UN Procurement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) was established to provide support primarily to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the Haitian Armed Forces. UNSOH is also tasked with delivering technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS). The organization operates in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, focusing on enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and stability in the region. The office is committed to upholding the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, with a strong emphasis on gender balance and equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Job Overview:
The UN Procurement Assistant will be responsible for providing procurement and logistical support to the team in acquiring a wide variety of goods and services. This role involves reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests, monitoring the status of requisitions, and maintaining contact with suppliers to ensure timely delivery. The assistant will produce tender documents, prepare abstracts of offers, finalize purchase orders, and assist in complex purchasing operations. The position requires maintaining procurement databases, preparing statistical reports, and providing administrative support to the Procurement Section. The assistant will also be involved in onboarding new staff and coordinating with other procurement assistants across different duty stations, ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will perform a variety of duties including: providing procurement and logistical support; reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests; monitoring requisition statuses; maintaining supplier contact; producing tender documents; preparing abstracts of offers; finalizing purchase orders and contracts; assisting in complex purchasing operations; researching and presenting information on vendors and products; maintaining procurement databases and files; preparing procurement reports; drafting correspondence; assisting with onboarding new staff; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Professional certification or advanced training in procurement, supply chain management, or logistics from recognized organizations is desirable. Equivalent qualifications may include certifications from ECLAC, public procurement certifications, or diplomas in related fields. Knowledge of procurement policies and processes, financial rules, and the ability to apply good judgment in assignments are essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and client orientation.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Additional qualifications such as professional certifications in procurement or supply chain management from recognized institutions are highly desirable. Candidates with diplomas or certificates in procurement, supply chain, or related business administration from accredited institutions will be considered favorably.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, administrative services, or related areas, with a minimum of two years specifically in procurement, supply chain, acquisitions, or contract management. Experience in a United Nations common system field or similar international organization is desirable. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP and e-tendering systems like Ariba is also preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is essential for this role.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Spanish is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the candidate's ability to perform in this role, given the multilingual environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position with a deployment of up to six months. The role is subject to local recruitment, meaning candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Selected candidates will not be eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve reference checks and an initial probationary period of one year for external candidates. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.