Procurement Specialist for Policy Support

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as a response to the United Nations General Assembly's call for a dedicated entity to promote gender equality and empower women. The organization is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and works towards eliminating discrimination against women and girls. UN Women operates globally, focusing on various aspects of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization aims to empower women and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development. UN Women has a significant presence in multiple countries, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to its mission of gender equality and women's empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Specialist for Policy Support will play a crucial role in the Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) at UN Women. This position is responsible for reviewing and developing procurement policies and procedures to align with business requirements. The specialist will act as an advisory body, providing strategic and authoritative advice to UN Women personnel on the interpretation and application of procurement manuals, policies, and procedures. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of capacity development activities to support the organization and procurement reform, creating benchmarks with other UN agencies. The Procurement Specialist is expected to provide solutions to complex procurement issues, promote a collaborative and client-focused approach, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of procurement services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Development and Implementation of Operational Strategies: Review and revise procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines to align with UN Women's Strategic Plan. Develop procurement strategies in collaboration with supply chain stakeholders. Monitor and evaluate the impact of procurement policies on business needs. Develop comprehensive system requirements for reporting and oversight.
• Ensure the Standardization and Control of Procurement Processes: Advocate for procurement best practices and implement control systems for procurement processes. Design and enhance reporting tools to support compliance and decision-making.
• Lead on Policy and Process Enhancement: Oversee the review and design of procurement processes, ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. Develop and maintain procurement tools and templates.
• Manage Internal and External Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate audit activities and respond to queries from stakeholders. Propose policy improvements based on feedback.
• Facilitate Knowledge Building and Sharing: Provide support to Regional Procurement Specialists and develop a comprehensive learning program for procurement training needs.
• Lead and manage personnel under supervision, providing guidance and performance feedback.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Master’s Degree or equivalent in Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Public Policies, or a related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Procurement Certification from recognized institutions is an asset.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and supply chain management, focusing on policy development and supply chain cycles. Managerial experience in managing procurement activities across multiple countries is required. Proficiency in office software and experience with ERP systems is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Law, Business Administration, or Supply Chain Management. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Certification in procurement from recognized institutions is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and supply chain management. Candidates should have experience in developing procurement policies and managing procurement activities across multiple countries or regions. Managerial experience is essential, along with proficiency in using office software and familiarity with ERP systems.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset, and working knowledge of another UN official language is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve managing a team of up to 8 personnel, including direct reports and affiliate personnel. The role requires adherence to UN Women’s workplace relations policies and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives.