displacement contexts.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The operational environment in Sudan has undergone a profound shift since armed conflict erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, security conditions have continued to deteriorate, particularly in Darfur and the Kordofan regions, leaving the country in a highly volatile state as humanitarian needs rapidly intensify. The conflict has severely worsened living conditions, aggravated longstanding intercommunal and ethnic tensions, and generated grave protection risks, including killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, abductions, looting, and large-scale displacement.

As of November 2025, Sudan hosts close to 9.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with over 7 million newly displaced since the conflict began. An additional 4.4 million people have fled across borders into neighbouring countries. Current inter-agency displacement figures exceed the combined total of the previous four years, underscoring the scale of the crisis both within Sudan and across the region. According to the inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), the number of people in need increased from 15.8 million in November 2022 to 30.4 million in January 2025, largely driven by the ongoing conflict.

Despite the insecurity, Sudan continues to host a significant refugee population. As of 31 December 2025, the country shelters 859,974 refugees, primarily from South Sudan (73.8%), Eritrea (16%), and Ethiopia (8%). Sudan remains a key asylum country, receiving 84,038 new arrivals in 2025 from these same countries. 66% percent of refugees reside in camps, while 34% live in out‑of‑camp settings. The refugee population is 51% female and 49% male.

In areas where security has improved, displaced Sudanese have begun returning. To date, approximately 3 million people have returned to their areas of origin—81% (about 2.46 million) from internal displacement and 19% (about 567,000) from abroad. Most returns have occurred in Khartoum and Aj Jazirah, driven primarily by improved security. Nearly all returnees (99%) have returned to their exact places of origin, despite widespread destruction of shelters and limited access to essential services.

Throughout the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to staying and delivering inside Sudan. International and national staff continue to operate from eight locations across the country, providing protection and assistance to forcibly displaced populations both as part of emergency response and regular programming.

For operational coordination, the Sudan operation is structured around four main corridors:

• Western Corridor – covering the Darfur and Kordofan regions; access remains significantly constrained.

• Eastern Corridor – covering Kassala and Gedaref; fully accessible with no major operational constraints.

• Southern Corridor – covering White Nile and Blue Nile states; generally accessible, though periodic security incidents cause temporary disruptions.

• Northern Corridor – covering Wadi Halfa, Omdurman (Khartoum), and Port Sudan, where the Representation Office is located.

Additionally, a back office in Nairobi provides limited operational support functions

The incumbent will report to the Deputy Representative and will provide indirect technical supervision and support to Supply staff assigned under his/her supervision to ensure a coordinated and successful delivery of services.

While the position is currently for Port Sudan, situation may warrant a relocation of the position to Khartoum. Applicants are therefore expected to consider in their decision to expressing interest.

Living and Working Conditions:

The climate in Port Sudan is hot desert with hot summers and moderately hot winters. The average annual rainfall is 76 mm. January, February and March are the coldest months with mean daily minimum temperature of 23ﹾC whereas June, July and August are the hottest months with daily mean temperature between 32 to 35ﹾ C. There is a UN clinic in Port Sudan. Subsequently, Port Sudan is classified as E and non-family duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. Port Sudan office has a guesthouse for international staff accommodation combined with the office space. The guesthouse is equipped with TV. Food stuffs are available in the local markets and one can eat/buy food in the local restaurants. Bottled water and water dispensers are recommended for drinking as the quality of the tap water is not adequate. The internet connectivity even though stable, can be erratic at times. Staff members are strongly recommended to bring toiletries, medicines that they use regularly, books etc. Assigned staff needs to have completed the BSAFE module and produce copies of certification to obtain UN identification card in Sudan and update the TRIP profile.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, SC-Supply Planning, SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Logistics

Certifications

Institute of Purchasing and Supply - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance