UNV Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent organization within the UN Development System, established to serve as a knowledge frontier for sustainable development. Its mission is to integrate collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP operates globally, with a presence in over 170 countries, and focuses on providing strategic support to enhance national capacities and development results. The organization has been active in Ethiopia since 1981, emphasizing poverty reduction, economic growth, democratic governance, and climate-resilient development. UNDP's work is informed by its Strategic Plan and aligns closely with Ethiopia's national development priorities, particularly the Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II).

Job Overview:
The UNV Procurement Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the procurement processes within the UNDP Ethiopia Country Office. This position involves ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement rules and regulations, assisting in the preparation of procurement plans, and facilitating the organization of procurement processes. The assistant will also be responsible for maintaining procurement records, managing vendor profiles, and contributing to the implementation of sourcing strategies. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to knowledge sharing within the organization. The assistant will work under the supervision of the Procurement Specialist and will be expected to perform various duties as needed to support the procurement team effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of operational strategies by ensuring full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules and regulations.
• Provide inputs for the development of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement and Logistics.
• Assist in the preparation of procurement plans for the office and other UN agencies.
• Organize procurement processes, including RFQs, ITBs, and RFPs, and manage the evaluation and negotiation of bids.
• Maintain the procurement status on internal monitoring tools to ensure proper tracking of procurement processes.
• Prepare purchase orders and contracts, manage vendor creation in the Atlas system, and maintain the procurement filing system.
• Implement internal control systems to ensure timely corrective actions on purchase orders.
• Support the development and management of supplier rosters and participate in supplier selection and evaluation.
• Contribute to knowledge building by participating in training sessions for operations and project staff on procurement. 1
• Perform other duties as required to support the procurement team.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Proficiency in procurement processes and familiarity with UNDP rules and regulations are essential. The candidate should demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and professionalism in their work. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively are also required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in business administration, procurement, logistics, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in procurement or supply chain management would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in procurement or logistics, preferably within an international organization or UN agency. Experience in managing procurement processes and vendor relationships is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages, such as Amharic, would be an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is full-time, and the UN Volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance plan. Additional entitlements and conditions of service can be found on the UNV website.