Associate Supply Officer

December 22, 2025

B

FamilyFamily

PR2

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-01-01

Associate Supply Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Supply Officer supports all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance and warehousing management within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The position may be located at Headquarters (within Division of Emergency and Programme Support (DEPS), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office.

The incumbent is normally supervised by the (Senior) Supply Officer or other senior staff with supply oversight function who defines the objectives and provides general guidance. S/he will also refer to UNHCR manuals and relevant policy papers. The incumbent normally supervises some staff and/or Affiliate Workforce (WF.
In Bureaus and country operations s/he maintains regular contacts on working level with other UN agencies, UNHCR Partners, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors in the area of operation.

S/he will support effective supply chain that enables the office 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. Further, the incumbent will assist in the maintenance of 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 effective partners to support supply activities.

The Associate Supply Officer 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.

The incumbent will support the coordination of the delivery of assistance from the regional warehouse, if applicable. S/he will liaise with Supply Service staff who manage the Global Stockpiles and who manage the Global Asset and Fleet Management, if and as required and if applicable.

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
- Support all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, asset and fleet management, as applicable.
- Support the procurement process to ensure timely, cost-effective and adequate delivery of commodities and services to support operational needs.
- Identify partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the UNHCR Partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Develop relevant contacts and build constructive relations with UN agencies, UNHCR Partners, government authorities and other partners as applicable.
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide timely reports and updates both periodically and on request.
- Manage the vendor related processes including identification, assessment and selection of vendors based on their capability for delivering commodities and services. Ensure vendor and item master databases are up to date.
- Oversee tender processes and manage the preparation of proposals for award of contracts to the relevant CoCs.
- Ensure the quality standards for commodities and services are respected by vendors in relation to the needs of the location and tender/purchase specifications.
- 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 and procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services.
- Ensure timely customs clearance of consignments and establishment & maintenance of warehousing according to "best practices" and UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Manage an efficient system for the release, and redeployment of goods.
- Oversee and coordinate as required the release and transportation and of relief and other non-food items.
- 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
- Implement supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented.
- 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.

- Support effective information flow in the supply chain and adapt process and documents to the prevailing environment.

In the Regional Bureaux:
- Support Country Operations in implementing supply operations based on interpretations of the situation and conclusions to how the operation can be best implemented particularly in emergency context.
- Assist country operations achieving full compliance with rules & regulations in all supply activities.
- Track the progress of specific periodic operations and provide guidance that ensures timely implementation.
- Facilitate training of supply staff and assist in coaching and advising individuals or Supply teams as requested.
- Track 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, and year-end accounts closure procedures and ensure that they are implemented throughout the region and provide relevant reports to senior managers.
- 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.
- Support the country needs assessment plans and assist in combining them into regional procurement plans and monitor their timely implementation and changes based on operational needs.

In the Country Operations:
- Adapt standard supply chain structures to the local environment that are consistent with the operational needs.
- Assist 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.
- Assist in the coordination 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).
- Support the establishment and maintenance of an efficient and skilled workforce that is capable of supporting on-going operations.
- Support the identification of 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.
- Implement effective asset and fleet management that regularly monitors the asset/fleet pool, increases efficiency safeguards the investment of the organisation.
- Support the coordination activities of Partners and/or contractors performing supply related activities, and ensure that they understand and adhere to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.
- 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.
- Depending on the size of the operation act as ex-officio in the LCC Review and clear procurement cases for the relevant procurement authority.

- 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 P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year 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.
Desirable
Database management skills and experience and working knowledge of ERP systems, ideally of UNHCR's Cloud ERP 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. Proven ability to manage a team.

Functional Skills
SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management
SC-Supply Planning
SC-Warehouse Management
SC-Asset Management
SC-Fleet Management
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures
IT-Computer Literacy
SC-Customs clearance
SC-Logistics
(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.

The ideal candidate brings advanced operational leadership and strategic oversight beyond standard supply functions. In addition to solid logistics and supply expertise, he/she demonstrates strong capability in Inter-Agency coordination, particularly in working with government authorities and national institutions to ensure seamless regulatory and operational alignment. The candidate has proven experience managing complex, multi-country operations, effectively supervising remote and geographically dispersed teams while maintaining operational coherence and communication across multiple sites.

He/she also possesses a track record in large-scale fleet management (100+ vehicles), emphasizing preventive maintenance systems, fuel efficiency monitoring, and cost optimization. Fluency in both French and English is essential, combined with the ability to navigate multicultural and multilingual environments. The candidate stands out for rigor, autonomy, organizational excellence, and capacity to deliver results under pressure in dynamic and occasionally unstable operational contexts

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Candidates are encouraged to consult the eTA platform for official information on security and general conditions in Cameroon, in line with mission guidelines 

Nature of Position:

UNHCR in Cameroon operates across a wide portion of the national territory, supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons through its offices located in the Centre (Yaoundé), East (Bertoua), Adamawa (Meiganga), and Far North (Maroua, Kousseri) regions, and remotely in North West/South West region through implementing partners and missions. Activities in support of these populations require a cross-cutting approach to logistical support, enabling UNHCR and its implementing partners to operate effectively across all areas of the supply chain, including procurement, asset management, and warehousing.

To ensure operational efficiency, the Cameroon Multi-Country Office relies on a network of three regional warehouses (Bertoua, Meiganga, and Maroua) and provides administrative support to the regional warehouse in Douala. The operation also manages a fleet of light and heavy vehicles. The Supply Unit based in Yaoundé provides logistical support to all field offices and serves as a technical advisor to senior management on supply chain management

Living and Working Conditions:

 Cameroon is a family duty station with a relatively calm, though occasionally volatile, political environment. The climate is tropical, with two rainy seasons—April to May and September to October—and an average temperature of 25°C. Most international staff reside in neighborhoods such as Bastos and Golf, which are located about 10 to 15 minutes from the UNHCR office. Travel times may vary slightly due to school traffic. While having a personal vehicle is useful for commuting and errands, reliable alternatives such as taxis and the Yango ride-hailing app are widely used, with fares ranging from 500 to 5,000 XAF (approximately $1 to $8), depending on the distance. The office may assist with access to UN plates if needed.

Housing options in Yaoundé are varied, with one- to three-bedroom apartments available across the city. Monthly rents typically range from 400,000 to 1,200,000 XAF (approximately $670 to $2,000), depending on location and amenities. Electricity and water are generally available, and most residences and hotels are equipped with backup generators and water storage systems to manage occasional outages.

Staff are advised to complete all required medical formalities before arrival and to bring adequate medical supplies. Vaccinations required or recommended include yellow fever (mandatory), COVID-19, polio, rabies, tetanus/diphtheria, MMR, and malaria prophylaxis. UN staff have access to a fully operational UN medical clinic during office hours, and several reputable health facilities are available in the city.

The average monthly cost of living for international staff is around $2,000, excluding car-related expenses. With a vehicle, costs may increase due to fuel and maintenance. Fresh produce is seasonal but generally available, and staple goods are accessible in supermarkets. Yaoundé offers a variety of reasonably priced restaurants with good hygiene standards. In more remote areas, food quality and hygiene may vary, and availability of certain items may be limited or seasonal. Standard precautions are advised when eating out, such as avoiding raw salads, drinking bottled water, and ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked. Minor stomach upsets are common and should be expected at some point.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Engineering, Bachelor of Arts: Logistics, Bachelor of Arts: Marketing, Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics

Certifications

Institute of Purchasing and Supply - Other

Competencies

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

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

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance