Logistics Associate, Port Moresby

General

Description of assignment title

Logistics Associate

Assignment country

Papua New Guinea

Duty stations

Port Moresby

Work location

On UN premises

Expected start date

11/02/2026

Duration

12 months
(with possibility of extension)

Sustainable Development Goal

10. Reduced inequalities

Host entity

UNICEF Papua New Guinea

Modality

Onsite

Type

National

Volunteer category

Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule

Full-time

Number of Assignments

1

Details

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 favouritism. 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 health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, 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

In UNICEF, Supply and Logistics is much more than procurement and warehousing. It is an operational function that converts UNICEF programmes, funding and partnerships into physical access to essential goods and services for children and communities. The supply and logistics function is responsible for planning, procurement, warehousing, transportation, and distribution of the right products at the right time, at the right price, working with PNG government, partners, and suppliers to support children while managing risk, resources and supply-chain resilience. The Logistics Associate plays a key operational role in ensuring that supplies move efficiently through the supply chain, from procurement to final delivery. Based on UNICEF supply procedures and logistics guidance, the role focuses on organizing transportation, warehousing, inventory management, customs clearance, distribution tracking, and logistics reporting.

Task description

1. Transportation and Delivery Support
   • Coordinate shipments with freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, and transport providers.
   • Track incoming and outgoing shipments.
   • Support customs clearance and delivery documentation.
2. Monitor transit times and resolve delivery issues.
3. Warehouse and Inventory Management
   • Supports the Supervisor in managing UNICEF warehouse facilities and operations in line with UNICEF policies and procedures.
   • Assess availability of space and prepare stacking and storage plans to ensure appropriate storage and optimize use of space.
   • Supervise receipt of consignments and dispatch of supplies.
   • Carry out regular physical counts of inventory.
   • Maintain accurate inventory records.
   • Monitor stock levels and report shortages or excess inventory.
   • Ensure proper storage conditions and stock rotation.
4. Supply Chain Monitoring
   • Update supply tracking systems.
   • Monitor pipeline status, stock movements, and distributions.
   • Prepare logistics reports and dashboards.
   • Support reconciliation of inventory and shipment records.
5. Documentation and Compliance
   • Maintain shipping documents, waybills, delivery notes, customs paperwork, and inventory records.
   • Ensure logistics processes comply with UNICEF procedures and policies.
   • Support audits and documentation reviews.
6. Distribution and Last-Mile Delivery
   • Coordinate delivery of supplies to schools, health facilities, government counterparts, and implementing partners.
   • Monitor distribution status and proof of delivery.
   • Follow up on discrepancies, losses, or delays.
7. Emergency Response Support
   • Assist with emergency logistics planning and rapid deployment of supplies.
   • Support warehouse readiness and prepositioned stock management.
   • Coordinate emergency shipments during disasters and humanitarian responses.
8. Procurement
   • Prepare and process procurement documentation, purchase orders and other transactions.
   • Monitor purchase orders and supplier deliveries, follow up on delays and outstanding commitments.
   • Follow up with suppliers on delivery, documentation, quality and performance issues.
   • Support rapid procurement, dispatch, pre-positioning of supplies during emergencies.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Secondary education

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Skills and experience

• Logistics and transportation management
• Warehouse and inventory control
• Data analysis and reporting
• Supplier and transporter coordination
• Knowledge of customs and import procedures
• Procurement supply chain management
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Up to 3 years of experience in supply chain operations. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Logistics, procurement, commodities, Transport, movement, travel

Driving license

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with more than 840 languages. 85% of the population of PNG live in rural areas and the geography is beautiful and challenging, made up of seas, islands and mountains. Port Moresby is the capital and largest city and is very cosmopolitan. The city has areas of both high and low security. It’s advisable for residents and visitors to take precautions, especially at night, and in certain neighborhoods known for higher crime rates). Port Moresby is well connected by air to the rest of the country and other international routes. The climate in Port Moresby is tropical with 2 distinct seasons, wet season from December-March and dry season from May-October. The cost of living can be high especially housing and food. Medical facilities are available but may lack high tech resources that may be required Banking is available with numerous mobile telecommunication networks and good internet connectivity Port Moresby has good road network with minimal power shortages You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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