Procurement Officer (Service Contracts)

Job Posting Organization:
The Procurement Service (CSLP) is part of the Logistics Services Division (CSL) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO was established in 1945 and is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The organization has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer (Service Contracts) plays a crucial role in the procurement activities of the FAO, particularly in the preparation of tender documents and the drafting and finalization of contracts or Purchase Orders for goods, works, and services. This position is essential for ensuring that procurement activities comply with FAO's established policies and procedures, reflecting best practices for public procurement. The officer will be responsible for monitoring procurement activities, analyzing reports, and identifying compliance issues, while also making recommendations for improvements. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including managers and staff at headquarters and decentralized offices, to provide assistance during the tendering process and ensure that procurement actions align with institutional interests. The Procurement Officer will also support corporate initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and increasing efficiency, contributing to the FAO's commitment to sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: reviewing and analyzing procurement requests for completeness and conformity with FAO rules; liaising with requesters to recommend appropriate strategies; assisting in the preparation of evaluation criteria for complex procurement actions; preparing tender documents and contracts; managing procurement actions in FAO's ERP system; conducting commercial evaluations and proposing recommendations for awards; providing advice on IT applications used in procurement; producing reports to support contract monitoring; reviewing invoices and inspection reports; coordinating with technical teams for timely payments; and maintaining a procurement filing system for audit trails. The officer will also participate in market and supplier research and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree in these fields combined with five years of relevant work experience in procurement-related activities is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have completed a professional qualification from an internationally recognized body such as CIPS Level 2/3/4, MCIPS, FCIPS, or other UN-wide recognized certifications. A strong understanding of procurement processes and regulations is essential, along with the ability to draft technical documents and reports in English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, or marketing. Candidates with a first-level degree in these areas must also have significant work experience in procurement-related activities. Professional qualifications from recognized bodies in procurement are highly valued and may enhance a candidate's eligibility.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in procurement-related activities. Those with a first-level degree must have at least five years of work experience in this field. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of public procurement processes and have experience in drafting and reviewing contractual instruments.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages can be considered an asset and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. Candidates should be prepared for a role that may involve collaboration with various teams and stakeholders across different locations. The position may require full-time commitment, and candidates should be aware of the FAO's commitment to sustainability and corporate environmental responsibility. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and may include opportunities for professional development and training.