If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. Admin & Supply Assistant UNICEF México Duty Station: Mexico City Job Level: GS-6 Country: Mexico City Application Close: 15.10.2014 Region: LACR Contract Type: Appointment Fix Term VA/MEX /2014/009 PURPOSE OF THE JOB Under the direct supervision of Chief of Operations as focal point of administrative management services and the supply operations the incumbent assists in ensuring effective planning, contracting, procurement, distribution, and inventory management of UNICEF's supplies, in support of the Country Programmes and operations. The incumbent is accountable for delivery of efficient and cost effective administrative support services and management of administrative staff. Ensures the office’s administrative operations and services are in compliance with the organization's administrative policy, procedures, rules and regulations. KEY END-RESULTS 1. Rapid and relevant responses and assistance provided to evolving supply needs and situations, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money. 2. Integrity, standards and accountability monitored, administered and maintained by implementing sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures, documentation and accurate reporting. 3. Professional assistance and training provided for capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely delivery of supplies. 4. Effective procurement conducted to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality. 5. Effective collaboration and partnership in supply/procurements/purchasing/contracting/logistics with internal and external counterparts developed and maintained through better coordination, communication and networking. 6. Appropriate interpretation and application of administrative policy and procedures are timely implemented to support operations at the country and sub-country levels. 7. Operations of delivery of administrative support services are timely and effectively provided, and security arrangements are well established for enhanced safety and security. 8. Property management of administrative supplies, office equipment, vehicles and other properties are effectively performed. 9. All administrative transactions and arrangements of contracts (Institutional, consultants and individuals) satisfy the requirements as stipulated and are in compliance with the applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations. 10. Staff capacity is enhanced through active staff learning/development programmes in the area of administrative management and services. 11. Effective working relations are maintained with other agencies, local authorities and implementing partners. UNDG administrative harmonized policies and processes including on joint offices, commons premises and common services are effectively implemented 12. Any other assigned administrative management responsibilities and services are effectively carried out and delivered. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results. 1. Provide rapid and relevant assistance and support to evolving supply needs and situations facing children and families, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money. Support logistics/supply planning through coordination with Operations/Programme Sections. Provides technical support in preparation of appropriate documents, and input on specifications and supply and logistics arrangements, facilitating cost-effective efficient procurement, clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment to project sites, in support of the country programme implementation. Assist in the Country Programme strategy planning review to recommend on supply requirements and to provide support in the preparation of Plan of Operations and Plans of Action. Assist in the implementation of supply/logistics component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of supplies to all project sites. 2. Implement sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability. Maintain effective working relations and contact with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, to confer on supply procurement and shipping policies and procedures. Advise the country office on policies and procedures impacting on offshore and local procurement and delivery. Maintain link with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies. Prepare a comprehensive methodology on the Government’s motivation to achieve the outcome of an effective supplier base, able to participate in local, regional and global procurement processes through the development of capacity building strategies for local potential suppliers to become more competitive in an increasingly global and demanding programme structure as well as emergency response actions. Act as secretary and adviser to the CRC. Establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of UNICEF supplies, in keeping with established protocol. Supervise the staff in preparation of appropriate documentation: cash and supply requisitions, purchase orders, CRC submissions etc. Participate in the preparation/compilation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc. Help to develop and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging and incoming supplies information. 3. Support UNICEF as well as Government capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery, Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF's staff/consultants and counterparts in supply management, customs clearance, distribution and inventory of supplies and equipment in order to improve supply delivery. Assists in the identification of training needs and plan training activities in supply administration for UNICEF’s staff/consultants and counterparts, to improve supply delivery. 4. Conduct and monitor effective procurement, local, regional and/or offshore, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality as applicable. Undertake field visits to project sites and monitor inventory and supply inputs. Proposes corrective actions to improve logistical procedures. Conduct local procurement through issuance of tenders, bid adjudication and contract management Identify and recommend potential local suppliers. Maintain data on and evaluate local supply sources' overall performance, (competitive pricing, product quality and timely delivery). Assess supply operations and control mechanisms and propose appropriate actions. Review of contractual arrangements related to administrative support (i.e. courier, premises maintenance, ancillary administrative support, vehicle maintenance, equipment maintenance etc.) to ensure that the terms and conditions of all contracts are being adhered to by providers of goods and services. Proposes to supervisor any changes that may be required. Monitors payments against contractual obligations Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement through regular contacts with the Action Office(s). Communicate and report quality issues with respect to supplies and/or service agreements. 5. Collaboration and Partnership Coordinate with the Programme Section on supply planning, providing technical support on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme. Provide advice to the Country Office and Government on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities. Team with the Programme Section and other members of the Operations Section to facilitate procurement as well as efficient customs clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment. Maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities, including distribution, and monitoring supply inputs and inventory. 