Procurement Officer - Vendor Management

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Vendor Registration and Outreach (VRO) Section of the Enabling and Outreach Service (EOS) in the Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM) under the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The DOS was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the Secretariat, including departments, field missions, and regional commissions. The OSCM includes several divisions such as Logistics, Procurement, and Uniformed Capabilities Support, among others. The VRO Section specifically focuses on enhancing supply chain operations through operational reporting, business intelligence, supplier diversity, and performance management. The organization aims to ensure efficient procurement processes and vendor management to support the UN's mission globally.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will lead the Vendor Registration and Outreach Team, reporting to the Chief of the VRO Section and ultimately to the Chief of EOS. This role involves serving as a senior vendor management expert responsible for the registration and maintenance of the Secretariat's vendor rosters, which are crucial for the procurement of a diverse range of supplies and services tied to complex contracts. The officer will manage vendor registration processes, collaborate with various working groups, and provide technical advice on procurement activities. The position requires a strategic approach to vendor management, ensuring compliance with procurement standards and enhancing the overall efficiency of the procurement cycle. The officer will also be involved in developing new tactical approaches to contracts based on market research and will oversee vendor outreach initiatives to maintain accurate data and statistics for reporting purposes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer's responsibilities include:

• Serving as a senior expert in vendor management, overseeing the registration and maintenance of vendor rosters.
• Managing vendor registration processes and due diligence, including Special Approval requests.
• Maintaining vendor outreach and roster data, providing accurate statistics for Member States and oversight bodies.
• Offering technical advice on procurement activities related to vendor management throughout the procurement cycle.
• Analyzing procurement requests and ensuring the appropriateness of technical specifications.
• Supporting the procurement process, including issuing international tenders, managing submissions, and evaluating responses.
• Developing new approaches to contracts based on market research.
• Overseeing the Vendor Review Committee processes, including sanctions related to vendor practices.
• Contributing to the development of procurement policies and procedures. 1
• Evaluating production patterns in exporting countries and assessing manufacturers' capacities. 1
• Establishing negotiation strategies and conducting negotiations with relevant parties. 1
• Providing guidance to junior staff and potentially conducting field consultancy missions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of internationally recognized procurement standards, vendor due diligence, and risk management techniques. They should have knowledge of vendor management criteria and quantitative methods for evaluating supplier capacity. The ability to develop policies and procedures related to vendor management and outreach is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and client orientation, with a strong commitment to gender perspectives in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, accounting, engineering, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or related areas is required. Candidates should have experience in vendor management, due diligence, and risk management, particularly within the context of the United Nations or comparable international organizations. At least two years of supervisory experience is necessary, along with experience in presenting to senior management and external stakeholders. Desirable experience includes drafting responses to queries from Member States and conducting market research and data analysis.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, although not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to availability of the post or funds. The United Nations encourages applications from female candidates and emphasizes the importance of geographical diversity in its recruitment process. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully.