Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide comprehensive operational support and advisory services to various entities within the United Nations Secretariat. This includes support to departments, field missions, and regional commissions. The Office of Supply Chain Management, which is part of DOS, encompasses several divisions including the Procurement Division, which is responsible for delivering expert procurement services and business advice to ensure best value for money while adhering to established regulations and procedures. The Procurement Division operates globally, supporting UN Headquarters and field missions.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position is situated within the Global Procurement Support Section (GPSS) of the Procurement Division. The incumbent will play a crucial role in managing complex procurement activities, which may include leading procurement efforts for large peacekeeping programs. The officer will provide technical advice throughout the procurement cycle, ensuring that procurement requests are appropriately analyzed and evaluated. This role requires the development of complex contracts for advanced commodities and services, issuing international tenders, and evaluating responses to ensure compliance with UN procurement policies. The Procurement Officer will also be responsible for negotiating contracts and may supervise a team of procurement personnel, providing guidance and direction to junior staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including serving as a senior procurement expert, providing technical advice on procurement activities, analyzing procurement requests, developing complex contracts, issuing international tenders, evaluating responses, and making recommendations for contract awards. The officer will also develop new tactical approaches to contracts based on market research, contribute to the development of category management strategies, maintain oversight of production patterns in exporting countries, and establish negotiation strategies. Additionally, the officer may conduct consultancy missions and lead a team of procurement personnel, ensuring effective collaboration and guidance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international procurement standards and techniques, contract law, and the ability to handle complex procurement issues. They should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and client orientation, with a commitment to gender perspectives in procurement processes. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to take ownership of responsibilities is essential. Candidates should also be able to develop procurement policies and procedures and demonstrate persistence in overcoming challenges.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, 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 supply chain management is required. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in conducting international tender exercises for complex goods and services within the last five years, as well as two years of supervisory experience. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP and e-tendering systems is desirable, along with experience in developing category management strategies and data visualization in procurement contexts.

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:
This position is funded for an initial period of one year by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve travel and consultancy missions to field locations. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and will be subject to reference checks to verify their qualifications. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.