Procurement Officer

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Position Title: Procurement Officer
Location: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, normative support, technical assistance, and capacity building to address the development priorities and changing needs of the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, focusing on enhancing economic and social development.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position is located within the Procurement Unit of the Division of Administration at ESCAP. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Procurement Unit and will be responsible for managing all procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects. This includes advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, overseeing the preparation and distribution of invitations to tender, managing bid evaluations, and ensuring adherence to procurement policies. The role also involves formulating strategies for procurement projects, conducting market research, and leading digital transformation initiatives within the Procurement function. The officer will be expected to provide guidance to junior staff and participate in negotiations with suppliers, ensuring that procurement processes align with organizational goals and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and manage procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects related to worldwide procurement of services and commodities.
• Advise requisitioning units on procurement issues and provide support throughout the procurement cycle.
• Prepare and oversee the distribution of invitations to tender and manage bid evaluations.
• Serve as the focal point for the deployment of the e-tendering system across the UN Secretariat.
• Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions for complex procurement projects.
• Participate in negotiations with senior supplier representatives and sign contracts or procurement orders.
• Conduct market research and analyze statistical data on commodity situations.
• Identify new technologies and evaluate potential supply sources.
• Oversee adherence to contractual agreements and recommend amendments as necessary. 1
• Prepare procurement-related documents and lead digital transformation efforts. 1
• Supervise and provide guidance to new or junior staff. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) is required.
• Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and contract law.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, or law. A first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, administration, or supply chain management is required. Candidates must have at least two consecutive years of experience in conducting international tender exercises and leading commercial negotiations for complex contracts. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP and e-tendering systems is essential. Familiarity with the United Nations Common Systems or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience in managing procurement for multiple clients with diverse funding mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a multicultural environment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules.