Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, which was established in 1945 with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a workforce comprising thousands of employees dedicated to various humanitarian, developmental, and peacekeeping efforts. The organization aims to address global challenges and foster international collaboration to improve the lives of people around the world.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant position is designed to support requisitioning units by providing comprehensive assistance throughout the procurement cycle. This role involves preparing and distributing solicitations, managing the procurement process, and ensuring that all aspects are handled efficiently until the case file is closed, including the processing of payments for goods and services delivered. The Procurement Assistant will work closely under the supervision of the Chief of Procurement and will be expected to engage in various procurement-related tasks that require attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders. The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months, during which the individual will be integral to the procurement operations of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing, recording, and prioritizing complex purchasing requests; assisting requisitioners in preparing scopes of work and specifications; proposing product substitutions to achieve cost savings; determining funding sources; identifying and recommending procurement sources; interviewing potential suppliers; producing tender documents such as Invitations to Bids and Requests for Proposals; preparing abstracts of offers and compiling data from quotations and bids; negotiating terms and conditions of orders; analyzing supplier potential against pre-evaluation criteria; preparing draft contracts and agreements; assisting in raising Purchase Orders; maintaining internal databases and files; researching and presenting information on suppliers and products; drafting correspondence; 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. The role requires 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 the UN's internal 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 who have 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 suitability for the role.

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 the UN's procurement policies and procedures is highly desirable and will be considered an asset during the selection process.

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 a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is a contract role expected to last for 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 does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.