Procurement Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and combating climate change. Established to support nations in building integrated and sustainable solutions for both people and the planet, UNDP operates in over 170 countries. The UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO) specifically supports the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau, focusing on promoting inclusive growth, effective governance, and sustainable development. The MCO is guided by the UNDP Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories for the period 2023-27, emphasizing peace, prosperity, and planet sustainability. The office, located in Apia, Samoa, employs approximately 40 personnel and aims to integrate sustainable procurement practices into its operations, ensuring that procurement functions contribute to UNDP's competitive advantage as a development partner.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Analyst position is crucial for the effective delivery of procurement services within the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Procurement Analyst supervises the MCO Procurement Unit and is responsible for ensuring that procurement activities align with UNDP's rules and regulations while achieving best value for money. The role involves analyzing financial results, interpreting regulations, and providing solutions to complex procurement issues. The Procurement Analyst is expected to foster a collaborative and client-focused environment, working closely with various teams within the MCO, UNDP HQ, vendors, and government officials. This position also requires the ability to adapt to changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to meet strategic goals, emphasizing the importance of horizontal collaboration across units and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide analytical inputs to develop and implement innovative and sustainable procurement strategies that align with UNDP's principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency. Ensure compliance with procurement activities through effective internal controls and support modifications to UNDP's procurement management system. Establish internal procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manage workflows in the Procurement Unit. Participate in discussions on procurement strategies with stakeholders and donors. Conduct analysis and prepare proposals on contract strategy, sourcing, supplier selection, and cost reduction strategies.
• Manage procurement processes for MCO, projects, and other UN Agencies. Analyze information for procurement plans and monitor their implementation. Implement monitoring systems for procurement processes, including RFQ, ITB, or RFP, ensuring compliance with UNDP regulations. Conduct preliminary reviews of submissions to internal procurement review committees. Propose monitoring systems to eliminate deficiencies in procurement and implement internal controls for timely purchase order management.
• Implement strategic sourcing strategies and e-procurement tools to align purchasing strategies with project and MCO goals. Develop and manage supplier rosters, selection criteria, and performance measurement mechanisms. Manage e-procurement systems in MCO.
• Facilitate procurement knowledge building and sharing within MCO, Region, UNDP, and UN. Organize procurement training for operations and project staff, as well as vendors on e-procurement modules. Synthesize lessons learned and contribute to knowledge networks. Participate in Operations Management Team (OMT) to share information on collaboration opportunities. The incumbent may perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two years of qualifying experience will be considered. A CIPS level 3 certification is highly desirable, and candidates holding this certification at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year. Candidates with a CIPS certification at any level below will have a proportionate advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or Finance. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with two years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. CIPS level 3 certification is highly desirable, and candidates are encouraged to obtain it within one year if not already certified.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies based on educational qualifications. Applicants with a master's degree are not required to have professional work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in public sector procurement management at the national or international level. Experience with computers and office software, particularly web-based management systems like ERP, is essential. Experience in managing e-procurement systems and organizing procurement training is desired, along with experience in handling complex or high-value procurement cases.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and fluency in Samoan is also required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to UNDP's equal opportunity employment policy, valuing diversity and encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. New fixed-term appointments are contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. The organization does not charge fees during the recruitment process.