Procurement Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) serves as an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to supporting the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. Established to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of these projects, UNOPS acts as a central resource for the UN, providing essential services in project management, procurement, and infrastructure. The organization operates in multiple countries, collaborating with various governments, donors, and UN agencies to foster a better future through effective project execution.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate plays a crucial role in the procurement and contracting processes within the UNOPS framework. Reporting directly to the Procurement Manager and receiving guidance from the Head of Support Services, the associate is tasked with providing comprehensive administrative support across various procurement transactions for goods, services, and works. This position is integral to ensuring compliance with UNOPS regulations and policies while facilitating the procurement planning, requisition processes, and contract administration. The associate will engage in transactional procurement support, assist in bidding and tendering processes, and contribute to knowledge sharing within the organization. The role demands a proactive approach to managing procurement activities, ensuring that all processes are executed efficiently and effectively, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of UNOPS projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Associate's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Administering transactional procurement support activities, ensuring compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations, and embedding sustainability in procurement processes.
• Supporting procurement planning and requisition processes by collaborating with project personnel to prepare procurement plans and monitor procurement activities.
• Conducting market research to identify suppliers and maintain an updated local supplier database.
• Assisting in the preparation and issuance of tender documents, including EOI, RFQ, ITB, and RFP, ensuring adherence to UNOPS templates.
• Facilitating the bidding and tendering processes by preparing shortlists of contractors and supporting the evaluation of bids.
• Managing contract administration tasks, including follow-up on contract signing, fund obligations, and maintaining filing systems.
• Organizing training and knowledge-sharing initiatives for personnel on procurement best practices.
• Generating status reports and maintaining procurement records for audit and review purposes.
• Liaising with vendors and stakeholders throughout the procurement cycle to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of six years of relevant experience in procurement support services within national or international organizations. Experience working with diverse stakeholders in developing countries is preferred, along with familiarity with UN system organizations. Proficiency in office software, particularly Google Suites, and experience with web-based management systems are essential. Knowledge of Enterprise systems, such as OneUNOPS, is advantageous. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
While completion of secondary school is mandatory, a first university degree in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, or related fields is desirable. Relevant certifications in procurement and supply chain management, such as CIPS, are considered a distinct advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in providing procurement support services. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively in both national and international contexts, particularly in developing countries. Experience within UN organizations is also beneficial, as it demonstrates familiarity with the specific procurement processes and regulations of the UN system.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA), specifically at the Local ICA Support - LICA 6/ICS 6 level. The contract duration is for one year, renewable based on organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. It is important to note that this is a retainer contract, meaning that the individual contractor will be engaged intermittently, with payment based on a specified unit price per day worked. Candidates should be aware that they will need to complete mandatory courses before commencing work, and these courses will not be compensated. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, valuing a workforce that reflects various nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent upon the results of these checks.