Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide, working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In Egypt, FAO's country program is aligned with national strategies and priorities, including Vision 2030 and various other strategic plans aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant position is crucial for ensuring that procurement activities within FAO Egypt are conducted efficiently and in compliance with UN/FAO rules and regulations. The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of procurement duties, including drafting expressions of interest (EOIs), requests for quotations (RFQs), invitations to bid (ITBs), and requests for proposals (RFPs). The role requires close collaboration with different operational and program units to ensure that procurement processes are streamlined and effective. The Procurement Assistant will monitor procurement activities from requisition through delivery, acceptance, and payment, ensuring that all requirements are met and documented accurately. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity of the procurement process and ensuring that FAO's projects are supported with the necessary resources in a timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: ensuring compliance with UN/FAO procurement policies; drafting and managing procurement documents such as EOIs, RFQs, ITBs, and RFPs; conducting eligibility compliance checks and preparing commercial evaluations; monitoring procurement processes from requisition to payment; preparing submissions to the FAO Local Procurement Committee; drafting purchase orders, contracts, and amendments; ensuring timely customs clearance and shipment arrivals; maintaining supplier/vendor databases; conducting monthly meetings with project managers; and performing other duties as required. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with suppliers and contractors to resolve issues and ensure smooth procurement operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, supply chain, logistics, administration, or operations support is required, preferably within UN or international organizations. Candidates should demonstrate strong coordination and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple procurement actions simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, or Finance. It is essential that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in procurement or related fields. Candidates should have progressively responsible experience, ideally within UN agencies, international organizations, or development projects, which will provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in this role.

Languages:
A working knowledge of both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C in both languages. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with external suppliers and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time work and is subject to security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website.