Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Transportation & Life Support Service, Procurement Division (PD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The Department of Operational Support was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the UN Secretariat, including departments, field missions, and regional commissions. The Office of Supply Chain Management encompasses several divisions, including the Logistics Division and the Procurement Division, which is tasked with delivering expert procurement services and business advice to UN Headquarters and field missions. The Procurement Division aims to ensure best value for money while adhering to competitive, fair, and transparent processes in accordance with established regulations and procedures. The Procurement Officer will report to the Team Leader of the Aviation Team, contributing to the overall mission of the UN by managing procurement activities effectively.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will be responsible for planning, developing, and managing all procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects related to the worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities for the United Nations. This role involves advising requisitioning units and recipient entities on procurement issues, overseeing the preparation and distribution of invitations to tender, and managing bid evaluations. The officer will also formulate strategies to resolve procurement-related issues, establish work programs for contracts, and participate in negotiations with suppliers. The position requires conducting market research to stay informed about market developments and preparing procurement-related documents. The Procurement Officer will also provide guidance to junior staff, ensuring adherence to contractual agreements and recommending amendments as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer's duties include planning and managing procurement projects, advising on procurement issues, overseeing tender preparations, conducting bid evaluations, formulating procurement strategies, maintaining work programs for contracts, negotiating with suppliers, conducting market research, and preparing procurement documents. The officer will also supervise junior staff and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, recommending amendments and extensions as needed. Additionally, the officer will analyze market trends and pricing, identify new technologies and supply sources, and develop data metrics for senior management. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and techniques, as well as contract law. The ability to handle complex contract issues and apply quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in procurement processes. Strong planning and organizational skills are required, along with a client-oriented approach to service delivery. The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities is crucial for success in this role.

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. Professional certification in supply chain management, such as a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent, is also required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or logistics and supply chain management. At least two consecutive years of experience within the last five years conducting international tender exercises for complex goods and services in the Commercial Air Services category is required. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or e-tendering systems like Ariba is desirable. Additionally, experience in public sector procurement processes and data analysis is beneficial.

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. Knowledge of French is an asset, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 30/06/2027, with a possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.