International Consultancy - Supply Chain Cost-to-Serve Framework, Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU)
Organizational Context
UNFPA is the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, managing a global supply chain for reproductive health commodities. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) aims to enhance this network through a data-driven model. This role supports SCMU's objective to establish a consistent measure of end-to-end resources used for product delivery, consolidating costs from various sources to improve operational decisions and planning.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to create transparency in the costs associated with doing business with UNFPA, covering direct transactions, country office operations, and financing mechanisms. By developing a standardized Cost-to-Serve (CTS) Key Performance Indicator (KPI), the role will consolidate fragmented cost data from financial, procurement, and logistics systems. The objective is to provide clients with a clear understanding of UNFPA's service offerings and enable transparent benchmarking of business costs within the reproductive health ecosystem, ultimately supporting operational optimization and strategic planning.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct an 'As-Is' assessment of UNFPA's financial and operational systems to identify fragmented cost data, building on existing activity-based costing (ABC) assessments. A framework for a fully loaded CTS KPI will be designed, distinguishing direct transactional costs from indirect modelled costs across the supply chain. Historical data will be gathered, cleaned, and analyzed to establish a global CTS baseline, with detailed baselines for pilot countries. The consultant will develop user guidance, documentation, and operating procedures for updating and applying the CTS KPI, ensuring a smooth handover for ongoing use and support for fee review and pricing work. Stakeholder consultations, mapping of supply chain activities and cost elements, and development of a shared cost taxonomy are key activities. A prototype calculation model will be built to support sensitivity and scenario analysis, with processes established for routine updates and annual recalibration of indirect costs.
Work Experience
Minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in supply chain analytics, logistics finance, or management consulting. Proven experience mapping and analyzing development or humanitarian supply chains, handling large datasets, and building financial/logistical models is required. Prior experience with UN agencies or public health supply chains and familiarity with ERP systems and BI tools are highly desirable.
Skills
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to synthesize complex data into actionable insights. Excellent technical writing and presentation abilities to communicate financial concepts to diverse audiences. Proven project management skills to meet deadlines and manage deliverables independently. Core competencies include integrity, accountability, developing professional expertise, and teamwork.