Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assem-bly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. The UN Refugee Agency in Niger acting within its mandate of protecting persons in need of international protection, and in partnership with the Government of Niger has established the Evacuation Transit Mechanism (ETM). The mechanism aims at evacuating persons of con-cern with acute protection needs from Libya to Niger, where they undergo RSD and are di-rected to appropriate durable solutions. Most of these evacuees come from Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia and are victims of severe human rights violations during their journey.

Context

UNHCR supports the government in providing a response to refugees and IDPs from the Central Sahel countries and Nigeria and to the mixed movement situation from Niger through Algeria and Libya to Europe via the Central Mediterranean Route. In this regard, UNHCR host a total population of 940,447 persons of concern to UNHCR as of 30 June 2025. This population is mainly composed of 433,575 refugees and asylum seekers, 459,585 internally displaced persons, and 47,287 other persons of concern. These populations are mainly distributed in six regions and grouped into three situations the Lake Chad Basin situation with Nigerian refugees in the regions of Diffa, Maradi and recently in Tahoua, the Sahel situation with Malian refugees in the regions of Tahoua and Tillabéri, the Urban situation with refugees and asylum seekers in Niamey, including the evacuees from Libya to Niamey by humanitarian flights (Emergency Transit Mechanism - ETM), and the mixed migration where we have refugees and asylum seekers in Agadez region. Since September 2019, non-state armed groups killings, looting and kidnappings in Nigeria’s North-Western states has forced thousands of people to seek refuge in Maradi region, Niger. They were 23 000 in April 2020 only. The total number of biometrically registered and un-registered refugees in the region exceeds 63 000. In addition, repeated incursions of non-state armed groups in Niger have triggered the internal displacement of over 19,000 people. In September 2019, UNHCR opened a sub-office in Maradi to coordinate registration, protection, education, health, housing and access to WASH services. A key feature of the UNHCR response is the relocation of refugees to villages of opportunity away from the border, to ensure their safety and ease the pressure on host populations. This program also contributes to the development of rural areas which lack basic infrastructure and services, in line with the humanitarian-development nexus. The Maradi Sub-Office provides protection and assistance to Nigerian refugees located to Maradi, Diffa and Nigerien IDPs, through respectively an integrated services approach aimed at promoting the autonomy of persons of concern, the policy of alternatives to camps and a humanitarian coordination mechanism where UNHCR is leading two clusters (Protection, refugee Coordination). It operates, with the support of the National Commission for Eligibility of Refugees Status (CNE) and implementing partners even in the logistic function. As of January 31, 2026, the Maradi and Diffa regions host a total of 205,930 refugees and asylum seekers. This population includes 120,316 individuals in Diffa (residing in the Sayam Forage camp and host communities) and 85,614 in Maradi (distributed across three 'villages of opportunity' and local host villages).

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Field-Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Supply Officer will undertake the following tasks: Strategy: • Prepare plans for sourcing of relief items and services according to operational needs; • Establish co-operation with operational and implementing partners to ensure that supply and support activities are coordinated and integrated appropriately. Operational Support: • Apply UNHCR's procurement strategy when planning for purchase of important commodities and services; • Assist in all activities pertaining to the procurement function within his/her area of responsibility in line with UNHCR procedures; • 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 the selection of suitable suppliers and prepare proposals for award of contracts to the Committee on Contracts; • Prepare Purchase Orders, confirmations, requests for inspection and other correspondence; • Maintain and update the roster of UNHCR suppliers; • Monitor the manufacture/transport of ordered goods to ensure timely delivery; • Analyze matters relating to procurement activities, and provide timely information on all procurement activities within area of responsibility; • Provide guidance and advice on UNHCR procurement policies and procedures to support and assist requesting sections. Infrastructure Support: • Identify partners for supply chain projects based on objectives, priorities, strengths and resources of the implementing partner and/or contractor, according to criteria consistent with UNHCR rules and regulations; • Analyze the quality of commodities and services delivered in line with the needs of the location and agreed standard of quality; • Establish a local quality assurance process. Business Support: • Analyze the existing supply infrastructure and ensure that it is optimally aligned with the operational needs; • Implement practical projects to improve supply performance that has clear objectives, timescales, tasks and resources defined; • Monitor the project implementation and report on the progress; • Monitor the quality and accuracy of supply chain related data in relevant business systems. Compile and analyze statistical information, identify trends and developments in supply chain related matters that will assist in decision-making; • 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 local process to the prevailing environment. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Niger is a landlocked country bordered in the north by Libya, Chad to the East, Nigeria in the south, Benin and Burkina Faso in the southwest, Mali in the west and Algeria in the Northwest. Maradi is located in the central southern part of Niger Republic and shares a long border strip with Nigeria Republic, in particular the states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina. With an area of 41,796 km2, the population is estimated of 4,694,0412 persons. Maradi is the Economic Capital of Niger Republic because of the importance of commercial transactions between Nigeria and the other neighboring regions. The duty station rated E Non-Family where accommodations are available although finding reasonable quality accommodation starting to become a challenge and price arising. Housing conditions are becoming more difficult due to untimely power cuts, and the very high price of rent including advances of 3 to 4 months to be paid before integrating a house. There are a several supermarkets where local and foreign goods are available and the communication by the mobile telephony is acceptable and allows to join the staffs. Very limited educational services are available; French and American International Schools do not exist. There have no medical facilities recommended safely accessible by UNHCR Medical Section in Geneva. The existing medical facilities are, however, very limited. The existing medical facilities are however very limited. The official language in education and administration sector is French. Nevertheless, in Niger you will find Hausa, Djerma-Sonhrai, Arabic, Peul, Kanuri, Gourmanche, Tamajeck, and Toubou language as local. In general, terms Niger’s climate could be described as hot, dry and dusty. Three main seasons characterized the climate in Niger this is due to the country geography and position, which is close to the equator. The cool season started from October to February, during this time the day temperatures are around 30 °C. Most of travels within the country are undertaken regularly through UNHAS flights. some accessible localities are reached by car. There are several banks and ATM available in Maradi. The nearest international airport is located approximately 630 km from Maradi in Niamey. Maradi is served by UNHAS flights to and from Niamey airport. The city is supplied with water by a state-owned company, and the cost is still very reasonable. Members of International staff buy bottled water for drinking from the local market. Maradi has several banking services. For more details about living conditions, kindly refer to the link https://wellbeing.unhcr.org/articles/niger-maradi • Housing/accommodation: Private properties of international standard are available for rent at commercial rates. Frequent power cuts and variable internet connectivity are challenges. Communication by mobile is acceptable. International staff must reside within a certain perimeter, preferably in areas located maximum 15 minutes from the office. • Health care: The Medical Section in Geneva has recommended two clinics safely accessible by UNHCR staff in Niamey, including a good, functioning UN clinic, though the medical technical services are limited. Malaria is rife, and advice about preventative measures issued by the UNHCR Medical Section should be followed. • Educational facilities: N/A (An international American school is available, but duty stations in Niger are non-family duty stations) • Security: Maradi is a category E duty station, non-family with an 8-week R&R cycle. Maradi is classified as Level 3 - Moderate, in the UNDSS Security Level System. Caution and vigilance are always advised given the high risk of criminality. There have been no confirmed terrorist incidents in Maradi.