Under the supervision of the Centre Chief, you will be responsible for the implementation, strengthening and continuous optimisation of the demand planning and forecasting function and the key planning elements of the Supply Division, for maintaining and nurturing excellence in planning within the relevant product categories., and for leading the digitalization of the forecasting system and processes – all of which allows UNICEF to engage industry and generate trust, take informed decisions and support countries ensure access to supplies.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Provides effective leadership and supervision to staff and consultants to ensure the achievement of the targets set for demand planning and forecasting.
Coordinates the generation of strategic product forecasts and their regular updates, including the communications between Supply Division and Country Offices, and ensures that information on the internal and external environment, from partners and on future trends, is incorporated into the forecast to give an accurate and regular estimate.
In collaboration with procurement centers and the warehouse, ensures the selection of the most appropriate forecast methodology for their strategic products given their environment and subsequently maintains, reviews as needed, and documents the relevant processes and methodologies in use, whether statistical forecasts, forecasts based on materials requirements planning (MRP), mixed-source forecasts, or other.
Leads the digitalization of Supply Division’s forecast system and the strengthening of the forecast and demand planning processes to enable a more robust tactical planning horizon and increased visibility for suppliers and countries. This entails working with consultants and a broad range of stakeholders on processes and solutions.
Ensures support to UNICEF Country Office supply planning by providing guidance, tools, systems support and technical advice, including by developing and offering normative trainings on supply planning and demand forecasting.
Leverages UNICEF experiences in demand/supply planning and forecasting in order to provide technical assistance to partner government stakeholders wishing to strengthen their supply forecasting.
Ensures organizational learning on demand/supply planning and forecasting by developing and providing access to relevant knowledge, including by leveraging resources from partners and academia, and by maintaining and expanding an appropriate center of knowledge and expertise to guide, organize, process and communicate on demand forecasting for essential and strategic supplies.
Advocates for and works towards gaining recognition across UNICEF and its stakeholders as a go-to resource in demand planning and forecasting.
Provides any other assistance as required by the supervisor.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
A completed Advanced Degree (Master’s Degree) is required, preferably in business, economics, supply chain, social sciences, statistics, engineering, information management, or other relevant field.
A completed 1st University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) and 10 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of completed Advanced Degree (Master’s Degree)
Work experience:
Minimum eight (8) years progressively responsible work experience relevant to supply chain, analytics and forecasting and/or supply/demand planning is required.
Experience in leading the generation of demand plans and forecasts is required.
Experience in directly supervising staff is required.
Ability to analyze complex data is required.
Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments is required.
