Overview
The Individual Consultant will support the Logistics Management Services (LMS) Team in the execution of day-to-day global logistics operations, including freight management, inventory management, customer order fulfilment, and shipment monitoring.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, coordination and execution of logistics operations related to programme supplies, reproductive health commodities, humanitarian supplies and other UNFPA-managed products.
- Provide guidance and support to internal and external customers on logistics, inventory and shipment management processes and procedures.
- Process and monitor customer orders, supply requests and logistics transactions from receipt through final delivery.
- Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), humanitarian partners and UNFPA business units to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of supplies.
- Obtain and analyse quotations, freight rates, cost estimates and delivery options to support operational decision-making.
- Monitor inventory availability, stock allocations, replenishment activities and stock movements, as assigned.
- Support transportation planning and shipment execution using air, sea, road and multimodal transport solutions.
- Monitor shipments through to final delivery and proactively identify, address or escalate delays, disruptions and operational issues.
- Coordinate the preparation, review and distribution of shipping documentation and other documents required for transportation, customs clearance and receipt of goods.
- Ensure customers receive timely shipment updates and all required logistics documentation.
- Create and process inventory transactions, logistics transactions, freight purchase orders, inventory orders and related records within UNFPA enterprise systems.
- Maintain accurate operational records within ERP, CRM and other corporate systems to support visibility, reporting and institutional memory.
- Record stock movements, stock depletion, shipment milestones and invoice-related transactions in accordance with established procedures.
- Support monitoring of supplier, warehouse and logistics service provider performance against agreed service levels and key performance indicators.
- Contribute to logistics reporting, data analysis and performance monitoring activities.
- Ensure compliance with UNFPA policies, procedures, contractual requirements and applicable logistics standards.
- Participate in training sessions, workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives related to supply chain and logistics management.
- Contribute to the development, review and improvement of standard operating procedures, business processes, templates and operational tools.
- Support documentation of lessons learned, business requirements and process improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation to support knowledge management and business continuity.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, visibility and customer service.
- Work closely with colleagues across SCMU, Regional Offices, Country Offices, suppliers, logistics service providers and humanitarian partners to support effective supply chain operations.
- Provide operational support across inventory management, freight management and related logistics activities based on business priorities and workload requirements.
- Contribute to ensuring uninterrupted service delivery during staff absences, emergency responses, workload peaks and organizational priorities.
- Carry out any other duties as required by SCMU leadership.
Required Experience
A minimum of 6 years of relevant progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in inventory management, humanitarian response, logistics or related areas, preferably for social mission-driven organizations or initiatives. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 3 years for candidates who possess a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Candidates with experience in the below key areas, with the understanding that these experiences may overlap have added advantage: Experience of at least one year in managing international or in-country inventory, procurement and logistics operations in the health area. Familiarity with procurement and supply chain policies and procedures from UN Agencies. Experience working with Google tools and analytical applications, spreadsheets for performance metrics and management reporting, Oracle ERP system, OMS system, database and dashboard development and maintenance. Knowledge of global supply chain security, risk management, and compliance regulations is required. Basic knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of sexual and reproductive health commodities in global development and humanitarian community is required. Strong interpersonal skills and capability to develop and maintain broad diversified partnerships is required. Basic proficiency in project management skills is required. Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is required. Professional written and spoken presentation skills, including for the development of reports, presentations, and the ability to synthesize complex supply chain documents for both technical and non-technical audiences is an asset. Experience in supporting the implementation of logistics business transformation projects, especially those involving digitalization and technological innovation is an asset.
Qualifications
Completion of secondary education is required. A university degree at Bachelor Level in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, International Commerce, or equivalent field is an asset. A certification such as CIPS Level 2 and/or Qualification at Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK) Level 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transport and/or Project Management qualifications and certifications such as PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner certifications, PMP® or CAPM® from Project Management Institute (PMI) would be an additional asset.
