Procurement Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Procurement Assistant
Location: Juba
Country: Sudan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which was established to support peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in the region. The mission aims to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace, and support inclusive governance and free elections as outlined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement. UNMISS operates under a mandate that includes the protection of civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and monitoring human rights violations. The organization employs a significant number of personnel, including 17,000 troops and over 2,100 police officers, and is engaged in various activities across South Sudan to fulfill its mission objectives.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant position is crucial for supporting the various Technical Units within UNMISS by ensuring the efficient procurement of goods and services. The role is based in Juba, Central Equatoria, which is classified as a hardship and non-family duty station. The Procurement Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Procurement Officer/Unit Chief and will be responsible for reviewing specifications and scopes of requirements, preparing source selection plans, and ensuring that solicitation documents accurately reflect the requirements. The position requires a proactive approach to maintain communication with internal stakeholders and to monitor the delivery of purchased goods and services effectively. The Procurement Assistant will also be involved in maintaining logs and tracking tools to record the unit's activities, ensuring that all procurement processes adhere to UN Financial Regulations and Rules.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Procurement Assistant include:

• Reviewing specifications and scopes of requirements for goods and services to ensure clarity and efficiency in procurement.
• Preparing source selection plans for required goods and services.
• Drafting solicitation documents that accurately reflect the procurement requirements.
• Reviewing technical evaluation reports to ensure compliance with evaluation criteria.
• Performing commercial evaluations of proposals and bids submitted.
• Ensuring that recommendations from evaluations are logical and justifiable according to UN regulations.
• Preparing Purchase Orders and Contracts as necessary.
• Monitoring the delivery of purchased goods and services to ensure timely fulfillment.
• Maintaining close cooperation with internal stakeholders and providing ongoing feedback to facilitate communication and problem-solving. 1
• Updating and maintaining logs and tracking tools for the unit's activities. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Procurement Assistant position include a strong understanding of procurement processes and regulations, particularly those of the United Nations. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability in their work. Adaptability and flexibility are essential, as the role may involve working in challenging conditions. Strong planning and organizational skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a team and respect diversity, are also crucial. Excellent communication skills and self-management capabilities are necessary to succeed in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Procurement Assistant position should possess a relevant educational background, typically a degree in business administration, procurement, supply chain management, or a related field. Additional certifications in procurement or supply chain management may be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in this area.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in procurement or supply chain management, ideally within an international organization or a similar context. Experience working in challenging environments, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings, is highly desirable. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to manage procurement processes effectively and efficiently, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

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

Additional Notes:
The Procurement Assistant position is classified as a non-family duty station, meaning that candidates should be prepared to live and work in austere conditions. The living accommodations may be shared, and candidates should be aware of the potential for water shortages and power outages. The role is full-time, and candidates must be willing to adapt to the challenging living conditions in Juba. The security level of the duty station is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security, and candidates will receive a briefing upon arrival. The climate in South Sudan is tropical, with a rainy season from April to October, and the ability to work in difficult conditions is essential.