Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Division of Administration, Central Support Services, Purchase and Transportation Section, Procurement and Contracts Unit of the United Nations Office at Geneva. The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of individuals dedicated to various global issues, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer plays a crucial role in managing the procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects that involve the worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities. This includes a wide range of items such as information technology, electronic equipment, vehicles, medicines, foodstuffs, and construction materials. The officer is expected to provide expert advice to requisitioning units and recipient entities throughout the procurement cycle, ensuring that all processes are conducted efficiently and in compliance with established regulations. The role requires strategic thinking to formulate innovative solutions to procurement challenges and to maintain effective communication with stakeholders. The officer will also be responsible for conducting market research and analyzing data to inform procurement decisions, ensuring that the organization remains competitive and responsive to market trends.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will be responsible for planning, developing, and managing all procurement activities related to significant projects. Key duties include advising units on procurement issues, overseeing the preparation and distribution of invitations to tender, managing bid evaluations, and formulating strategies for complex procurement projects. The officer will establish work programs for ongoing contracts, participate in negotiations with suppliers, and prepare submissions for the Contracts Committee when necessary. Additionally, the officer will conduct market research, identify new technologies and supply sources, and ensure adherence to contractual agreements. The role also involves preparing procurement-related documents and providing guidance to a team of buyers, ensuring that all procurement activities align with organizational goals and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a proven ability to manage complex procurement cases and have a strong understanding of financial regulations, procurement manuals, and international procurement standards. Knowledge of contract law and quantitative methods for measuring supplier capacity is essential. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender equality in all areas of work. Strong teamwork skills are necessary, as the officer will collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and support group decisions. The ability to plan and organize effectively, foresee risks, and adjust plans as necessary is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a diploma level 4 from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or an equivalent qualification is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in high-volume procurement operations, contract management, or a related field. Experience working in international organizations or similar environments in procurement or contract management is desirable, as it provides valuable context for the complexities of the role.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is considered desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The contract duration and seniority level are not specified in the job description, but candidates should be prepared for a role that demands a high level of responsibility and expertise in procurement.