Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries in the areas of FAO's mandate, ensuring effective operations and management while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Specialist will play a crucial role in the procurement operations of the FAO, ensuring that all procurement activities are conducted in compliance with FAO rules and procedures. This position involves providing operational and advisory support for procurement processes, facilitating efficient procurement planning, contract management, and vendor coordination to ensure timely delivery of goods and services. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day procurement operations for the regular program and various projects, which includes specialized and complex processes. The Procurement Specialist will also provide procedural guidance to clients and personnel across the Representation, ensuring consistency and timeliness in procurement activities. The role requires interaction with colleagues and clients within the organization, providing a wide variety of procurement services and ensuring that all procurement actions are documented and compliant with established rules and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Specialist will perform a variety of operational functions related to procurement processes, including the preparation of documents for assigned procurement actions, issuance of tenders, evaluation of bids, and follow-up with suppliers. Responsibilities include reviewing purchase requisitions, orders, contracts, and tenders to ensure compliance with FAO rules, acting as the Buyer for the procurement of goods, and ensuring timely delivery and inspection of goods. The Specialist will also act as the Quality Assurance Specialist for Letters of Agreement (LoA), reviewing them for compliance with FAO policies. Additionally, the role involves maintaining and monitoring database records related to procurement actions, preparing and analyzing periodic monitoring reports, handling procurement correspondence, participating in procurement-related meetings, and supporting knowledge sharing across the Representation. The Specialist will also be responsible for organizing procurement training for personnel and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in business administration, finance, commerce, economics, or related fields. A minimum of five years of experience in procurement-related activities or in business administration or supply chain management is required. The candidate must have a working knowledge (Level C) of English and the local language (Farsi). Additionally, candidates must be nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran. FAO core competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Technical and functional skills required include thorough knowledge of essential transaction elements, public sector procurement experience, proficiency in MS Office and office technology, and the ability to guide and coordinate staff effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in business administration, finance, commerce, economics, or related fields. Candidates must have their higher educational qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in procurement-related activities or in business administration or supply chain management. This experience should demonstrate a thorough understanding of procurement processes and regulations, particularly in a public sector context.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (Level C) of English and the local language, which is Farsi. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

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 appointment is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.