Procurement Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS Afghanistan has been operational for over 20 years, focusing on delivering projects and services that enhance the lives of individuals in need across the country. The Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as a key organizational mechanism for implementing a variety of projects designated to UNOPS. The activities of UNOPS AFCO span multiple sectors, including humanitarian aid, basic human needs, cash for work initiatives, infrastructure development, procurement, and human resources services. The primary functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute positively to the lives of all demographics in Afghanistan, including girls, boys, men, and women. The mission of UNOPS AFCO is to consistently exceed stakeholder expectations in service delivery, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in all operations to support the humanitarian response and development efforts in Afghanistan.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Intern will play a vital role in assisting with various procurement-related tasks under the supervision of the procurement officer. This position is designed to provide efficient and timely support services in procurement and contract administration for the diverse projects managed by UNOPS in Afghanistan. The intern will be expected to adopt a client-focused, quality-oriented approach, working collaboratively with procurement personnel and other colleagues to ensure high-quality service delivery. The intern will work with minimal supervision and will be responsible for liaising with UNOPS program support colleagues and technical experts to ensure that procurement processes align with organizational standards and project requirements. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain practical experience in procurement processes and contract management within a humanitarian context.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist project personnel and managers in preparing procurement plans and developing a procurement management system for UNOPS AFCO. Maintain and update procurement monitoring systems regularly.
• Receive sourcing requisitions and select appropriate sourcing methods, conducting sourcing processes using eSourcing or other platforms as necessary. Develop and maintain supplier rosters and quality assessment tools.
• Prepare and issue various bidding documents, ensuring compliance with UNOPS templates and legal requirements. Monitor and respond to procurement-related queries from stakeholders.
• Ensure timely opening of bids and preparation of bid evaluation reports, analyzing requirements to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Issue and manage contracts and purchase orders, ensuring clarity and compliance with internal controls. Liaise with vendors and end-users regarding quality issues and manage procurement-related complaints.
• Process invoices and evaluate supplier claims, ensuring adherence to UNOPS financial regulations.
• Coordinate with logistics and project teams to ensure proper delivery and documentation of goods and services.
• Engage in learning objectives related to procurement planning, sourcing methods, solicitation processes, and contract administration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have graduated within the last four years in fields related to procurement, management, business/public administration, or other relevant disciplines. Proficiency in computer skills is essential, including advanced capabilities in Excel/Google Sheets, PowerPoint/Google Slides, and Word/Google Docs. Familiarity with financial information processing is advantageous but not mandatory. Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required for effective communication in this role.

Educational Background:
To qualify for this internship, candidates must have completed their degree in procurement, management, business/public administration, or a related field within the last four years. The role requires strong computer literacy, particularly in advanced Excel, Google Sheets, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Word/Google Docs, which are essential for performing various tasks effectively.

Experience:
While no specific professional experience is required for this internship, familiarity with handling financial documents and information is considered an advantage. This position is designed for recent graduates or individuals who have completed relevant coursework and are looking to gain practical experience in procurement within a humanitarian context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both in written and spoken forms. This proficiency is essential for effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders. While not required, knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial in enhancing communication with diverse partners and clients.

Additional Notes:
This internship is classified as a four-month contract and is not intended to lead to a permanent staff position with UNOPS. Interns should not expect employment at the conclusion of the internship. However, they may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS, provided they do not receive funding from other institutions. It is highly encouraged for applicants to submit a cover letter along with their CV, detailing their motivation for applying to this internship. Interns are expected to adhere to the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies and administrative instructions of the UN Security Management System and UNOPS.