Deadline: 31-Aug-2025
UNHCR is inviting qualified partners, especially national NGOs, to submit concept notes for managing logistics, warehousing, and inventory of essential supplies for the Rohingya refugee response. This includes Core Relief Items, shelter materials, medicines, and other non-food items.
UNHCR currently operates warehouses in the refugee camps and in Cox’s Bazar. These facilities store items such as tents, blankets, plastic sheets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, jerry cans, hygiene kits, solar lamps, kitchen sets, stoves, lanterns, shelter materials, generators, and medical supplies. Interested partners should clearly indicate in their concept note the objectives where they can offer added value.
National NGOs that meet the requirements are especially encouraged to apply, in line with UNHCR’s commitment to strengthening local capacity. Selected partners will be expected to manage warehouse operations and inventory systems in Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, the camps, and Bhasan Char.
The partner will provide storage space and manage the intake and release of supplies in close coordination with UNHCR. Stored items must be protected at all times from theft, damage, or environmental risks. Warehouses should meet industry standards and best practices.
The partner must handle supply movements according to UNHCR’s schedule, including outside regular hours if needed. In emergencies, 24/7 access must be possible, with at least one day’s notice from UNHCR.
Adequate staffing at all times is required to ensure smooth operations. The partner must implement and maintain a robust stock control system to ensure accurate records of all inventory and movements in and out of the warehouses.
Regular reports must be submitted to UNHCR on a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. These should detail incoming and outgoing supplies, damages, and current stock levels, with supporting information such as PO numbers and entry dates.
The partner is fully responsible for all commodities stored, including their accounting and reporting. Discrepancies identified during routine reconciliations or physical counts must be reported to UNHCR.
All reporting must be supported by relevant inventory management software as requested. The partner should also report on any damaged or obsolete stock and follow proper disposal procedures.
The partner will be responsible for providing the necessary personnel, tools, materials, and equipment to perform all required services. This includes insurance for the value of stored inventory, covering risks like fire, theft, or flooding. UNHCR will provide the stock value for insurance purposes.
All staff must operate with high professional standards, and the partner will cover utility, handling, labor, and equipment costs associated with warehouse operations.
The expected impact by 2029 is for forcibly displaced people to live in safer, healthier environments with meaningful community engagement. The outcome aims to ensure that displaced individuals consistently receive sufficient assistance. The output of this initiative will be improved inventory and distribution systems.
This project will take place in Bangladesh, specifically in Chittagong, and focuses on logistics, warehouse, and inventory management.
For more information, visit UNHCR.
