Procurement Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Procurement Officer
Location: Kiev
Country: Ukraine
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Procurement Service (CSLP) is a vital component of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The Procurement Service provides essential advice, guidance, and oversight for FAO's procurement operations, ensuring that all procurement activities align with the organization's mission and adhere to the principles of 'Best Value for Money.'

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position is crucial for ensuring the timely, efficient, and effective procurement of goods and services within the FAO Representation in Kiev, Ukraine. The officer will be responsible for overseeing the procurement process, ensuring compliance with FAO's established policies and procedures, and reflecting best practices in public procurement. The role requires a proactive approach to advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, preparing solicitation processes, and conducting market research to stay informed about market developments. The Procurement Officer will also contribute to the development of training materials and promote best practices within the organization, ensuring that procurement activities are conducted transparently and fairly.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will undertake a variety of key functions, including planning and developing procurement strategies for complex projects, advising requisitioning units throughout the procurement cycle, preparing solicitation documents, and conducting bid evaluations. The officer will participate in site inspections, bidder's conferences, and contract negotiations, ensuring that all procurement activities comply with FAO rules and regulations. Additionally, the officer will conduct market research, update procurement policies, and provide procurement reporting for auditing purposes. The role also involves mentoring junior staff, managing disputes related to procurement processes, and preparing monitoring reports based on procurement data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing, or a related field, along with five years of relevant experience in procurement activities, including at least two years in public procurement. Alternatively, candidates with a first-level degree in the same fields and seven years of experience, including two years in public procurement, along with a professional qualification from a recognized body such as CIPS4, MCIPS, or FCIPS, will also be considered. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language is required.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, or marketing. Candidates with a first-level degree in these areas may also qualify if they have sufficient experience and professional certifications. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in procurement principles and practices, as well as an understanding of public sector operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in procurement-related activities, with at least two years specifically in public procurement. This experience should encompass various aspects of procurement, including contract negotiation, market research, and compliance with procurement regulations. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is highly desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at proficiency level B. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kiev, Ukraine, and is expected to be a full-time role. Candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic work environment that may involve collaboration with various UN agencies and stakeholders. The role may also require participation in training and capacity development initiatives within the organization. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.