Chief of Unit, Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, which is part of the United Nations system. The organization is dedicated to facilitating peace and stability in Yemen, addressing humanitarian needs, and supporting the political process. The Office works closely with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and international partners, to promote dialogue and reconciliation. The organization aims to uphold the principles of the United Nations, including respect for human rights and the rule of law, while fostering sustainable development and peace in the region. The Office operates in a challenging environment, requiring a dedicated team of professionals committed to making a positive impact in Yemen.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Unit, Procurement is a senior position responsible for overseeing the procurement activities of the mission, which involve managing multi-million-dollar expenditures for a wide range of goods and services. The role requires strategic planning, development, and management of procurement processes, ensuring compliance with UN policies and best practices. The Chief of Unit will provide technical and policy advice to senior officials, lead a procurement team, and ensure effective implementation of procurement strategies. This position demands strong leadership skills, the ability to analyze complex procurement proposals, and the capacity to negotiate contracts with various stakeholders. The Chief of Unit will also represent the organization in key meetings and negotiations, making this role critical for the success of the mission's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Unit, Procurement will be responsible for the following duties:

• Plan, develop, and manage procurement activities involving significant financial expenditures.
• Advise senior officials on procurement policies and best practices.
• Lead and direct a procurement work team, including planning and allocating work assignments.
• Analyze complex procurement proposals and determine appropriate strategies.
• Manage the planning, solicitation, negotiation, and termination of contracts.
• Approve procurement contracts within delegated authority and recommend approval for larger contracts.
• Develop proposals for revisions to procurement policies and procedures.
• Represent the organization in meetings and negotiations with senior officials and commercial organizations.
• Provide guidance and direction to junior staff, fostering their professional development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, recognized qualifications in procurement and contracting are desirable, with a diploma in Strategic Public Procurement or CIPS Accredited Level 4 being required. Candidates must attach a copy of their CIPS certificate when applying.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related area is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted. Candidates are also expected to have a recognized qualification in procurement and contracting, with specific emphasis on a diploma in Strategic Public Procurement or CIPS Accredited Level 4.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and contract management. Additional experience in administration or related areas is desirable. Specifically, candidates should have at least three (3) years of experience handling complex procurement and contract management issues in conflict or post-conflict environments. Furthermore, a minimum of five (5) years of experience working in UN field missions is required, along with experience supporting multiple UN entities simultaneously. Proficiency in using ERP/SAP systems such as Umoja for procurement processes is also necessary, with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in this area.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, but proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages, which can be found at https://languages.un.org.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Sana'a, Yemen, and is part of the United Nations mission in the region. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in procurement management. Candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging environment and may be required to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and commercial organizations. The position may involve travel within the region as necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities outlined.