Senior Supply Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – South Africa
Recruiter: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is part of the United Nations system, working to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. As a UN entity, it contributes to the organization’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting international cooperation in solving international problems and encouraging respect for human rights.
Job Summary
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to administrative management within United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s important work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in South Africa, you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful contribution to international cooperation and global peace and security.
Full Job Description
Deadline for Applications March 12, 2026 Hardship Level A (least hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS7 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Standard Job Description Senior Supply Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Supply Associate manages and supports all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing & procurement, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, assets & fleet management and monitoring, as applicable for the area of responsibility (AoR). The incumbent is supervised by a higher level supply position and receives regular guidance and instructions from the supervisor on successive steps. S/he may supervise some general service and/or AWF staff. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR offices, UN agencies, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors in the area to facilitate performing the supply function. The duty of the Senior Supply Associate is to support and monitor the management of material resources within the geographical area covered while exercising efficiency in the use of the available resources. 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 UNHCRs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties – In compliance with supply chain rules and procedures, support the related supply activities to facilitate UNHCR end to end processes resulting in a timely and quality delivery of goods and services to persons of concern. – Prepare plans for delivery of relief and other non-food items according to the operational needs and regularly update the information in UNHCR IT systems. – Apply UNHCR’s sourcing & procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services. Update the information in UNHCR IT systems. – Contribute to preparing supply chain management plans, implement them and provide information on the status of requests and the availability of items in the different steps of the supply chain. – Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide timely reports and updates both periodically and on request. – Evaluate purchase requisitions to ensure that specifications, delivery dates and all other requirements are in order. – Draft and dispatch quotation requests and/or tenders, assist in the evaluation of offers and draft bid-tabulations and prepare proposals for award of contracts to the Committee on Contracts. – Prepare Purchase Orders and send confirmations, requests for inspection and other correspondence. – Support warehouse management; monitor the manufacture/transport of ordered goods and relocations of goods between UNHCR warehouses to ensure timely delivery. – Provide guidance and advice on UNHCR procurement policies and procedures to support and assist requesting operations, HQ entities and others, as applicable. – Ensure that PPE agreements are properly issued and signed. – Ensure proper preparation of disposal forms and cases for the Asset Management Board. – Provide asset management reports, customised reports, and gather information on all assets and provide in-depth reports periodically and when requested. – 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. – Disseminate, promote commitment to and monitor compliance with UNHCR’s global policies, standards and guidance on supply chain management. In the Regional Bureaux – Track the progress of specific operations and advice senior regional and/or country operations management including guidance that ensures timely implementation and/or corrective actions, as required. – Assist in coaching and advising individuals as requested. – Track global Supply KPIs for the region and assist in devising regional ones, as required. – Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, and year-end accounts closure procedures and ensure compliance through provision of guidance and advice to senior regional and country operations managers. – Assist Country Operations in MSRP management. – Support the analysis of country financial reports and work with the Country Operations Supply Team leaders to address red areas relating to Supply aspects of operations by providing advice and corrective measures in compliance with Supply and Financial rules and regulations. – Support the country needs assessment plans and ensure their full inclusion/reflection in the regional procurement plans. Monitor the implementation and propose/review revisions based on operational needs. In the Country Operations – Ensure local liaison with partners to effectively support the supply activities. – Provide effective local support to UNHCR supply chain to develop an infrastructure that accommodates the needs of its operation. – Manage storage of goods according to “best practices” and UNHCR rules and regulations. – Ensure timely customs clearance of consignments. – Coordinate supply activities of UNHCR Partners and/or contractors performing supply related activities, and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures. – Establish PPE status through regular physical verification. – Manage PPE disposal process for the old/obsolete items according to Asset Management Board decisions and plan for replacement items. – Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, saves cost and safeguards the investment of the organisation including receipt, inspection, registration & marking of new Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE), and organisation of the physical verification of PPE. – Adapt local supply chain structures to be consistent with the operational needs. Ensure effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt local process to the prevailing environment. – Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). – Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable Certificates and/or Licenses Trade; Commerce; Business Administration; Economics; Marketing; or other relevant field. (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified Desirable Other UN procurement and logistics training such as IAPSO and UNPD. Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management SC-Supply Planning SC-Logistics SC-Warehouse Management SC-Asset Management SC-Fleet Management SC-Customs clearance SC-Public procurement (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…
Key Details
- Job Title: Senior Supply Associate
- Grade: GS-7
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Department: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Contract Type: General Service Staff
- Salary Range:$80,500 – $138,000 USD annually
Qualifications
- Not specified in the official posting
Skills
- Not specified in the official posting
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
