Consultant (Procurement and Grants)

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Technical Cooperation (TC) is a vital part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was established to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its misuse. The TC department consists of several divisions, including regional divisions for Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as divisions focused on program support and cancer therapy. The department plays a crucial role in planning, implementing, and monitoring technical cooperation programs in collaboration with Member States, ensuring alignment with the IAEA's Medium Term Strategy. The TCPC Division is responsible for developing and applying strategies and policies to support the TC program, focusing on quality assurance, results-based management, training, and resource mobilization. The Finance and Information Management Section (TCFIMS) oversees the financial aspects of the TC program, ensuring efficient use of funds and the development of IT support systems.

Job Overview:
The Consultant (Procurement and Grants) will work under the direction of the Director of TCPC and the TCPC-FIMS Unit Head. This role involves providing technical expertise in coordinating TC field procurement activities, which includes preparing and executing project grants, managing low-value purchasing, and ensuring proper administrative follow-up on procurement activities. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that goods and services procured for the TC program are received and documented correctly, maintaining communication with freight forwarders and counterparts. The position requires a proactive approach to researching market demands and proposing effective procurement strategies, as well as preparing necessary documentation for grants and purchase orders. The consultant will also monitor the global freight forwarding contract and ensure that shipping practices are standardized and efficient, contributing to the overall success of the TC program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant (Procurement and Grants) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing specialized guidance on commercial procurement procedures; researching and analyzing market demands and stakeholders; ensuring the receipt and documentation of goods and services procured; preparing and maintaining reports related to field procurement; issuing grants to TC Project Counterpart Institutes; preparing purchase orders and maintaining reports on grants; following up with Programme Management Officers (PMOs) on efficient delivery of shipments; monitoring the global freight forwarding contract; verifying billing information and generating invoices for goods procured; and ensuring compliance with international trading practices and IAEA mandates. The consultant will act as a central focal point for receipting goods and services and will be responsible for maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of procurement activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Law, or related fields. An advanced degree is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in commercial procurement, financial management, and reporting, preferably in the context of technical assistance programs or projects. Experience in an international environment or in sectors related to the IAEA's mandate is highly desirable. Knowledge of international trading practices is also advantageous, as is familiarity with the IAEA's operational context.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, or Law. An advanced degree is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role. The emphasis is on obtaining a solid foundation in areas pertinent to procurement and financial management, which are critical for the successful execution of the responsibilities associated with this consultancy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in commercial procurement and financial management. Candidates should have experience in reporting, preferably within technical assistance programs or projects, and ideally in an international context. Familiarity with the IAEA's mandate and operational environment will be beneficial, as it will enable the consultant to navigate the complexities of procurement within the agency effectively. Experience in managing procurement processes and understanding international trading practices will also be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in a multicultural and international working environment where communication with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to €250, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. If travel is required as part of the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs will be provided. It is important to note that health coverage and pension fund responsibilities will fall on the consultant. The position may involve a contract of varying duration, and candidates should be prepared for the possibility of international recruitment.