Associate Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established to lead and coordinate international action to protect and assist refugees, forcibly displaced and stateless persons. UNHCR was founded in 1950 and operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to its mission. The organization works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR's Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Service is a vital component of its fundraising strategy, mobilizing private sector income and engagement across more than 40 markets worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Associate Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Service within the Division of External Relations (DER) at UNHCR. This position is designed to streamline procurement processes related to fundraising operations, ensuring compliance, value-for-money, and efficiency. The incumbent will act as the global focal point for reviewing PSP procurement cases, managing the end-to-end Procurement Review Authority (PRA) pipeline for PSP cases, and serving as a secondary reviewer for all PSP procurement actions. The role requires close coordination with various stakeholders, including the PSP sourcing team in Copenhagen and the Procurement Section at HQSMS, to deliver timely and compliant procurement reviews. The Associate Procurement Officer will also be responsible for institutionalizing fundraising-specific procurement knowledge and standards across the network, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of UNHCR's fundraising efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Procurement Officer include leading the centralized PSP PRA review process for all procurement actions above the USD 40,000 threshold, ensuring completeness, compliance, and value-for-money across various procurement methods such as RFQs, ITBs, RFPs, waivers, amendments, and EPF cases. The incumbent will serve as the designated secondary reviewer on PSP procurement actions, providing authoritative advice on solicitation strategies, evaluation methods, contractual instruments, and risk mitigations. Additionally, the Associate Procurement Officer will interpret and apply UNHCR procurement policy, quality assure solicitation documents and evaluation reports, provide expert guidance on waiver justifications and non-compliant scenarios, and champion innovation and sustainability in PSP procurement. The role also involves maintaining a PSP procurement knowledge base, capturing lessons learned, and proposing corrective actions and mitigation plans as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or a related field. A first-level degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Relevant professional certification such as CIPS or CPSM is considered a strong asset. Furthermore, candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector procurement and/or supply chain, or any other relevant field, including international experience. Demonstrated experience conducting or advising on procurement reviews for complex services, preferably in fundraising, marketing, or digital domains, is essential. A proven track record in competitive solicitations, contract management, and vendor performance management is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Law. In cases where candidates hold a first-level degree, additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Professional certifications related to procurement, such as CIPS or CPSM, are highly regarded and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The Associate Procurement Officer position requires a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector procurement and/or supply chain management, or a related field, if the candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree. If the candidate has a Master’s degree, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting or advising on procurement reviews for complex services, particularly in the context of fundraising, marketing, or digital domains. Experience working with UN or international organizations, along with familiarity with the UNHCR procurement framework, is desirable. Hands-on experience with ERP/e-procurement platforms and collaboration tools is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNHCR. Additionally, a working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS IICA1 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is January 1, 202

• The written test may be included in the selection process, and applicants cannot be hired under an international individual contract in the country of their nationality or permanent residence. The position does not require a functional clearance, and it is important to note that the role is designed to support the UNHCR's mission of protecting and assisting refugees and displaced persons.