Procurement Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) was established in January 2023, following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office. EAPMCO supports, develops, and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects across 24 countries in North East Asia, South East Asia, and the Pacific. The head office is located in Bangkok, Thailand, and it comprises nine business units, including EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, which was established in early 202

• The organization focuses on various sectors such as energy transition, digital transformations, sustainable environmental management, and health services, with a significant budget of over USD 80 million for project implementation in 202
• UNOPS aims to enhance the quality of life through sustainable development and effective project management, ensuring that it remains a responsive partner in the region.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Senior Officer will report to the Senior Project Manager and work under the technical supervision of the National Department of Health (NDOH) counterparts. The primary role involves providing hands-on procurement and contract management support to the NDOH, particularly in managing major contracts related to building infrastructure, maintenance, and supply of medical equipment. The officer will assist in streamlining procurement processes, ensuring compliance with NDOH regulations, and enhancing the procurement and contract management capabilities of the NDOH. This position is crucial for improving the procurement and supply chain systems that meet public health service demands in Papua New Guinea, particularly in rural and provincial health facilities. The officer will not have decision-making responsibilities but will play a vital role in supporting the NDOH's objectives and enhancing service delivery performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage procurement processes and implement procurement and contracting strategies for goods, services, and works. This includes providing procurement support to NDOH, planning project implementation, conducting quality checks on contractors, and ensuring optimal management of procurement contracts.
• Monitor contracts and provide high-quality reporting on procurement processes and contract implementation. This involves evaluating on-site construction progress, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with procurement rules.
• Ensure compliance with NDOH procurement processes and national policies, maintaining adherence to public service policies and environmental regulations.
• Conduct vendor market research, assist in developing Requests for Quotations, Invitations to Tender, and manage evaluations.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all procurement activities and carry out annual stock takes as directed.
• Provide technical advice on health infrastructure to provincial health authorities and stakeholders, ensuring that procurement modalities are applied appropriately based on individual case requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical), Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the aforementioned fields with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in development or procurement planning, contract management, project planning, and implementation coordination. Knowledge of the PNG Government procurement and financial management system, as well as familiarity with relevant legislation and regulations, is highly desirable. Proficiency in using office software packages is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Engineering, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration. A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) may be acceptable if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of procurement processes and contract management in the context of health services in Papua New Guinea.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in areas such as development or procurement planning, contract management, project planning, and implementation coordination. Candidates should have a solid understanding of project monitoring and evaluation, as well as familiarity with the PNG Government procurement and financial management system. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages is also necessary, along with knowledge of public service policies and health sector regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. While English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse communities in Papua New Guinea.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) at the ICS-9/LICA-9 level. The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. This vacancy is specifically open to Papua New Guinea nationals or individuals with a valid residence permit in the country. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. The organization also conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.