UN Volunteer Procurement Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: UN Volunteer Procurement Officer
Location: Juba
Country: South Sudan
Deadline Date: 15 March 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established to support the peace process in South Sudan and to protect civilians. The mission operates under the mandate of the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council and is focused on preventing a return to civil war, building durable peace, and supporting inclusive governance. UNMISS is committed to ensuring the safety and security of civilians and facilitating humanitarian assistance. The mission has a significant presence in South Sudan, with a ceiling of 17,000 troops and 2,101 police personnel, including corrections officers. The organization emphasizes accountability and the promotion of human rights in its operations.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in the Procurement Section, which supports various Technical Units in acquiring goods and services necessary for the mission's operations. This position is vital for ensuring that procurement processes are efficient, transparent, and compliant with UN regulations. The officer will be responsible for reviewing specifications and scopes of requirements, preparing solicitation documents, and conducting evaluations of bids and proposals. The role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and problem-solving throughout the procurement process. The position is based in Juba, a hardship and non-family duty station, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer Procurement Officer include:

• Reviewing specifications and scopes of requirements for goods and services to ensure clarity and conciseness.
• Preparing source selection plans for required goods and services.
• Drafting solicitation documents that accurately reflect the procurement requirements.
• Reviewing technical evaluation reports to ensure adherence to evaluation criteria.
• Performing commercial evaluations of proposals and bids submitted.
• Ensuring that recommendations from evaluations are logical and comply with UN Financial Regulations.
• Preparing Purchase Orders and Contracts as necessary.
• Monitoring the delivery of purchased goods and services to ensure compliance with contracts.
• Maintaining close cooperation with internal stakeholders and providing ongoing feedback regarding procurement processes. 1
• Updating logs and tracking tools to monitor and record the unit's activities. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the Chief Procurement Officer or Unit Chief.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer Procurement Officer position should possess strong analytical and organizational skills. They should have a good understanding of procurement processes and regulations, particularly within the context of the United Nations. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to facilitate clear and timely exchanges of information. Proficiency in using procurement software and tools is highly desirable, as is familiarity with financial regulations and compliance requirements.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in business administration, procurement, supply chain management, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or certifications in procurement or supply chain management would be an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of procurement principles and practices, as well as relevant coursework or training in contract management and negotiation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2-3 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably within an international organization or a governmental agency. Experience working in challenging environments, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings, is highly valued. Familiarity with UN procurement policies and procedures is a significant asset, as is experience in managing contracts and vendor relationships.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken in South Sudan, would be considered an asset and could enhance communication with local stakeholders and suppliers.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a non-family duty station, which means that the selected candidate will be required to live and work in Juba without accompanying family members. The contract duration is until 15 March 2024, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the mission and the performance of the candidate. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with working in a hardship environment. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN Volunteer guidelines.