Junior Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Procurement Service of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is responsible for providing advice, guidance, and oversight for procurement operations within the organization. Established to ensure compliance with procurement policies and to support both headquarters and decentralized offices, the Procurement Service aims to implement an overall procurement strategy that adheres to the principles of 'Best Value for Money'. The FAO operates globally, with a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on improving agricultural productivity and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Junior Procurement Specialist will be stationed at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, and will engage in a variety of procurement activities that support both headquarters units and field offices. This role is crucial for ensuring that procurement processes are timely, efficient, and compliant with FAO's rules and regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to procurement planning and the development of strategies for acquiring goods, services, and works. The specialist will work under the guidance of the Chief of the Procurement Service and will directly report to a Procurement Officer, ensuring that all procurement activities align with organizational standards and policies. The role also involves providing analytical and advisory support to various units, contributing to the overall effectiveness of procurement operations within the FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Procurement Specialist will be responsible for reviewing and analyzing procurement-related requests and contractual documentation to ensure completeness and compliance with FAO rules. This includes supporting the preparation and review of procurement documents such as tender documentation, evaluation criteria, contracts, and amendments. The specialist will contribute to procurement planning and develop procurement approaches, identifying risks and mitigation measures. Additionally, the role involves providing quality assurance support to headquarters and decentralized offices, assisting in the review of requests for procurement authority delegation, and preparing internal reports and guidance materials related to procurement activities. The specialist may also participate in procurement missions to support decentralized offices and will perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Economics, or a related area. Those with a bachelor's degree are required to have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of one year of professional experience in procurement, contracts management, or related legal and regulatory work within an international organization or relevant sector is essential. Full proficiency in English (C1 level) is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and drafting skills, as well as a client-oriented approach to procurement support.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Economics, or a related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The educational background should be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in the principles and practices of procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of relevant professional experience in procurement, contracts management, or related legal and regulatory work. This experience should ideally be within an international organization, development sector, public sector, or relevant private sector environment. The role requires familiarity with procurement processes and the ability to navigate complex contractual frameworks, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulations.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory for this position (C1 level). Knowledge of a second language, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, particularly in a diverse international organization like FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO Headquarters. The job may involve participation in procurement missions to decentralized offices, indicating a degree of travel may be required. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic work environment that emphasizes collaboration and effective communication. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process.