Supply & Logistics Specialist

UNICEF is dedicated to protecting children’s rights and well-being in over 190 countries and territories, supporting them from early childhood through adolescence.

Our commitment at UNICEF is unwavering; we are driven by a passion for our mission and take immense pride in our work. Championing the rights of every child is more than a profession—it's a profound calling.

UNICEF serves as a foundation for building impactful careers. We offer our staff diverse avenues for professional and personal growth, reinforcing their sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally. We foster an inclusive and dynamic culture where everyone can belong and thrive, complemented by a competitive compensation and benefits package. Explore our work by visiting our website.

For every child, the right to Empowerment

How can you make a difference?

Reporting to the Deputy Representative Operations, you will spearhead UNICEF’s comprehensive supply chain operations. Your role will ensure the efficient, timely, and accountable delivery of goods, services, and construction works crucial for achieving program objectives for children.

Your responsibilities will encompass oversight of supply planning, procurement, contracting, customs clearance, warehousing, inventory management, and logistics. You will operate in strict adherence to UNICEF policies and ethical standards. Furthermore, you will lead and develop the supply team, cultivate robust collaborations with internal and external partners, and provide strategic technical guidance to governments to bolster national supply chain systems. Driving innovation, promoting local market development, and optimizing supply chain performance for enhanced efficiency and value for money will be key. In emergency situations, you will direct logistics preparedness and response through the development of operational strategies, coordination with key stakeholders, and ensuring business continuity. Your leadership is essential for strengthening operational resilience, mitigating supply chain risks, and directly contributing to impactful and sustainable outcomes for children.

Take charge of UNICEF Malawi’s supply chain operations, guaranteeing the prompt, effective, and accountable delivery of goods, services, and construction projects that advance results for children.

For a detailed understanding of this role, please consult the complete Job Description here: JD Supply and Logistics Specialist Level 3.doc

To qualify as an advocate for every child, you will need…

Minimum requirements

• Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Contract/Commercial Law, International Development, Health, or a related social science field.


• Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience, at both national and international levels, in supply, logistics, procurement, contract management, supply chain management, warehouse operations, customs clearance, vendor management, transportation, emergency logistics, public procurement, or a closely related area.


• Skills:
  
  
  
  • Proficiency in end-to-end supply chain management, encompassing procurement, contracting, logistics, warehousing, inventory control, customs procedures, and distribution.
  
  
  • A demonstrated ability to apply institutional supply, procurement, and financial regulations, alongside ethical guidelines and risk management principles, to ensure compliance and accountability in operations.
  
  
  • Strong analytical capabilities and strategic foresight, enabling the assessment of supply chain vulnerabilities, identification of obstacles, development of mitigation strategies, and enhancement of cost-effectiveness.
  
  
  • Proven leadership and team development skills, including performance management and the ability to foster collaborative relationships among program staff, operations teams, government entities, suppliers, and partners.
  
  
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities, with a capacity to address disagreements constructively and influence outcomes in complex environments.
  
  
  • A drive for innovation and continuous improvement, including the practical application of digital tools and emerging technologies to boost supply chain efficiency, transparency, and timeliness.
  
  
  
  


• Language Requirements: Professional fluency in English is mandatory.

Desirables

• Language: Familiarity with another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local Malawian language.


• Proven experience in negotiating with suppliers, service providers, government bodies, or partners to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of goods, services, or works.


• Experience in applying a child-centric perspective to supply chain decisions, prioritizing the swift delivery of essential supplies and services that directly support program outcomes for children.


• Proficiency in utilizing supply chain data, digital platforms, or performance dashboards for delivery monitoring, risk identification, bottleneck analysis, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.


• Experience operating within emergency, fragile, landlocked, or resource-constrained environments where supply chain continuity, risk mitigation, and rapid problem-solving are paramount.


• Hands-on expertise in end-to-end supply chain functions, including procurement, contracting, customs clearance, warehousing, transportation, inventory management, and distribution.


• Relevant experience at the country level, particularly within development, fragile, or humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) are the foundation of all our actions and interactions. Review our Values Charter for more information: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies essential for this role 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


• (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its various levels.

UNICEF is dedicated to advocating for and protecting the rights of every child, everywhere, in all aspects of its work. We are mandated to support the realization of these rights, especially for the most disadvantaged. Our global workforce should reflect the diversity of the children we serve. The UNICEF family is committed to inclusivity, embracing individuals irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority status, or any other characteristic.

We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, without regard to gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, or disability, including neurodivergence. UNICEF offers comprehensive benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. We provide necessary support throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please submit your request via the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage: Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, kindly connect directly with the recruiter to arrange any necessary accommodations in advance.

UNICEF does not employ individuals married to children (persons under 18). We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that conflicts with the principles and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disability. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. Consequently, all selected candidates will undergo thorough reference and background checks and are expected to uphold these standards and principles. Background checks may include verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates might be requested to provide additional information for background checks, and those with disabilities may be asked to submit supporting documentation confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are contingent upon medical clearance. The issuance of a visa by the host country is required for International Professional (IP) positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional upon the selected candidate's willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements mandated by UNICEF for personnel. Failure to meet these requirements, without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, may result in the cancellation of the selection or administrative actions, including separation from service.

Remarks:

In accordance with Article 101, paragraph 3, of the United Nations Charter, the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity are paramount in the employment of staff.

UNICEF is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. Eligible and suitable candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Government employees considered for UNICEF positions are typically required to resign from their government posts before commencing their 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 if necessary inoculation requirements are not met within a reasonable timeframe for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge any processing fees at any stage of the recruitment, selection, or hiring process (including application, interview, validation, or appointment/training). UNICEF will never request applicants' bank account information.

Mobility is a fundamental requirement for international professional employment with UNICEF and a core principle of the international civil service.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to sustained engagement and delivery in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels and across all functional areas, may be called upon to support humanitarian response efforts, contributing to both community resilience and the capacity of national authorities.

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

Find additional information about working with UNICEF here.