National Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations, established to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The FAO's mission is to work towards the eradication of hunger and ensure food security for all, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The organization aims to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, with the ultimate goals of improving production, nutrition, environment, and lives while ensuring that no one is left behind. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) provides policy, technical, programmatic, and operational support to Pacific Island countries and territories, managing a diverse portfolio that includes Technical Cooperation Programme projects, Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund initiatives, and projects funded by various partners. The FAO maintains an office in Fiji and is actively involved in a growing range of activities across the Pacific region.

Job Overview:
The National Procurement Specialist will be based in the FAO Fiji Office and will play a crucial role in providing operational support for procurement processes related to assigned projects and program activities. This position requires a strong focus on procurement planning, sourcing, solicitation, evaluation, contracting, vendor and contract management, asset management, procurement monitoring, compliance, and capacity development. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including project teams, technical officers, and government partners, to ensure that procurement actions are executed in a timely and compliant manner, aligning with FAO's procurement rules and procedures. The role is essential for facilitating the smooth operation of projects and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to achieve the organization's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Procurement Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of tasks, including serving as the focal point for procurement support to assigned project activities, ensuring timely and compliant procurement actions. Key responsibilities include preparing and updating annual and project-specific procurement plans, advising project teams on procurement strategies and methods, reviewing procurement requests for completeness and compliance, preparing solicitation documents, coordinating submissions to procurement committees, monitoring procurement pipelines and vendor performance, maintaining procurement records, and providing guidance and training to project personnel. The specialist will also support office logistics and procurement of supplies and services, liaise with vendors and partners, and contribute to project formulation and resource mobilization efforts. Additionally, the role involves performing other related duties as required to support the overall objectives of the FAO in Fiji.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Logistics, or a related area. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, supply chain management, logistics, or project operations support is required, with a focus on procurement planning, solicitation processes, bid evaluation, contract administration, and vendor management. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Fiji or residents with a valid work permit. Familiarity with FAO rules and procedures is considered an asset, and knowledge of a local Fiji language is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or Logistics. The degree must be recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in the principles and practices relevant to procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in procurement and contract management, demonstrating a strong understanding of supply chain management and logistics. Experience in project operations support, particularly in procurement planning, solicitation processes, bid evaluation, and contract administration, is essential. The role requires a proven track record of managing procurement activities effectively and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of a local Fiji language would be considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.