Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the United Nations headquarters in Africa and acts as the representative office of the Secretary-General. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), UNON provides essential administrative, conference, and information services to facilitate the work of the UN and its partners. The organization operates in Kenya and globally, ensuring effective program delivery and collaboration among various UN entities. UNON is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, striving for a balanced representation of women and men in all aspects of its operations.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position at UNON involves a range of responsibilities centered around the procurement process. The incumbent will be tasked with reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests, assisting requisitioners in preparing specifications for goods and services, and identifying potential suppliers. The role requires the production of tender documents, negotiation of terms and conditions, and the finalization of purchase orders and contracts. The Procurement Officer will also be responsible for resolving issues related to delivered goods, maintaining internal databases, and assisting with data analysis and presentations. This position is crucial for ensuring that procurement activities align with the organization's goals and standards, and it requires a strong understanding of procurement policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Procurement Officer include: reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests; assisting requisitioners in preparing scope of work and specifications; proposing product substitutions for cost savings; determining funding sources; identifying and recommending procurement sources; producing tender documents; preparing abstracts of offers; entering into negotiations with suppliers; finalizing purchase orders and contracts; resolving discrepancies related to delivered goods; maintaining internal databases and files; researching and presenting information on suppliers; assisting with data collection and analysis; updating information materials; signing procurement orders; drafting correspondence; supervising junior staff; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with supplementary training in procurement or a related field. A certificate in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Level 4 or an equivalent professional certification is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate knowledge of procurement policies, processes, and procedures, as well as purchasing and accounting techniques. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data for decision-making are essential, along with a commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completion of high school diploma or equivalent, with supplementary training in procurement or a related field. A professional certification such as CIPS Level 4 is also required, indicating a recognized level of expertise in procurement practices.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience in procurement or a related area. This experience requirement can be reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Additionally, a minimum of two (2) years of specific experience in procurement and contract administration involving Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) is required, preferably related to large and multiyear program support services. Experience in managing procurement for public, private, or non-governmental entities with national, regional, or international operations is desirable, as is familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and emerging procurement technologies.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of six (6) months, with any extension subject to the availability of funds. The recruitment is subject to local recruitment rules, meaning candidates must be located within commuting distance of the Nairobi office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted, and they should ensure that their application is complete and accurate to facilitate the evaluation process.