Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established to promote the economic and social development of African countries. The ECA aims to foster regional integration and promote sustainable development through research, policy analysis, and capacity building. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region. The ECA collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement its mission effectively.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant position is designed to provide comprehensive support to requisitioning units throughout the procurement cycle. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the preparation and distribution of solicitations, managing all aspects of the procurement process, and ensuring that all case files are properly closed, including the processing of payments for goods and services delivered. This role requires a keen understanding of procurement policies and procedures, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve cost-effective solutions. The Procurement Assistant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the procurement process is efficient, transparent, and compliant with organizational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Procurement Assistant include reviewing, recording, and prioritizing complex purchasing requests, providing assistance to requisitioners in preparing scopes of work and specifications, and proposing product substitutions to achieve cost savings. The incumbent will identify and recommend sources of procurement, interview potential suppliers, and produce tender documents such as Invitations to Bids and Requests for Proposals. Additionally, the Procurement Assistant will prepare abstracts of offers, compile data from quotations, proposals, and bids, and negotiate terms and conditions of orders under the guidance of Procurement Officers. The role also involves preparing draft contracts and agreements, raising Purchase Orders, maintaining internal databases, and resolving issues related to delivered goods. The Procurement Assistant will perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Procurement Officer and Chief of the Section.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a High School Diploma as a minimum qualification, with a degree in Procurement, Business Administration, or Accounting considered an asset. Additional training in IPSAS and Umoja related to procurement and logistics is advantageous. The ideal candidate should possess at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, business administration, accounting, or IT. Familiarity with procurement-related software and database management is desirable, and experience with UN procurement policies and procedures is a significant asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma, with a preference for those holding a degree in Procurement, Business Administration, or Accounting. Additional training in relevant areas such as IPSAS and Umoja is beneficial and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, business administration, accounting, or IT. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of procurement processes and policies, particularly within the context of the United Nations or similar organizations. Experience in using procurement-related software and managing databases is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Excellent writing skills in English are essential. Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.