Procurement Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives. UNDP has been operational since 1978 in Vietnam, focusing on ensuring equal access to opportunities for all individuals to realize their full potential. The organization operates in over 170 countries and territories, working closely with governments and local communities to address global and national development challenges. The current UNDP Country Programme in Vietnam (2022-2026) aligns with the country's priorities as outlined in the Vietnam Socio-economic Development Strategy (2021-2030), emphasizing inclusive growth, transparency, accountability, human rights, and climate change mitigation. UNDP aims to integrate sustainable procurement practices into its operations, ensuring that procurement functions contribute to its competitive advantage as a development partner, while also aligning with sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate position is designed to implement sustainable procurement strategies and policies that align with UNDP's principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency, ensuring the best value for money in procurement activities. The role involves ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations, developing internal procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and mapping procurement business processes. The associate will support procurement processes for official travels and events, manage supplier profiles, and contribute to knowledge sharing within the country office. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the procurement function.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement sustainable procurement strategies and policies in alignment with UNDP principles to achieve best value for money.
• Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UNDP rules and regulations through effective internal controls.
• Develop internal procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and map procurement business processes in consultation with management.
• Support procurement processes for official travels, including reviewing travel requests, coordinating with units, and arranging ticket bookings.
• Process event procurement requests, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and assisting in raising e-requisitions.
• Manage supplier profiles by verifying documentation and maintaining an accurate database.
• Monitor the Registry’s email account and manage incoming/outgoing mail.
• Participate in procurement training and contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Secondary education is required; a university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant administrative or procurement experience at the national or international level is required.
• Proficiency in using computers and office software packages (e.g., MS Word, Excel) is essential.
• Experience with international organizations and web-based management systems (e.g., ERP, SAP, Ariba) is an asset.
• Experience in public sector procurement and administrative support is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a secondary education, with a preference for those holding a university degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Economics. While a degree is not a strict requirement, it is considered an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in administrative or procurement roles, which can be gained at either the national or international level. Candidates with experience in public sector procurement, managing travel requests, and event planning will be viewed favorably. Familiarity with international organizations and procurement processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The UNDP is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. The position may involve a contract of unspecified duration, and UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement. Additionally, candidates should be aware that UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.