Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Logistics Division (LD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS) at Headquarters. The Department of Operational Support was established to provide end-to-end operational support, advisory services and other solutions to operating entities across the Secretariat, including other departments, offices-away-from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions.

The Office of Supply Chain Management includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Supply Chain Management, the Logistics Division, the Procurement Division, the Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, Global Service Centre, Enabling and Outreach Service and the Aviation Safety Section.

The Logistics Division performs a central role in the implementation of end-to-end supply chain management across the United Nations (UN) operations. The Division provides direction and advice on logistical matters, monitors and assesses the delivery of strategic transportation and support services, and directs the delivery of transportation and specialist support services in the functional areas of air transport, ground transport, engineering, medical and supply, inclusive of fuel, rations and general supplies and security equipment. The Division also performs and leads global integrated supply chain planning functions to facilitate global demand, source and delivery planning across all technical areas within its functional scope. The Division consists of the Supply Chain Planning Service, Sourcing Support Service, Air Transport Service and Movement Control Section.

The incumbent will report to the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Director will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides the vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Logistics Division, including effective coordination with all client entities and stakeholders; overseeing the development and execution of logistics policies and integrated strategic plans that stress the importance of doing business in a cost-effective manner and being proactive in identifying cost-efficiencies through the implementation of category management.
• Applies new and innovative business practices and technologies including category management approaches to enhance operational and cost-effectiveness in support of peace, security, sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Contributes to the integrated strategic planning for field missions, service centers, the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and DOS senior management; participates in various committees, prepares documents on policy issues, and acts, as required, in an advisory capacity to the ASG.
• Responsible for the day-to-day internal operations of the Logistics Division and for managing effective and efficient support and guidance, providing technical advice to the clients in Headquarters, the field, Office Away from Headquarters, Regional Commissions and senior management in DOS, DPO, and DPPA on logistics support, supply chain, and deployment concepts.
• Specific responsibilities include: leadership, strategic guidance and vision in the development of innovative approaches and change initiatives for logistics support services; ensures category managers work closely with clients to provide customised solutions; ensures the efficient application of business processes, and its oversight; communicates and interacts with Member States on logistical matters affecting the Member States, policies, and procedures, providing strategic direction and oversight in these core activities; oversees and monitors the management of logistics resources and exercise of authority delegated to field missions and ensures that the logistics and materiel needs of field missions are taken into account in the development of mission deployment plans and concepts of operation.
• Ensures appropriate logistics guidance is issued and support provided by DOS experts and stakeholders such as the Enabling & Outreach Service, UN Global Service Centre, and Forward Support & Deployment Hub; ensures the necessary linkages and collaboration are made with the various stakeholders to fully meet and support the logistics needs of all client entities in the field operations.
• Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management programmes.
• Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Logistics Division under his/her supervision, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Logistics Division, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Logistics Division and Office of Supply Chain Management and with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate.
• Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
• Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
• Ensures that the outputs produced by the Logistics Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective, and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Division under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
• Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Logistics Division, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates.
• Oversees the recruitment of staff for the Logistics Division taking into account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values.
• Manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under his/her supervision; fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Logistics Division and across organizational boundaries.
• Chairs meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues; represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on issues or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
• Performs other related duties as requested by the senior management of the Organization.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to provide strategic guidance and oversight in the area of logistics and global logistics operations; ability to improve and recommend new processes and approaches; strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues; demonstrated skills and ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, draw conclusions and recommend solutions; shows competence, integrity and reliability in managerial performance and in maintaining positive working relations in a highly demanding environment. Ability to demonstrate forward thinking, and analytical skills while cultivating innovation; Ability to drive for change and improvement in the area of logistics support and service delivery to a diverse group of clients. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

• Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidences in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to theirs; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in management, business or public administration, supply chain management or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in the substantive areas of global operations, supply chain management or related is required.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience and demonstrated performance in managing cross functional category teams is required.

• Experience in developing strategic and proactive solutions based on client needs, using data for decision making and proposing recommendations is required.

• Experience leading business transformation projects, and/or multiple key tactical and strategic initiatives in parallel, is required.

• Experience in collaborating across multiple group efforts to achieve Organisation-wide strategic objectives and priorities is required.

• Experience in addressing global supply chain disruptions through the management of innovative supply chain and logistics operations initiatives is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.

• Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

• Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.

• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

• Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

• At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

• For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 April 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.