Supply & Logistics Specialist - Hub Operation and Warehousing

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the education, health and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Context

The scale, urgency, and operational complexity of the current Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) require dedicated technical expertise to ensure the effective management of Supply & Logistics activities across UNICEF programmes and implementing partners. The response demands rapid procurement, prepositioning, transportation, storage, and distribution of critical supplies, including infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical commodities, and emergency response kits, often in challenging and insecure environments. Dedicated surge capacity is therefore essential to provide timely technical guidance, strengthen coordination and engagement with partners, support end-to-end supply chain monitoring, build staff and partner capacity, and ensure compliance with UNICEF policies, procedures, and accountability requirements throughout the response. This capacity is critical to maintaining uninterrupted availability of lifesaving supplies, mitigating operational risks, and supporting an effective and timely outbreak response

Task Description

Support with in-country logistics deliveries and emergency response. 1. Implementing Partner Supply & Logistics Capacity Assessment

• Lead assessments of implementing partners' supply and logistics systems, capacities, and operational readiness to manage UNICEF-provided supplies and equipment.
• Identify gaps and risks related to warehousing, inventory management, distribution systems, reporting, accountability, and supply chain controls.
• Develop recommendations and action plans to strengthen partners' logistics and supply management capacities.
• Support programme sections during partner selection, due diligence, field monitoring, and capacity assessment exercises related to supply chain management.
• Monitor implementation of agreed corrective actions and provide technical support to partners to address identified weaknesses. 2. Supply End-User Monitoring and Accountability
• Support the design and implementation of end-user monitoring activities for UNICEF-funded supplies and commodities distributed through implementing partners.
• Conduct field visits, spot checks, and verification exercises to ensure supplies reach intended beneficiaries and are used for their intended purpose.
• Verify stock records, distribution records, and inventory balances at partner warehouses and service delivery points.
• Document findings, identify risks, and provide recommendations to strengthen accountability and reduce losses, misuse, or diversion of supplies.
• Support preparation of monitoring reports and follow-up actions to address identified gaps. 3. Warehousing and Inventory Management
• Support UNICEF Bunia office and implementing partners in maintaining effective warehousing operations for Ebola response commodities and emergency supplies.
• Promote compliance with UNICEF warehouse management standards and inventory control procedures.
• Conduct warehouse assessments, physical inventory counts, and stock reconciliations. Support implementation of commodity tracking systems and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure timely reporting on stock status, stock aging, inventory accuracy, and storage conditions. Provide technical advice on warehouse organization, stock rotation, safety standards, and contingency stocks. 4. Capacity Building of Implementing Partners
• Design and deliver practical logistics and supply chain management training for implementing partners and field-based personnel.
• Build partner capacity in warehousing, inventory management, stock reporting, transport planning, distribution management, and supply accountability.
• Develop simple tools, standard operating procedures, and job aids to strengthen partner supply chain management.
• Mentor partner personnel through field coaching and on-the-job support.
• Monitor progress in partner capacity development and document lessons learned and best practices. 5. Coordination and Programme Support
• Support coordination between Supply & Logistics, Programme Sections, and implementing partners regarding supply delivery, storage, utilization, and reporting.
• Support integrated planning of emergency supplies required for Ebola response interventions, including Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Risk Communication and Community Engagement, and Cross-Sectoral activities.
• Participate in coordination meetings and provide updates on supply chain performance, risks, and mitigation measures.
• Support programme teams ensuring supply plans are aligned with operational requirements and partner capacities.
• Contribute to regular logistics reports, situation updates, and management briefings. 6. Emergency Supply Chain Support
• Support planning, prepositioning, and delivery of essential Ebola response commodities including Infection Prevention and Control (IPC ) materials, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and emergency kits.
• Monitor supply movement from UNICEF warehouses to implementing partners and final delivery points.
• Assist in tracking key logistics indicators and provide timely analysis to support decision-making.
• Support emergency preparedness and contingency planning activities in line with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCCs).
• Perform any other supply and logistics-related duties required to support the emergency response in Ituri Province and any other affected provinces as needed.

Competencies and values

 Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams in emergency settings.  Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.  Ability to provide technical leadership, coaching, and capacity building to partners and field teams.  Excellent planning, prioritization, and decision-making skills under pressure.  Proven ability to manage multiple operational priorities simultaneously in rapidly evolving contexts.  Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.  Ability to work independently with limited supervision in remote and high-risk environments.

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a unique country, and the Ebola emergency response is a unique humanitarian operation.It offers an interesting and enriching environment, while also requiring a high level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Flexibility, and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions – sometimes involving physical hardship and limited comfort – are therefore essential.