Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the United Nations Secretariat. This includes support to other departments, Offices Away from Headquarters, 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 tasked with delivering effective procurement services and business advice to UN Headquarters and field missions. The Procurement Division aims to ensure best value for money while adhering to competitive, fair, and transparent processes in accordance with established regulations and rules. The organization operates globally, supporting various UN missions and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position is situated within the Transportation & Life Support Service of the Procurement Division, Office of Supply Chain Management, under the Department of Operational Support. The role involves managing complex procurement projects that require a deep understanding of international procurement standards and practices. The Procurement Officer will be responsible for advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, overseeing the preparation of tenders, conducting bid evaluations, and negotiating contracts with suppliers. This position demands a strategic mindset to formulate innovative solutions for procurement challenges while ensuring compliance with UN regulations. The officer will also be involved in market research and analysis to inform procurement strategies and will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity in all dealings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities including: planning and managing procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects; advising on procurement issues throughout the procurement cycle; preparing and overseeing the distribution of invitations to tender; managing bid evaluations; formulating procurement strategies; negotiating with suppliers; signing procurement orders; conducting market research; identifying new technologies and supply sources; overseeing adherence to contracts; preparing procurement-related documents; and providing guidance to junior staff. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of internationally recognized procurement standards and contract law. They should demonstrate expertise in handling complex procurement issues and possess the ability to analyze market trends and pricing. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively are essential, as is the capacity to maintain productive relationships with clients and stakeholders.

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. Professional certification in supply chain management, such as CIPS Level 4, is also required for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or logistics is required. Candidates must have at least two consecutive years of experience within the last five years conducting international tender exercises for complex goods and services, particularly in the Commercial Air Services category. Experience with ERP systems like SAP or e-tendering systems such as Ariba is desirable, as is experience in public sector procurement processes and data analysis.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is initially funded for one year by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations, with the possibility of extension subject to budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency and integrity, and candidates with a history of violations of international law or misconduct will not be considered. The position is subject to the UN's policies on mobility and may require staff to move periodically to different duty stations.