Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Office at Geneva, specifically in the Division of Administration, Central Support Services, Purchase and Transportation Section, Procurement and Contracts Unit. 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 staff members dedicated to various functions including humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, aiming for a workforce that reflects the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in managing procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects that involve a wide range of services and commodities. This includes overseeing the procurement cycle from planning to execution, advising various units on procurement issues, and ensuring compliance with UN procurement regulations. The officer will be responsible for preparing and distributing invitations to tender, conducting evaluations, and negotiating with suppliers. The role requires a strategic mindset to formulate innovative solutions for procurement challenges and to maintain effective relationships with stakeholders. The officer will also be expected to conduct market research and stay updated on market trends, ensuring that procurement practices align with the organization's goals and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Procurement Officer include planning and managing procurement processes for diverse services and commodities, advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, preparing and overseeing invitations to tender, conducting bid evaluations, formulating strategies for complex procurement projects, negotiating with suppliers, and signing procurement orders within authorized limits. The officer will also conduct market research, identify new technologies and supply sources, oversee adherence to contracts, prepare procurement-related documents, and provide guidance to a team of buyers. The role requires effective planning and organization to manage ongoing contracts and new projects, ensuring timely completion and compliance with UN standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of procurement processes, contract law, and financial regulations. They should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to manage complex procurement cases. Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and techniques is essential, along with the ability to analyze market trends and pricing. The officer should be able to influence agreements and work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations are also important.

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 equivalent is required, highlighting the importance of formal qualifications in procurement.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in high-volume procurement operations, contract management, or administration is required. Experience in international organizations or similar fields related to procurement is desirable, indicating the need for candidates who are familiar with the complexities of global procurement practices and regulations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III. This bilingual requirement reflects the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and emphasizes the importance of effective communication in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of the post or funds. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow the application instructions carefully. The position may require periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the organization's mobility policy.