National Professional Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: National Professional Officer
Location: Budapest
Country: Hungary
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to combat diseases, improve health systems, and respond to health emergencies. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, striving to achieve better health outcomes for all.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position within the Department of Operational Support and Services (OSS) is crucial for the effective management of procurement strategies and services at WHO. The incumbent will assist in implementing sourcing strategies, conducting tender exercises, and maintaining WHO's procurement catalogues. This role requires collaboration with various technical programs and ensuring compliance with WHO's procurement policies. The position is designed for individuals who are adept at navigating the complexities of procurement in an international context, particularly within the framework of the United Nations. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of WHO's procurement processes, contributing to the organization's overall mission of improving global health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting the Procurement Officer in developing and implementing sourcing strategies that align with WHO's pre-qualification schemes; preparing and conducting tender exercises to establish Long-Term Agreements (LTAs); maintaining a comprehensive repository of WHO's portfolio of LTAs; supporting the Procurement Officer in all contract-related activities associated with LTAs; managing and updating WHO's E-catalogues; contributing to the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related training materials; and performing other procurement-related duties as required. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of procurement activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in public procurement, logistics, business or public administration, management, or a closely related field. A Procurement Certification (e.g., CIPS) is desirable, as is a degree or certification in Information Technology. The role requires a solid understanding of procurement policies and best practices, particularly within the United Nations system, as well as knowledge of ERP systems, preferably ORACLE. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, along with strong organizational abilities and the capacity to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as public procurement, logistics, business or public administration, or management. Additional certifications in procurement or information technology are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of experience in procurement or related fields, preferably within an international organization. Desirable experience includes procurement of goods or services in accordance with United Nations requirements and involvement in the development or implementation of IT projects or databases. This experience will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of procurement processes in a global health context.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Hungarian is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication within the international context of WHO's operations and enhance collaboration with French-speaking stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Hungary will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at HUF 14,178,000, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment, and candidates will need to provide proof of their educational qualifications. WHO maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.