Senior Supply Assistant

December 23, 2025

Grade

GS5

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

A (least hardship)

Family

2026-01-01

2026-06-30

Standard Job Description

Senior Supply Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Supply Assistant provides supply support to all activities pertaining to the supply chain function including planning, sourcing & procurement, transport, shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, assets & fleet management and monitoring within 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 works independently on routine tasks while follows instructions of the supervisor on more complex issues. The incumbent may have contacts on a working level on specific 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 incumbent is to support the management of material resources within the geographical area covered while exercising efficiency in the use of those 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 UNHCR¿s 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.
- Apply UNHCR's sourcing & procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services.
- Initiate custom clearance of consignments, draft exemption requests, and liaise with local agents.
- Support warehouse management, and assist with planning of goods & services deliveries, and provide information on the status of requests and the availability of items in the supply chain.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on supply activities and provide reports and updates periodically, and on request.
- Examine purchase requests to ensure conformity and liaise with requesters.
- Prepare quotation requests and tenders, produce bid-tabulations from tenders and prepare Purchase Orders for approval.
- Dispatch approved Purchase Orders, and follow-up with the delivery of ordered commodities and services.
- Provide information on all procurement activities within the AoR.
- Produce standard asset management reports and other asset information, periodically and when requested.
- Maintain accurate data in all relevant business systems. Compile statistical information on supply chain related matters that will assist in decision making.

In the Regional Bureaux:
- Track global Supply KPIs for the region and assist in preparation of regional ones, as required.
- Monitor all periodic Supply exercises such as monthly reconciliations, quarterly physical inventory exercises, and year-end accounts closure procedures and provide relevant reports to senior managers.
- Assist Country Operations in MSRP management.

In the Country Operations:
- Ensure local liaison to effectively support the supply activities.
- Assist in the management of the storage of goods according to "best practices" and UNHCR rules and regulations;
- Assist in managing Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) effectively according to UNHCR rules and regulation, including registration and marking of new PPE, physical verification of PPE, preparation of agreements and disposal forms (including submissions to LAMB/AMB), and assistance with disposal of PPE.

- 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 G5- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Not specified

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management
SC-Supply Planning
SC-Customs clearance
SC-Logistics
SC-Warehouse Management
SC-Asset Management
SC-Fleet 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.

The duration of this position is 6 months without expectations of renewal - from 01 January 2026 to 30 June 2026.

