Procurement Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. UN Women operates globally, coordinating efforts across the United Nations system to ensure that commitments to gender equality translate into action. The organization focuses on placing women's rights at the center of its efforts, working in various countries to promote human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, employing individuals based on qualifications and competence, and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate position at UN Women is crucial for supporting the East and Southern Africa Regional Office in procurement and travel management services. The role involves working under the supervision of the Regional Procurement Specialist and the Regional Operations Manager. The Procurement Associate is expected to promote a client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach while ensuring compliance with UN Women policies and regulations. This position requires collaboration with operations staff from other UN agencies, as well as government officials, to effectively deliver procurement services. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing procurement strategies, organizing procurement processes, managing travel arrangements, and maintaining accurate records of procurement and travel transactions. Additionally, the role includes providing training and support to staff on procurement and travel systems, contributing to knowledge sharing within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Associate will implement procurement strategies in line with UN Women rules and regulations, ensuring compliance in all procurement and travel activities. Key responsibilities include advising colleagues on procurement policies, reviewing submissions for accuracy and compliance, supporting audit processes, and contributing to cost-saving strategies. The incumbent will organize procurement processes for goods and services, manage procurement plans, and perform Buyer role functions in the Quantum ERP system. They will also coordinate travel arrangements for staff and consultants, review travel requests and claims, and maintain records in accordance with audit requirements. Furthermore, the Procurement Associate will support contract management, maintain supplier rosters, and prepare reports for decision-making. The role also involves facilitating knowledge building and sharing through the development of training materials and support for staff training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of procurement processes, administrative rules, and regulations. Proficiency in using spreadsheets and database packages is essential. The ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information is crucial. Strong IT skills and web-based management capabilities are also required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate effective communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders inclusively. Knowledge of UN procurement rules and regulations is preferable, along with experience in automated procurement systems and office software packages.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is mandatory for this position. A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field is preferred but not required. Additionally, a Procurement Certification from an internationally recognized provider, such as CIPS (level 3), is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, administration, or related fields at the national or international level. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience. Advanced knowledge of automated procurement systems and experience with work-based management systems are essential. Familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is desirable, as is knowledge of UN procurement rules and regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The Procurement Associate position is a full-time role with no direct supervisory responsibilities. However, the incumbent will provide mentorship and training to junior staff within the Procurement Department. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and conducts rigorous background checks on selected candidates. Applicants must complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.