Procurement Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as a response to the United Nations General Assembly's call for a dedicated entity to promote gender equality and empower women. The organization is committed to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, advocating for women's empowerment, and achieving equality between genders in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, leveraging its presence in multiple countries to influence policies and practices that support gender equality. The organization aims to integrate sustainable procurement practices into its operations, ensuring that procurement strategies align with its development goals while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing social benefits. UN Women employs a diverse workforce and promotes an inclusive environment, reflecting its commitment to diversity and respect for all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate position at UN Women is designed to support procurement services within the Business Unit, ensuring high-quality and accurate work. The role involves working under the guidance of the Chief of Procurement and Travel Services and the Operations Manager, with a focus on delivering client-centric procurement services. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing procurement strategies and policies that align with UN Women’s principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency. This position requires collaboration with various teams within the organization to ensure consistent delivery of procurement services and to adapt to changing business needs. The Procurement Associate will also play a key role in knowledge sharing and capacity building within the Business Unit, contributing to the overall mission of UN Women by facilitating effective procurement processes that support project goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of procurement strategies and policies to achieve best value for money while ensuring compliance with UN Women rules and regulations. This includes assisting in the development of internal procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and mapping procurement business processes.
• Organize procurement processes for the Business Unit and projects, providing input on procurement plans, preparing and conducting RFQs, ITBs, or RFPs, and assisting in the evaluation of bids and proposals.
• Prepare purchase orders and contracts in accordance with applicable policies and procedures, and compile reports on procurement activities within the Business Unit.
• Implement sourcing strategies to identify the best value in the marketplace, maintain supplier rosters, and collaborate with other UN agencies on procurement strategies.
• Facilitate procurement knowledge building by organizing training sessions for operations and project personnel, as well as suppliers on e-procurement modules.
• Compile lessons learned and best practices in procurement, contributing to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires secondary education as a minimum. A first-level university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory. Procurement certification from an internationally recognized provider, such as CIPS (level 3), is considered an asset. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of procurement processes and policies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with a first-level university degree in a relevant field being advantageous. While a degree is not a strict requirement, it is highly regarded and may enhance the candidate's application. Additional certifications in procurement from recognized institutions can further strengthen the candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of relevant progressive experience in procurement is required for candidates with a high school diploma, while those with a bachelor’s degree need at least 4 years of experience. Experience in public sector procurement at the international level or within UN agencies is highly desirable. Proficiency in using office software packages, including MS Word and Excel, as well as experience with web-based management systems, is essential. Familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in the language of the duty station, which is English, is required. Additionally, fluency in English is also required or desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic environment that requires adaptability and collaboration across various units. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is crucial for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.