National Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The organization aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. It is committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Job Overview:
The National Procurement Officer position at UNESCO is a critical role that involves coordinating and supporting procurement, contract management, and administrative processes within the UNESCO Project Antenna Office in Yangon. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Officer and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with UNESCO's procurement rules and regulations. This role requires a proactive approach to managing procurement processes, advising management on operational matters, and ensuring effective coordination among various stakeholders. The National Procurement Officer will play a vital role in supporting the implementation of programs by ensuring timely acquisition of goods and services, thereby contributing to the overall success of UNESCO's initiatives in Myanmar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate procurement planning and ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations. Review procurement requests and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Develop and maintain a Procurement Plan, monitor work plans for ongoing and new procurement requirements.
• Verify procurement requirements and manage the acquisition and delivery of goods and services.
• Administer the solicitation process, including preparation of solicitation documents and facilitation of bid evaluations.
• Provide technical support to evaluation committees and ensure fairness and transparency in procurement evaluations.
• Review procurement requests from Programme staff for compliance and adequacy. Conduct market research and provide guidance on procurement strategies.
• Offer technical guidance and capacity-building support to staff on procurement procedures.
• Maintain procurement documentation and tracking systems to monitor compliance and supplier performance.
• Develop relationships with UN organizations and partners for collaborative procurement activities. 1
• Carry out additional activities as required to ensure team success.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related areas. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in procurement processes is required, with demonstrated knowledge of compliance with procurement policies and procedures. Candidates should have experience in preparing procurement documentation and supporting program implementation through timely acquisition of goods and services. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Logistics, Public Administration, Contract Management, or a related field. Additional training or professional certification in procurement or supply chain management is desirable, and a CIPS qualification or recognized UN procurement training would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or less than two years with a Master’s degree. Candidates should have proven experience in planning and managing procurement processes, including sourcing, solicitation, and contract administration. Experience in coordinating with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with procurement policies is essential. Familiarity with public procurement principles and experience in supporting program implementation through procurement activities are also required.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English and Myanmar (both written and spoken) is mandatory for this position. Basic knowledge of an additional language from the Asia-Pacific region or other official UN languages (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract at Level SC8, with a duration of 12 months, including an initial three-month probationary period. The contract may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The role is open to external candidates, and only those with the right to live and work in Myanmar may apply. The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter and a full resume through the UNESCO Careers website by the specified deadline. The selection process may include interviews and assessments, and all candidates will be informed of the outcome of their applications.