Admin and Logistics Officer

Host entity: UNODC

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Logistics, procurement, commodities, Event organisation, protocol services

Application deadline: 13/10/2026

Mission and objectives

For two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. We are committed to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being as deterrents to them.

Because the scale of these problems is often too great for states to confront alone, UNODC offers practical assistance and encourages transnational approaches to action. We do this in all regions of the world through our global programmes and network of field offices.

The Office is committed to supporting Member States in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its core. The 2030 Agenda clearly recognizes that the rule of law and fair, effective and humane justice systems, as well as health-oriented responses to drug use, are both enablers for and part of sustainable development.

Assignment context

The Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 2010 as the Counter Piracy Programme (CPP), in response to United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a concerted international response to address piracy off the Horn of Africa. Since then, its mission and mandate have expanded both thematically and geographically, covering a much wider spectrum of maritime crimes within six ocean spaces globally. , The Programme is committed to supporting Member States through its mandate to develop cooperation both at a regional and international level and build law enforcement capacity among Member States to counter serious organized crime within the maritime domain. Under its Indian Ocean East portfolio, the Programme is providing technical assistance to maritime law enforcement authorities and criminal justice actors in Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Within this context, UNODC is looking for a UN National Volunteer – Admin and Logistics Officer to be based in Sri Lanka, under the guidance and direct supervision of the GMCP IOE Programme Management Assistant for Sri Lanka, to provide Logistics support for all administration related activities.

Task description

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNODC GMCP Programme Management Assistant - Sri Lanka, and overall direction of Regional Programme Coordinator of GMCP-IOE team, the Admin and Logistics Officer will mainly provide support to the logistics functions to ensure smooth and efficient operation of project activities. The UNV is expected to be able to perform the following tasks;

• Assist the GMCP IOE team with administrative processes related to the procurement of equipment and services including vendor registrations, calling for quotations, preparation of comparative summary, collect and review the documents related to vendor payments including invoices, goods delivery documents, attendance sheets and draft vendor performance evaluation, and monitoring and follow-up on such requests with administrative staff in line with UN financial rules and regulations.

• Assist with the updating of the shared files with required details pertaining to procurements.

• Support all logistic work related to the implementation of project activities including customs clearance procedures, asset maintenance for goods procured and preparation of property custodian forms and handover notes for equipment to be donated to counterparts.

• Provide support in coordinating vehicle arrangements for events, airport transfers, travel within the city and suburbs, and outstation travel, liaising closely with vendors and passengers. Ensure that travel plans are prepared and all arrangements are made well in advance. Maintain vehicle log sheets and obtain the necessary supervisor approvals where required.

• Contribute to high-value procurement processes and the establishment of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), ensuring timely and effective support throughout the procurement cycle.

• Conduct market research to identify and compile comprehensive vendor databases by utilizing Google searches, the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM), and other relevant sourcing platforms to support competitive procurement processes.

• Maintain procurement records and contract files, ensuring that all documentation is complete, accurate, and readily accessible for audit and reporting purposes.

• Monitor contract implementation and delivery schedules, liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

• Assist in the physical verification of office inventory and assets.

• Perform other procurementand administration related duties as assigned in support of programme implementation and operational requirements.

Skills and experience

• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement, contract management, supply chain management, or related administrative functions is required.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.) and email/internet familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment is required.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with tight deadlines is required.
• Experience in organizing workshops, events, national or regional conferences is desirable.
• Experience in working collaboratively with a range of partners and authorities at different levels is highly desirable;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing is desirable;
• Experience in volunteerism is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel is desirable.
• Have affinity with or interest in UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme on volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values

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

Living conditions

Sri Lanka is an island nation located off the south coast of India. It’s home to an estimated population of over 21 million people. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi- religious country. It is a tropical country with moderate temperate and high humidity all throughout the year. The climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 32 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfalls occur. Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. The city is located on the west coast of the island, adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35km from Colombo and is served by the main international airlines. Sri Lanka currently has stable and safe living environment. Cost of living is relatively high with increased food and accommodation costs. The UN Volunteer will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka (during the construction period, the UN Volunteer will be relocated to the field location). Colombo is the administrative centre and offers a range of accommodation, transportation, medical, banking and other services. Sri Lanka is classified as a Family Duty Station. The security level in Colombo is UNDSS Level 1 (Low).

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.