Contracts Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to advancing global health and development. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of family planning, maternal health, and gender equality. UNFPA's mission is guided by its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which outlines its response to a complex global environment and emphasizes resilience and renewal in its operations. The organization is known for its principled and ethical approach to human rights, advocating for the rights of individuals and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Contracts Associate position is situated within the Strategic Sourcing Team of the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) at UNFPA. This role is pivotal in providing foundational support for strategic sourcing, contracting, and procurement services related to health commodities. The Contracts Associate will report directly to the Category Analyst and will collaborate with various stakeholders, including other SCMU colleagues, integrated HQ divisions, the Humanitarian Response Division, and external partners. The primary expectation from this position is to ensure the smooth operation of day-to-day procurement processes, contributing to the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products. The role requires a proactive approach to sourcing and contracting, as well as a commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening within the supply chain framework. The Contracts Associate will also play a key role in supporting UNFPA's resource mobilization efforts and maintaining effective partnerships with donors and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Contracts Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Providing foundational support for day-to-day sourcing, contracting, and procurement services for health commodities.
• Researching potential suppliers and preparing Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for health commodities, along with operational guidance notes.
• Developing a comprehensive UNFPA product catalogue that ensures quality and availability of generic products.
• Reviewing supplier compliance with BPAs and contractual terms.
• Implementing sourcing and procurement strategies to meet corporate requirements for UNFPA Headquarters and Representative Offices.
• Contributing to knowledge retention and sharing within SCMU to ensure timely delivery of supplies.
• Reviewing and approving procurement orders within authorized limits and preparing submissions for higher approvals when necessary.
• Implementing vendor sanction decisions as required.
• Supporting UNFPA's governance, risk, compliance, and reporting functions. 1
• Providing input for comprehensive forecasting and quantification exercises. 1
• Supporting capacity-strengthening initiatives and training supply chain professionals. 1
• Contributing to knowledge sharing and best practices in supply chain management. 1
• Assisting with resource mobilization proposals and maintaining relationships with donors and partners. 1
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure tailored solutions for supply chain interventions. 1
• Participating in relevant meetings and carrying out additional duties as assigned by the Chief of SCMU.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations. This requirement is reduced to 3 years for candidates with a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Candidates should demonstrate experience in key areas such as procurement processes, supplier management, and compliance with contractual obligations. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain partnerships are essential. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required, along with professional written and spoken communication skills. Familiarity with Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) products and global market dynamics is considered a strong asset. Knowledge of UNFPA's strategic plans and operational frameworks is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required. A university degree at the Bachelor level in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field is an asset. Professional certifications in Supply Chain Management, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK), are additional assets that enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations. Candidates with a relevant university degree may qualify with only 3 years of experience. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience in managing procurement processes, facilitating participation in international public health meetings, and developing partnerships. Experience in a matrix organizational structure and knowledge of UNFPA's operational frameworks are also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary and health insurance benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in recruitment and selection processes, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and competencies.