Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945, which aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN has a mission to foster international collaboration to address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. It operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees worldwide, working across various sectors to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant position is designed to support requisitioning units by providing comprehensive assistance throughout the procurement cycle. This includes preparing and distributing solicitations, managing the procurement process, and ensuring that all aspects are completed until the case file is closed, including the processing of payments for goods and services delivered. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen understanding of procurement policies and procedures, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure that procurement activities align with organizational goals and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing and prioritizing complex purchasing requests, assisting requisitioners in preparing scopes of work and specifications, proposing product substitutions to achieve cost savings, and determining funding sources. The role also involves identifying and recommending sources of procurement, interviewing potential suppliers, and producing tender documents such as Invitations to Bids and Requests for Proposals. The Assistant will prepare abstracts of offers, compile data from quotations, and negotiate terms and conditions of orders under the guidance of Procurement Officers. Additionally, the role includes preparing draft contracts, assisting in raising Purchase Orders, maintaining internal databases, resolving issues related to delivered goods, and performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Procurement Officer and Chief of the Section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma as a minimum requirement. A degree in Procurement, Business Administration, or Accounting is considered an asset. Additional training in IPSAS and Umoja related to procurement and logistics is advantageous. Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, business administration, accounting, or IT. Familiarity with procurement-related software and database management is desirable, and experience with UN procurement policies and procedures is a significant advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma, with a preference for candidates holding a degree in Procurement, Business Administration, or Accounting. Additional training in relevant areas such as IPSAS and Umoja is beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, business administration, accounting, or IT. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of procurement processes and the ability to manage complex purchasing requests effectively. Familiarity with UN procurement policies and procedures is highly valued and can significantly strengthen a candidate's profile.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Excellent writing skills in English are essential. Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is considered an advantage and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also emphasizes that it does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.