Logistics Associate (Invoicing)

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. UNICEF Health program is designed to support national health priorities with focus on programs that will positively impact on the lives of the most disadvantaged children, such as the prevention and treatment of diseases through establishing community-level efforts and services to promote the health and well-being of children. In line with this strategy, UNICEF supports immunization and health prevention programs for childhood diseases and funding for sustainable health services. UNICEF programs have been guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), which affirms the right of all children to “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.” UNICEF is committed to realizing the rights of all children to help them build a strong foundation and have the best chance of fulfilling their potential. We believe that ensuring a happy and healthy child begins before birth: from ensuring his/her mother has access to good neonatal care and delivering in a clean, safe environment to reaching adulthood as a responsible, healthy and informed parent to the next generation. This journey relies on a child having access to shelter, good nutrition, clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

Context

Work closely with the UNICEF Nigeria Supply Section and Health Section Immunization Cluster to ensure that payments to third-party logistics providers by UNICEF, both for UNICEF operations and on behalf of the Government of Nigeria (NPHCDA), are compliant to the terms of the contract for the services requested, and any other statutory or third-party tariffs.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Supply & Logistics Officer, Abuja or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Logistics Associate will carry out the following responsibilities: • Maintain and update, as needed, records and checklists for the certification of logistics invoices for payment to customs clearance agents, service providers, or transport providers. • Organize and safely control movement of documents shared by UNICEF Sections for invoice processing and submission of relevant document for compliance to enable processing. • Create cost estimates for freight based on LTA’s, subject to request shared by the UNICEF Sections. • Provide thorough reviews of logistics invoices in a timely manner ensuring that all invoiced items are consistent with contracted modalities and rates, including third party tariffs and payments. • Manage a tracker of logistics invoice reviews, including (for example) statuses of Received, Under Review, Awaiting Feedback, Reviewed, Approved, Escalated, etc. • Provide expert knowledge to the Operations team in the escalation of invoices for management’s review including clear documentation of inconsistencies and recommendation for next steps in analysis or feedback from the third-party. • Conduct verification field visits to the point of service or relevant locations, as needed. • Attend relevant meetings with partners, physical and/or virtual, when required. • Progressively review the compliance of the new capitation of vaccines into number of cold boxes by assisting to the physical operations (e.g., packing of cold boxes and loading of trucks). • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF 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 UNICEF 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 UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Abuja is both a Federal Capital Territory within the nation of Nigeria and a city within that territory which serves as the nation's capital. Abuja has a population of over one million. Both the city and the Federal Capital Territory have undergone a huge population growth—with some areas around Abuja growing at a rate of up to 30 percent each year. However, it is a very beautiful and peaceful city. There is constant supply of electricity, and their drainage systems are well built. Abuja is a beautiful city, filled with interesting people. The cost of accommodation in Abuja is typically well beyond the average professional’s wages and majority of rental contracts are only available on an annual year lease. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.