Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Global Procurement Support Section (GPSS) of the Procurement Division (PD) within the Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The DOS was established to provide comprehensive operational support and advisory services to various entities across the UN Secretariat, including field missions and regional commissions. The OSCM encompasses several divisions, including the Logistics Division and the Procurement Division, which is tasked with delivering expert procurement services and business advice to ensure best value for money while adhering to established regulations and procedures. The Procurement Division aims to maintain a competitive, fair, and transparent procurement process.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will be responsible for managing complex procurement and contractual aspects of projects related to the procurement of diverse services and commodities for peace operations and offices away from Headquarters. This role involves advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, overseeing the preparation and distribution of invitations to tender, and managing bid evaluations. The officer will also formulate strategies to resolve conflicts in procurement projects, conduct market research, and analyze data to identify trends. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying new technologies and potential supply sources, ensuring adherence to contractual agreements, and preparing various procurement-related documents. Additionally, the officer may provide guidance and supervision to junior staff, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer's duties include planning and managing procurement processes for complex projects, advising on procurement issues, preparing and overseeing tender invitations, conducting bid evaluations, formulating procurement strategies, negotiating with suppliers, conducting market research, analyzing data for decision-making, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements, and preparing procurement-related documentation. The officer will also supervise junior staff and ensure that procurement activities align with organizational goals and standards. This role requires a strong understanding of international procurement standards and the ability to navigate complex contract issues effectively.

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) or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of procurement standards and contract law, as well as expertise in quantitative methods for measuring supplier capacity and market trends. The ability to influence agreements and apply technical expertise to resolve procurement issues is essential.

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 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or logistics and supply chain management is required. Candidates should have at least two consecutive years of experience in conducting international tender exercises for complex goods and services within the last five years. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, and e-tendering systems is desirable, as is experience in supporting procurement processes in field operations or international organizations.

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 a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The selection process will be contingent on the return of the incumbent who is currently on temporary assignment. The position is open to internal candidates, and the United Nations encourages applications from female candidates to promote gender balance. The organization adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, and candidates with a history of violations of international law or misconduct will not be considered.