Procurement Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Office in the occupied Palestinian territory serves as the principal technical adviser to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Established to strengthen health services, address public health issues, and promote health research, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian health efforts. The organization employs approximately 45 staff members across its offices in the West Bank and Gaza, including both international and local professionals with expertise in various health-related fields. WHO collaborates with numerous partners, including United Nations agencies, donors, non-governmental organizations, universities, and the private sector, to support the Palestinian Authority in achieving its national health development goals and ensuring coordinated efforts among all stakeholders in the health sector.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Support Specialist position is critical in the context of the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced in the occupied Palestinian territory. The role involves supporting procurement transactions, supplier coordination, logistics follow-up, and documentation management under the supervision of the National Procurement Operations and Logistics Officer. The specialist will contribute to ensuring efficient procurement workflows, accurate tracking of procurement transactions, and effective coordination with logistics and program teams. This position is vital for maintaining the operational demands of WHO's procurement and logistics operations, particularly in delivering essential medicines, medical consumables, and equipment necessary for health service delivery and emergency response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Support Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including analyzing and processing procurement requests for goods and services from technical units and emergency programs, ensuring compliance with WHO procurement and logistics procedures. Responsibilities include verifying the completeness of supporting documentation, accuracy of information, and availability of funds before initiating procurement actions. The specialist will support procurement transactions through the Global Management System (GSM) for both catalogue and non-catalogue items, monitoring the status of procurement requests to ensure timely processing and delivery. Additionally, the role involves drafting purchase order amendments, preparing Requests for Price Estimates (RPE), drafting bid invitations, compiling supplier offers, and preparing bid summaries. The specialist will also assist in maintaining the supplier database, drafting periodic procurement and logistics reports, and coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders to clarify procurement data and respond to queries. Other duties include monitoring deliveries, supporting quality verification during handover, and assisting with the registration of fixed assets in GSM.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Procurement Support Specialist position should possess strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of procurement processes. They should demonstrate attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Proficiency in using procurement and logistics management systems, particularly the Global Management System (GSM), is essential. Candidates should also have excellent communication skills to facilitate coordination with suppliers and internal stakeholders. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively within a team are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field is required for the Procurement Support Specialist position. Additional certifications in procurement or logistics management would be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in this area.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably within a humanitarian or international development context. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with procurement regulations and procedures, as well as experience in managing supplier relationships, will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Procurement Support Specialist position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the local context and the need to communicate effectively with local suppliers and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is designated as a remote national UN Volunteer role, meaning that the volunteer will be responsible for securing and maintaining appropriate housing and covering all related living arrangements and expenses. The initial contract duration is six months, with potential extensions subject to funding availability, operational requirements, and satisfactory performance. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) will be provided to assist with housing, utilities, and standard living expenses. Additionally, the UN Volunteer will receive life, health, and permanent disability insurance coverage, including health insurance for up to three eligible dependents, as well as an exit allowance contingent upon satisfactory completion of service.