6. Appropriate and consistent interpretation and application of administrative policy and procedures timely implemented to support operations at the country or sub-country levels. Provides practical input on implementation of administrative guidelines, in close coordination with the head of office, operation staff/ supervisor. Supports supervisor and the head of the office, and updates staff on administrative policies, procedures rules and regulation. Implements the appropriate application and interpretation of administrative rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Briefs and assists arriving and departing staff on basic administrative procedures and requirements. Contributes to recommendations on the improvement of internal controls systems taking into account the prevailing conditions in the locality. Keeps supervisor abreast of potential problem areas, prepares reports on administrative matters as required. Provides administrative support and services to sub-country (zone) offices and out postings, where procedures and requirements. Contributes to recommendations on the improvement of internal controls systems taking into account the prevailing conditions in the locality. Keeps supervisor abreast of potential problem areas, prepares reports on administrative matters as required. Provides administrative support and services to sub-country (zone) offices and out postings, where applicable, including preparation and funding of service contracts, preparations of PGMs for all admin supplies and guidance on administrative procedures. 7. Administrative support and services. Undertakes delivery and improvement in administrative support and office services including space management, transport services, vehicle use and maintenance, equipment, conference and travel arrangements, document reproduction, communications, mail and delivery services, local procurement and bill payments of utilities. Ensures the timely and cost-effective provision of basic office services including space management, equipment, communications and security to enhance staff safety and productivity. Supports the Inter-Agency Operations Management Team's approaches for enhancing UN common services to attain efficiencies and effectiveness. Helps negotiate and administer matters relating to office premises, utilities and services with vendors and agencies. 8. Operations of delivery of administrative support services are timely and effectively provided, and security arrangements are well established for enhanced safety and security. Assists Operations & HR Manager in the establishment and maintenance security arrangements and related administrative services. 9. Property management of administrative supplies assistance ensures, office equipment, vehicles and other properties is effectively maintained Supports management of administrative supplies, office equipment and vehicles, updating inventory of items, serving as ex-officio member to the Property Survey Board where applicable. Assists supervisor in Property Survey Board submissions, preparing minutes of meetings. Assists supervisor in executing PSB recommendations approved by the Head of Office. 10. Sends documentation of the sale/disposal to the LACRO Operations HUB and GSSC when operational. Monitors and supervises adequate and appropriate use of supplies. Ensures that services and maintenance of premises are in accordance with organizational standards. JOB GRADE FACTORS - Administer the supply operations of a small size country office or assist a higher level supply officer in a large country or area office. - Provide professional assistance to the supply operations with responsibility of a less complex nature with a limited scope of impact on quality and delivery of supplies and services. - Provide technical and operational advice on proper interpretation and application of policy and procedures in consultation and coordination with supervisor, management, and/or Supply Division, as appropriate. - Make recommendations of a technical nature on supply specifications, delivery and methods of transport. - Provides accurate administrative services information, interpretation and application at the country level, based on the technical knowledge of UNICEF’s administrative policy procedures, rules and regulations. - Decides on the appropriate application and interpretation of administrative rules, regulations and procedures QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES 1. Education Completion of Secondary School, University or Certification courses in administration, management, supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting or, a recognized qualification in procurement and contracting. 2. Work Experience 6 years of professional work experience both national and international work experience in office management, administration, finance, supply, logistics, and purchasing, contracting and/or other related fields. Work experience in emergency duty station. 3. Language Proficiency Fluency in English and Spanish. 4. Competency Profile (For details on competencies please refer to the UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.) i) Core Values (Required) Commitment Diversity and Inclusion Integrity ii) Core Competencies (Required) Communication [I] Drive for Result [I] Working With People [II] iii) Functional Competencies (Required) Applying Technical Expertise [I] Following Instructions and Procedures [II] Planning and Organizing [II] iv) Technical Knowledge a) Specific Technical Knowledge required (for the job) (Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) Specialized, standard technical knowledge (product knowledge, market research/analysis) required for essential Supply Management/Purchasing/Contracting (e.g., vaccine, equipment, medical supplies, contracts, customs function, taxation, insurance, etc.). Supply operations, logistics and administration. Principles of office management, operations and administration management. IT Skills and working knowledge of UNICEF SAP Logistics Module, MICROSOFT _Excel, Power Point and Word Software. b) Common Technical Knowledge required (for the job group) • Knowledge of managing inventory, transport, and diverse logistics operations (e.g., programme supply & logistics) in the international environment. • Knowledge of supply/contracting/logistics policies, goals, strategies, and approaches • Knowledge of public procurement principles and processes. • Knowledge of procurement process from procurement planning, to execution to contract management and administration, including procurement methods and tools of good procurement practice. • Knowledge of establishing strategic, long term and sustainable procurement arrangements. • Knowledge of general principles and processes involved in risk management in procurement, including risk analysis and evaluation techniques. • Knowledge of financial and legal implications in procurement process. • UNICEF Administrative service management’s policies, procedures and guidelines. c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job) • UNICEF Supply Function goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies. (E.g., SUPDIRs, PROs, Executive Directives). • Rules and regulations of supply and programme manuals and instructions. (E.g., Supply Field Manual, Programme, Policy and Procedures Manual). • Financial circulars and rules, regulations and manual. • Administrative and Human Resources Rules and Manuals. • Information and Communication Technology administration. • UNICEF emergency programme and operations policies, strategies, procedures and approaches. • Rights-based and Results-based management and programming approach in UNICEF. • Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP); Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP). • International Code of Conduct • UN and UNICEF policies and approaches on supply issues involved in harmonization of operations in the common system. • UN and UNICEF security operations and guidelines. • Government regulations and laws in the locality (e.g., customs clearance, VAT and other taxation systems).