RATIONS ASSISTANT

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in Life Support Services Section (LSSS) within the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) based in Somali/Beletweyne. The Rations Assistant will report directly to the Chief of Ration Unit. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Rations Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: - Coordinate with the relevant parties in rations supply chain such as rations supply, warehouses, vehicles to ensure that food delivery procedures are in line with applicable procedures. - Support the monitoring and analysis of contractual performance to ensure compliance with contract terms, schedules and cost objectives. - Assist Rations Officer in the implementation of internal controls for contingent rations management and rations record management. - Collate data and prepare database on Rations Contractor timely deliveries, conformity with orders (line items, quantities, quality, number of substitutions, acceptance rate) of rations delivered to contingents. - Conduct programmed food rations inspections at various locations both Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) premises and Rations Contractor Warehouses and subsequently submit the necessary report. - Document cases of non-compliance or poor performance and liaise with the Rations Unit/Contract Management Unit for review as appropriate; maintain, update and suggest improvements to the relevant SOPs as they relate to QA, as necessary. - Assist Rations Officer in ensuring Emergency Rations Packs are of an acceptable quality, under good storage conditions and safe to consume. - Conduct periodic Inspection of Rations Packs in various locations. - Oversee and adopt feasible program to verify all contingents rations stores, kitchens and dining facilities to ensure compliance with Rations policy not limited to requisitioning procedures, good hygienic practices (GHP) and safety standards of food handlers, equipment and facilities. - Effectively contribute to Rations Unit extra-regimental activities and other programs to be undertaken by the Unit. Interface with Rations Invoicing / Requisitioning Assistant in their absence. - Assist in the coordination of contractor performance meetings. -Perform other duties as required for life support for Fuel and General Supply and Sector activities. CompetenciesProfessionalism - Knowledge of supply operations, practices and contract management. Ability to specify business rules in the fuel supply area. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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. EducationHigh school or equivalent diploma is required. Technical certificate in at least two of the following areas: food technology, project/contract management, inventory management and supply management is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least seven (07) years of progressively responsible experience in the areas supply chain, inventory management, procurement/logistics support or food technology (preferably) is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in food safety, HACCP principles and/or ISO-22000 is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. NOTE: 'Fluency' equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write and understand) and 'Knowledge of' equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeAppointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Applicants for GS and related positions may apply and be considered for locally recruited positions no matter where they are currently located (including the current serving staff members at other duty stations), provided they are locally available upon appointment. They must be authorized to work in the country regardless of where they live at the time of applying for the job opening. 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. 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. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact. 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. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira \"Contact Us\" link. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. 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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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. 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