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

B

Family

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

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.

Given the Bureau's role for managerial oversight, technical guidance, and support to operations in the region, the incumbent of the position should have strong technical capacity and experience in his/her field of expertise. S/he should be a strong team player and have a strong service orientation, flexibility, and proactivity to manage rising situations and challenges. In addition, the position's incumbent should coordinate closely with other units in the Bureau, promote collaboration and diversity in a multicultural environment, and contribute to a positive work environment.

The incumbent must have expert knowledge in all aspects of the supply chain, where s/he shall provide guidance both in terms of the first and second line of defence.

Essential attributes:
• Relevant work experience and demonstrated competencies in different supply roles (procurement, logistics, inventory management) in complex emergency and protracted situations, and varied operational contexts (IDPs and Refugees) including large-scale emergency responses and regional oversight responsibilities;
• Relevant work experience and demonstrated competencies at HQ or Bureau;
• Relevant work experience and demonstrated competencies in systems, business processes, KPIs and supply tools including development of procurement trackers, consolidated procurement plans, inventory control mechanisms;
• Demonstrated experience in audit preparedness, compliance monitoring, and internal control frameworks,
• Proven ability to develop and implement procurement and supply chain strategies aligned with operational needs;

Desirable Attributes:
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, operations in Africa and its range of challenges and issues from the political and the humanitarian perspectives;
• While acknowledging that UNHCR is a rotational organisation, previous knowledge and work experience in one of the regions (Eastern or Southern Africa) is desirable.
• Certification in UN/UNHCR supply chain management and relevant external certification in humanitarian logistics or public procurement is an advantage.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The UNHCR Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa (RBESA) is based in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a critical hub for collaboration, strategic engagement, and addressing cross-cutting operational challenges. A Regional Director heads the Bureau and has primary accountability for strategic decision-making, regional prioritization, and quality assurance—and enhanced delegated authorities to manage the region effectively. With functional links to the Divisions at HQs, technical experts are integrated within the regional bureau structures/pillars and lines of authority.

Strategic Planning and management ensure the region’s overall coherence with UNHCR’s global objectives and High Commissioner’s Strategic Directions; set regional bureau-wide priorities, manage, and direct all regional resources and assess contextual changes to adjust regional operational priorities; provide support to country operations, including on Human Resources, Supply, Finance and Information and Communications Technology (ICT); ensures financial and procedural oversight.

Protection elaborates and empowers regional approaches to UNHCR’s global protection priorities; monitors and supports the exercise of UNHCR’s core protection mandate at the country level.

External Engagement defines and oversees the implementation at country and regional level of strategic communications, resource mobilization, and partnership strategies, including with UN and NGO partners, development institutions, and the full range of stakeholders under the whole of society approach of the Global Compact on Refugees. The partnership approach includes cultivating and supporting partnerships for economic and financial inclusion, livelihoods, and social protection, supported by socio-economic analysis.

Data, Identity Management and Analysis (DIMA) supports regional information, data management, and analysis in alignment with regional objectives and provides expertise in the collection, validation, curation, protection, interpretation, and representation of operational data.

The Bureau provides operational support and oversight to 25 country operations: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Some 3600 staff are deployed in the Bureau and country offices. The Bureau also oversees UNHCR’s Representation to the African Union (AU) and the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA) based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Most UN agencies, including WFP and UNICEF, have regional offices in Nairobi, and host some of their HQ teams.

The region has the largest number of people with and for whom UNHCR works in Africa. This includes 6.3 million refugees and asylum seekers, over 17.0 million internally displaced people, as well as approximately 238,000 returnees in 2026, over 68,000 stateless persons, or persons at risk of statelessness. The majority of people forced to flee their countries are hosted in 7 countries, namely Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania (United Republic of), and South Africa. Uganda hosts over 2 million refugees, the largest refugee population in Africa. Ethiopia has over 1.9 million internally displaced people. Before the current crisis in Sudan, approximately 2.3 million people were internally displaced in Sudan. More than a year since the start of the current crisis, close to 6.72 million people were uprooted and forced to flee their homes to safer parts of the country bringing the total internally displaced to 9.0 million people. Sudan is one of the largest internal displacement situations in the world and one of the fastest-growing displacement crises. The Regional Bureau Director also serves as the Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan situation thus RBESA RB supports him with coordination and planning, reporting and resource mobilization for the Sudan situation. South Sudanese still accounts for the highest displaced outside the country coming to around 2.37 million people. In Somalia, around 3.3 million people are internally displaced throughout the country. Mixed movements and human trafficking are significant regional protection challenges.

The region is characterized by pockets of instability and insecurity, recurrent climatic events contributing to intercommunal conflicts, fragile state institutions and governance systems, and heightened socio-economic vulnerability of forcibly displaced. Political instability and conflicts in Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan have led to displacement, resulting in large internal and external population movements. Despite the challenges, the Bureau seeks to expand opportunities that exist in the humanitarian/development/peace nexus to enhance collaboration and engage strategically with governments, donors, and financial institutions for the inclusion of refugee programmes in national systems, while seeking contributions of development actors to sustainable reintegration initiatives in Burundi, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

The ESA region has received over half (51%) of the World Bank’s total global IDA allocations under the special instruments for refugees and host communities covering seven countries. The Bureau engages with partners in the UN, financial institutions (AFDB, IFC, WB) and Regional economic communities (IGAD and EAC) and ICGLR as part of its agenda. A broad range of progressive pledges were made by States, regional entities and other stakeholders at the second Global Refugee Forum 2023, which will drive the protection and solutions agenda in the region for the coming four years.

Living and Working Conditions:

Nairobi is in UN Security level 2 ( Moderate) however politically instigated demonstrations and riots can occur at any time. There is general crime similar to that in large cities and a high sense of vigilance and alertness is required. Overall, these risks are manageable and do not significantly limit movement, operations, or quality of life for UN personnel.

Despite the security concerns mentioned above, Nairobi is a very good duty station for families. It has good medical facilities and the recreational facilities, schools and hotels are of international standards. It has an excellent climate, and comfortable houses and other forms of accommodation available as well as good banking facilities, unlimited access to all forms of communications such as internet, telephone Sim cards, etc. The city offers reliable infrastructure, diverse amenities, and a well-established UN and diplomatic community, which enhances day‑to‑day living and support networks.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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