Procurement Assistant G5

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) is dedicated to addressing a variety of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security issues, including counter-terrorism, border security, and transnational threats such as human trafficking. Established to enhance regional development, combat corruption, and support justice sector reforms, the office plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and fostering resilient societies. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on international cooperation and stability, and employs a diverse workforce committed to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant position is integral to the Procurement and Materials Management section within the Fund Administration Unit (FAU) of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. The primary function of this role is to support the procurement and purchasing processes by performing a variety of operational, technical, and administrative tasks. This includes conducting market research, processing procurement cases, and maintaining procurement plans. The Procurement Assistant will work under moderate supervision, providing technical guidance to program staff in developing Terms of Reference (ToR), technical specifications, and Statements of Work (SoW). The role also involves managing procurement processes, preparing solicitation documents, and ensuring compliance with OSCE rules and regulations. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and processing Purchase Orders (POs), monitoring contract implementation, and responding to procurement-related queries from program staff and partners, ensuring that all activities align with the established procedures of the OSCE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including reviewing and processing Purchase Requisitions (PRs) for goods, services, and works submitted by various departments. This involves analyzing procurement requirements, conducting market research, and identifying potential suppliers. The assistant will prepare solicitation documents for Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), coordinating tendering processes and supporting evaluation processes. Additionally, the role includes organizing and processing assigned procurement cases, preparing draft contracts and purchase agreements, and monitoring contract implementation. The assistant will maintain supplier databases, prepare procurement case documentation, and compile procurement-related statistical data for management reports. Regular updates of the procurement plan and timely coordination of procurement activities are also essential responsibilities of this position.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, supplemented by specialized training or formal studies in supply chain, economics, procurement, or contracting. A minimum of five years of working experience in supply chain, logistics, or procurement is required, with at least part of this experience in an international organization. Certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) at Level 2 is considered an asset. Advanced computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office applications, is necessary, and experience with ERP software is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed secondary education, with additional specialized training or formal studies in relevant fields such as supply chain management, economics, procurement, or contracting. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of procurement processes and regulations within the OSCE framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant working experience. This experience can be reduced to four years with a first-level university degree or three years with a second-level university degree. Candidates should have a solid background in supply chain, logistics, or procurement, with a preference for experience gained in an international organization, which would provide familiarity with global procurement standards and practices.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English are mandatory, along with proficiency in Russian and/or Kyrgyz languages. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including local and international suppliers, vendors, and program staff.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the G5 level, with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is set at 1,132 Euro, subject to social security deductions. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are typically made at Step 1 of the OSCE salary scale, with the possibility of higher initial appointments based on relevant experience. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes high ethical standards and requires candidates to conduct themselves in a manner befitting international civil servants. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years, and candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not reimburse expenses related to the application process.