Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Facilities, Construction and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Section (FCSS) of the Technology & Infrastructure Support Service, Procurement Division (PD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The Department of Operational Support was established to provide comprehensive operational support and advisory services to various UN entities, including departments, field missions, and regional commissions. The OSCM encompasses several divisions, including the Logistics Division, Procurement Division, and Global Service Centre, among others. The Procurement Division's mandate is to deliver effective procurement services and business advice while ensuring compliance with established regulations and achieving best value for money. The organization is committed to transparency and fairness in its procurement processes, which are crucial for the functioning of the UN's operations globally.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will serve as a senior expert in procurement and contracting, primarily supporting the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). This role involves managing complex procurement activities that include a wide range of goods and services. The officer will provide technical advice throughout the procurement cycle, ensuring that requests are appropriately analyzed and evaluated. The position requires the development and preparation of complex contracts, issuing international tenders, evaluating responses, and making recommendations for contract awards. The officer will also be responsible for negotiating contracts and resolving disputes, contributing to the development of procurement policies, and maintaining oversight of production patterns in exporting countries. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying supply sources and market trends, as well as providing guidance to junior staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer's duties include 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 negotiate contracts, establish approaches for negotiations, maintain oversight of production patterns, and contribute to the development of procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, the officer will provide direction to junior staff and may carry out consultancy missions to the field, ensuring that all procurement activities align with the UN's standards and regulations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of internationally recognized procurement standards and techniques, particularly in contracting for complex goods and services. Knowledge of contract law and the ability to handle intricate procurement issues is essential. The officer should demonstrate the ability to develop procurement policies and procedures, as well as the capacity to analyze market trends and supplier capabilities. Strong organizational skills, professionalism, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, commercial 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 Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or an equivalent, is also required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or logistics and supply chain management. At least two years of experience in conducting international tender exercises within the last five years is required, along with two years of experience in public sector procurement processes related to construction and facilities management. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, and e-tendering systems, such as Ariba, is essential. Experience in supporting field operations or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience in data sourcing and visualization in procurement.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role, given the UN's bilingual working environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.