Contracts Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve its goals. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, while also addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's health and rights. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU), which became operational in January 2022, is self-funded and plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and other supplies to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Contracts Associate position is situated within the Strategic Sourcing Team of the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) at UNFPA. This role is pivotal in supporting the day-to-day operations related to the management of Health and Non-Health commodities. The Contracts Associate will work closely with the Category Analyst and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders, including other divisions within UNFPA, regional offices, country offices, and external partners. The primary focus of this position is on strategic sourcing, contracting, and procurement, ensuring that UNFPA's supply chain operations are efficient and effective. The Contracts Associate will be responsible for overseeing procurement requirements, developing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with contractual terms. This role also involves capacity strengthening initiatives, knowledge sharing, and fostering partnerships to enhance UNFPA's supply chain capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Contracts Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: overseeing strategic sourcing and contracting strategies for Health and Non-Health commodities; managing procurement requirements for UNFPA Headquarters and Representative Offices; sourcing suppliers and establishing Long Term Agreements (LTAs); developing and maintaining a UNFPA product catalogue; performing contracts and supplier management functions; designing and implementing procurement strategies; ensuring compliance with UNFPA procurement policies; implementing vendor sanction decisions; supporting governance, risk, compliance, and reporting functions; developing capacity-strengthening initiatives; advocating for training of supply chain professionals; coaching UNFPA personnel; engaging with industry experts; contributing to research and publications; fostering relationships with donors and partners; and leading team management efforts to create a conducive working environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and contracting. This requirement is reduced to four years for candidates with a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Candidates should demonstrate experience in development and/or complex humanitarian operating environments, particularly in low-resource countries. Strong interpersonal skills, experience in facilitating organizational participation in international public health meetings, and proficiency in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are essential. Candidates should also have professional written and spoken presentation skills, experience managing teams, and knowledge of UNFPA’s strategic plans and operational aspects of sexual and reproductive health commodities.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required, with a university degree at the Bachelor level in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field being an asset. Professional certifications in Supply Chain Management, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK), are also considered advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in procurement and contracting, with a reduction to four years for candidates with a relevant degree. Candidates should have hands-on experience in development and/or complex humanitarian environments, demonstrating an understanding of the unique challenges faced in these contexts. Experience in facilitating organizational participation in international public health meetings and managing teams is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.