Intern - Procurement Support

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 a better life. UNDP operates in more than 170 countries and territories, working closely with governments and communities to address global and national development challenges. Since its establishment in 1978, UNDP has been present in Vietnam, focusing on ensuring equal access to opportunities for all individuals to realize their full potential. The current UNDP Country Programme in Vietnam for 2022-2026 aligns with the country's priorities as outlined in the Vietnam Socio-economic Development Strategy 2021-2030, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable growth, addressing inequalities, promoting transparency, improving human rights, and tackling climate change challenges. UNDP aims to integrate sustainable procurement practices into its operations, ensuring that procurement functions contribute to its competitive advantage as a development partner.

Job Overview:
The intern will provide essential procurement support to the procurement unit, ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement rules and regulations. This role is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in procurement processes within an international organization. The intern will assist in various procurement activities, including small value procurement cases, preparing evaluation documents, conducting market surveys, and maintaining vendor information. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to supporting the unit's objectives. The intern will also have the opportunity to learn about sustainable procurement practices and how they align with UNDP's mission and goals. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in international development and procurement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the procurement unit with small value procurement cases via micro-purchase; assisting in the preparation of evaluation documents for evaluators; obtaining reference checks for selected vendors; gathering vendor information for vendor creation; sending approved contracts to approvers and contractors for DocuSign; conducting market surveys for required services/items; preparing monthly expiry contract reports based on the unit's master file/system; recording cost recovery on the system for services provided by the unit; updating UNDP rosters and searching for potential bidders; filing, copying, and scanning documents; assisting the Travel Assistant with pouch, registry, payment, transportation, and travel as needed; and performing other duties as instructed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); (c) have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation; (d) be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program. Additionally, applicants should possess excellent communication skills in both English and Vietnamese, as well as proficiency in basic computer software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes enrollment in a postgraduate degree programme, final year of a first university degree programme, or recent graduation from a university degree. This ensures that candidates have a solid academic foundation and are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the internship.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is relatively minimal, as it is an internship role. However, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in working within an international organization and possess the ability to manage diverse and complex tasks under tight deadlines. Previous experience in procurement or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory.

Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include excellent communication skills in both English and Vietnamese. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the procurement unit and with external vendors. Additional language skills may be considered a plus but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is part of UNDP's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and candidates from marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. The internship may have specific contract duration details, and candidates should be aware that UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in procurement within an international development context.