Procurement and Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Corporate Services Division is responsible for managing UNEP's corporate interests, mitigating risks, and supporting the organization with management tools and capacity building. The organization oversees UNEP's efficient and effective management in line with accountability requirements, rules, regulations, and UN core values. UNEP operates globally, engaging in various environmental initiatives and programs across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Procurement and Partnerships Officer will be stationed at UNEP's Procurement and Partnerships Unit within the Corporate Services Division. This role is crucial for managing all procurement and contractual aspects of requests from UNEP, ensuring that service provision arrangements and other conditions are met. The officer will advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on procurement issues, oversee the preparation and distribution of invitations to tender, and manage bid evaluations. The incumbent will also be responsible for formulating strategies to resolve complex procurement issues, leading corporate procurement planning activities, and developing training sessions to enhance procurement knowledge within the organization. The role requires a proactive approach to market research and data analysis to inform procurement decisions and ensure compliance with contractual agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Procurement and Partnerships Officer include planning, developing, and managing procurement and contractual aspects of UNEP requests; advising various units on procurement issues; preparing and overseeing invitations to tender; managing bid evaluations; liaising with service providers; formulating strategies for complex procurement projects; establishing work programs for contracts; leading procurement planning activities; developing training sessions; coordinating with service providers; conducting market research; identifying new technologies; overseeing adherence to contracts; preparing procurement-related documents; providing guidance to junior staff; conducting risk assessments; and analyzing data to identify trends for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional certification in supply chain management, such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4). Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of internationally recognized procurement standards, contract law, and quantitative methods for measuring supplier capacity. The ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making is also essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and a client-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or logistics and supply chain management is required. Candidates must have at least two consecutive years of experience in conducting international tender exercises within the last five years. Experience in reviewing procurement plans and conducting due diligence for implementing partners is also necessary. Desirable experience includes sourcing and preparing data for visualization in procurement and supply chain management.

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

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term, and external candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.