1. OPERATIONAL CONTEXT:
Brazil hosts over 795,000 refugees and other people in need of international protection, with the majority being Venezuelans. Refugees and other forcibly displaced people in Brazil enjoy the same rights and access to public services as nationals, including freedom of movement and the ability to choose their place of residence. National legislation does not impose legal restrictions on refugees regarding access to documentation, the right to work, or access to education. However, practical challenges often hinder their access to rights and services due to the limited capacity or knowledge of local service providers.
Since 2018, Brazil has been committed to supporting refugees and migrants from Venezuela through a comprehensive federal response known as Operation Welcome. UNHCR significantly contributes to each of the three pillars of Operation Welcome: reception and documentation, shelter and humanitarian assistance, and internal voluntary relocation (interiorização). As of September 2024, over 144,000 Venezuelans have been relocated to approximately 1,000 municipalities across the country. Indigenous peoples from Venezuela are among the most vulnerable, facing high rates of food insecurity, limited schooling, and discrimination. Tailored interventions are required to promote their self-reliance and respect their socio-cultural patterns.
Brazil has also seen an increase in arrivals from other nationalities, particularly Afghan refugees in São Paulo. Since the establishment of the humanitarian visa policy for Afghans in 2021, over 13,100 visas have been authorized, and over 12,000 Afghans have entered Brazil as of August 2024. This influx has strained local government resources, necessitating UNHCR's support to adapt reception and integration systems. Additionally, over 20,000 Cubans are registered in Brazil, with significant increases in arrivals in recent years.
In April 2024, Rio Grande do Sul faced extreme weather conditions, affecting at least 43,000 refugees and people in need of international protection. UNHCR mobilized emergency relief items and continues to support those affected by the climate disaster.
Brazil offers legal stay arrangements for several other nationalities, including Syrians, Haitians, and Ukrainians. The Government of Brazil launched the "Action Plan for Strengthening the Protection and Local Integration of the Haitian Population in Brazil" in June 2023, with UNHCR's support.
Humanitarian and development programming coexist in Brazil's operational context, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and UNHCR Strategic Directions 2022-2026. UNHCR fosters collaboration with public authorities, refugee communities, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations to promote refugee inclusion and sustainable responses. UNHCR also engages with development actors and international financial institutions to connect humanitarian interventions to medium and long-term development efforts.
UNHCR Brazil has a context-specific, multi-year strategy (2023-2025) that outlines protection and solutions goals in collaboration with partners. Brazil's country planning aligns with UNHCR Strategic Directions 2022-2026, the Global Compact on Refugees, and relevant development and humanitarian planning frameworks.
Most of UNHCR's programmes are funded by governments, but partnerships with corporations, foundations, and private individuals are growing sources of funding. Despite stable funding support, only an average of 30% of financial requirements are covered by received contributions. The funding outlook for UNHCR Brazil faces significant challenges due to recent shifts in donor priorities and budget allocations. Historically, a substantial portion of the funding has been allocated to core and life-saving activities, including access to territory, registration and documentation, emergency shelters, well-being and basic needs, and protection against gender-based violence and child protection. These activities are crucial for the stabilization and integration of refugees.
In this operational context, the Senior Supply Assistant plays a important role in support the consolidaton and implementation the supply strategy. The incumbent ensures that supply chain activities are fulfilled the operational priorities and delivered in a timely, efficient, and accountable manner. Reporting to the Assistant Supply Officer the role requires strong field experience, emergency response capacity, and expertise in inventory management. The position also demands excellent coordination, communication skills to support UNHCR Brazil’s evolving needs, including emergency preparedness, support to integration efforts, and alignment with UNHCR’s Multiyear Strategy.

2. DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

Essential:
• Demonstrated knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations, with relevant experience in previous positions, preferably within the UN or other international organizations.
• Solid experience in handling procurement and contract-related matters in line with UN policies, procedures, and standards, including support to contract administration and supplier coordination.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments effectively, often under tight deadlines, while providing guidance and support to junior staff as required.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately in a professional, courteous, and service-oriented manner.

Desirable:
• Experience in database management and working knowledge of ERP systems; familiarity with the UNHCR CLOUD ERP Supply Chain Module is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Technical familiarity with common categories of goods, services, and supplies procured by UNHCR for Headquarters, Regional, and Field Offices.
• Relevant professional training in supply chain or procurement (e.g. CIPS or other public procurement certifications); knowledge of UN and UNHCR Financial Regulations and Rules, particularly those related to procurement and UNHCR Chapter 8, is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of Spanish at B2 level is considered an asset.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Eligibility:

This position is advertised to internal applicants and UNHCR experience applicants. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time of application, recruitment and hire. Only Brazilian citizens or candidates legally present in Brazil will be considered eligible.

Internal candidates:

Candidates: comprises current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above, as well as any candidates serving at higher grades who fulfill the criteria as per the job advertisement. Staff members must serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category.

Candidates with UNHCR experience:

UNHCR experience candidates are current staff members in other categories (GS/FS/NPO), Junior Professional Officers, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce, interns, staff loaned/seconded from another UN organization/international organization/government entity, as well as former UNHCR staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females).

Remuneration:

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission and please refer to the relevant category / grade level at: http://icsc.un.org

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview/meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

Applications:

All applications must be submitted online in Workday. Email applications will not be accepted. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates might be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at inspector@unhcr.org or through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

English

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Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, SC-Asset Management, SC-Customs clearance, SC-Fleet Management, SC-Logistics, SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management, SC-Supply Planning, SC-Warehouse Management

Education

Certifications

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