Procurement Officer (Legal support)

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Position Title: Procurement Officer (Legal support)
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Procurement Service (CSLP) is a division within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that provides essential advice, guidance, and oversight for procurement operations. Established to ensure that the organization adheres to the principles of 'Best Value for Money', the Procurement Service plays a critical role in supporting FAO's mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization operates globally, with numerous decentralized offices, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The Procurement Service is integral to the logistics and operational support of FAO, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer (Legal support) position is crucial for ensuring timely, efficient, and effective procurement of goods and services within FAO. This role involves providing legal support throughout the procurement cycle, ensuring compliance with FAO's rules and regulations. The officer will be responsible for advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, preparing solicitation processes, and conducting market research. The position requires a proactive approach to managing procurement activities, ensuring they align with best practices and organizational policies. The officer will also contribute to the development of training materials and promote best practices across FAO's decentralized offices, thereby enhancing the overall procurement function.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will undertake a variety of key functions, including planning and developing procurement strategies for complex projects, advising on procurement issues, and preparing solicitation documents. The officer will conduct market research, analyze statistical data, and participate in site inspections and contract negotiations. Additionally, the officer will draft complex contracts, review procurement-related agreements, and ensure compliance with legal standards. The role also involves revising FAO contracts to align with UN directives and conducting research on procurement policies. The officer will represent FAO in working groups and assist in negotiations with Resource Partners regarding procurement provisions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law, preferably with a focus on commercial contract law, and have at least five years of professional legal experience in commercial law, including two years in public procurement within an international context. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with seven years of relevant experience and a professional qualification to practice law may be accepted. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law is essential for this position, with a preference for candidates who have specialized in commercial contract law. A first-level university degree in law may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant work experience and a professional qualification to practice law.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional legal experience, with at least two years specifically in public procurement in an international context. Experience in drafting procurement procedures and contractual instruments is highly valued, as is familiarity with international procurement standards and practices.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Proficiency in French or Spanish is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role is full-time and may involve interactions with various stakeholders across different countries. The organization emphasizes corporate environmental responsibility and sustainability in its procurement practices, aligning with the UN's broader sustainability goals. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies.