Procurement Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. UNOPS aims to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of these projects by providing essential services such as project management, procurement, and infrastructure support. As a central resource for the UN, UNOPS collaborates with various governments, donors, and UN organizations to build a better future through its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the procurement and contracting processes for goods, services, and works within the Business Unit. Reporting directly to the Procurement Manager and receiving guidance from the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Associate is tasked with providing administrative support and ensuring compliance with UNOPS regulations and policies. This position involves a variety of functions, including transactional procurement support, procurement planning, requisitions, sourcing, bidding and tendering processes, and contract administration. The Procurement Associate is expected to contribute to knowledge building and sharing within the organization, ensuring that procurement processes are efficient and effective, ultimately impacting the success of project activities and client satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Transactional Procurement Support: Administers a range of procurement support activities, ensuring compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations. This includes embedding sustainability in procurement processes, maintaining procurement files, and generating status reports.
• Procurement Planning and Sourcing: Collaborates with project personnel to prepare procurement plans, administer purchase orders, and provide feedback on procurement processes. This involves drafting specifications for equipment and materials, liaising with vendors, and preparing monthly procurement reports.
• Bidding and Tendering: Prepares and issues tender documents, supports the evaluation of bids, and organizes meetings for the Contract and Property Committees (CPC).
• Contract Administration: Ensures efficient contract management, including follow-up on contract signing, maintaining filing systems, and managing supplier databases.
• Knowledge Building: Organizes training initiatives for personnel on procurement and contributes to knowledge networks by sharing best practices and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of six years of relevant experience in procurement support services, preferably in national or international organizations. Experience working with stakeholders in developing countries is desirable, along with familiarity with the UN system. Proficiency in office software and web-based management systems is required, and experience with Enterprise systems is an advantage. Relevant certifications in procurement and supply chain management are also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary school is required, while a first university degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, or related fields is desirable but not mandatory. 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 experience in both national and international contexts, with a preference for those who have worked within the UN system or similar organizations. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages is essential, as is experience with web-based management systems and Enterprise systems like OneUNOPS.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

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. The retainer contract will specify a 'unit price' per day worked, and payment will only be made after the completion of work. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS, and these courses will not be compensated. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences in its workforce.