Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and adequate resources while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Specialist position is located in the FAO Country Office in Jordan and is responsible for coordinating day-to-day procurement operations. This role involves managing specialized and complex procurement processes, ensuring compliance with FAO rules and procedures. The Procurement Specialist will provide guidance to clients and staff regarding procurement regulations and will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of procurement activities for FAO Jordan. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure timely and efficient procurement actions, as well as maintaining supplier relationships and conducting market research to identify potential suppliers. The Procurement Specialist will also play a key role in contract management and ensuring that procurement actions align with the organization's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Specialist will coordinate and support the implementation of procurement activities in accordance with FAO policies. Responsibilities include managing procurement requests, reviewing purchase requisitions for compliance, conducting local and international procurement processes, and preparing solicitation documents. The Specialist will ensure timely processing of procurement actions, maintain supplier records, conduct market surveys, evaluate bids, and communicate outcomes to bidders. Additional duties include acting as secretary to the Local Procurement Committee, processing purchase orders, maintaining procurement records, and following up on contract execution issues. The Specialist will also prepare monitoring reports and participate in meetings with stakeholders to facilitate procurement planning and resolution of operational issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in procurement support work is required, along with a working knowledge of English. Candidates must be nationals of Jordan. The role demands thorough knowledge of procurement regulations and procedures, good knowledge of International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS), and familiarity with ERP Procurement Modules. Certification in procurement from an internationally recognized institution is considered an asset, as is previous experience with the UN or other international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Economics, Law, or Public Administration. The FAO emphasizes that only higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) will be considered. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic foundation to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in procurement support work. This experience should ideally include familiarity with procurement processes in public or international organizations, as well as a solid understanding of procurement regulations and procedures. Candidates with experience in the UN system, NGOs, or international development organizations will be viewed favorably, as this background provides valuable insights into the operational context of the FAO.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the operational context of the FAO in Jordan or the broader region.

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 also be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the FAO emphasizes the importance of adhering to its administrative policies and procedures throughout the procurement process.