Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries and has a diverse workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's country program in Egypt is aligned with national strategies and priorities, including Vision 2030 and various agricultural and environmental initiatives. The organization collaborates with multiple ministries and international donors to implement projects focused on sustainable agricultural development, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and climate change adaptation.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant will play a crucial role in ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in compliance with UN/FAO regulations and policies. This position requires a proactive approach to managing procurement processes, from requisition to delivery, and involves close collaboration with various program units. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting procurement documents, monitoring procurement activities, and maintaining accurate records. The role demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while ensuring timely completion of procurement actions. The Procurement Assistant will also be involved in supplier management and will need to maintain effective communication with suppliers and contractors to resolve any issues that may arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: ensuring compliance with UN/FAO procurement rules and regulations; drafting Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs); handling the receipt of bids and proposals; conducting eligibility compliance checks; preparing commercial evaluations; monitoring procurement processes from requisition through delivery and payment; preparing submissions to the FAO Local Procurement Committee; drafting purchase orders, contracts, and relevant amendments; ensuring payment requests are complete; maintaining and updating the supplier/vendor database; facilitating customs clearance; reporting on procurement activities; conducting meetings with project managers; drafting correspondence with suppliers; registering new suppliers in databases; preparing procurement justifications; maintaining filing systems; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, logistics, administration, or operations support is required, preferably within UN or international organizations. Candidates should demonstrate strong coordination and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple procurement actions simultaneously. A working knowledge of English and Arabic is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Egypt.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, or Finance. The educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or related fields. This experience should ideally be within the context of UN agencies, international organizations, or development projects, demonstrating a solid understanding of procurement processes and regulations.

Languages:
A working knowledge of both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders and suppliers.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time work, and the specific contract duration and seniority level have not been specified in the job ad.