Procurement Associate

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Procurement Associate
Location: Sarajevo
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing the multiplicity of nations and cultures in which it operates. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and it actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized or excluded populations. UNDP has a strict policy against sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks. The Energy and Environment Sector (EE) of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina focuses on projects related to Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Environmental Development, aiming to decrease economic, social, and territorial disparities while promoting sustainable management of environmental and energy resources.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the Energy and Environment Sector by providing procurement services to various projects. This position requires a strong focus on ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations while promoting a client-oriented approach. The Procurement Associate will work closely with the CO Procurement Team and project personnel to facilitate effective procurement processes. The role involves organizing procurement activities, implementing sourcing strategies, and supporting knowledge sharing within the sector. The incumbent will also be responsible for mainstreaming gender equality in procurement practices, ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in a manner that promotes gender-responsible practices. This position is essential for the successful implementation of projects aimed at addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Associate will be responsible for organizing procurement processes for projects within the Energy and Environment Sector. This includes ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement policies, implementing effective internal controls, and managing procurement activities using UNDP ERP tools. Key duties include preparing Micro-purchasing, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), and Requests for Proposal (RFPs), as well as facilitating evaluations and negotiations. The incumbent will also support contract administration in collaboration with Portfolio/Project Managers and the CO Procurement Team. Additionally, the Procurement Associate will assist in creating and maintaining a roster of suppliers and consultants, implement supplier selection and evaluation processes, and organize procurement training for suppliers. The role also involves contributing to knowledge networks and communities of practice, ensuring that lessons learned and best practices are shared within the sector. Furthermore, the Procurement Associate will support the project team in effectively mainstreaming gender equality in procurement activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess secondary education as a minimum requirement, with a university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in public administration, business, economics, or engineering being highly desirable. A CIPS level 2 certification is also highly desirable, and candidates holding this certification at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates with a CIPS certification at any level below will have a proportionate advantage. The position requires a strong understanding of procurement policies and procedures, as well as the ability to apply these in various implementation activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education as a minimum. A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as public administration, business, economics, or engineering is preferred. Additionally, candidates with a CIPS level 2 certification will be given preference, and those without it must obtain it within one year of recruitment to be considered for the position.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of relevant administrative and/or project support work experience if they possess secondary education, or a minimum of 3 years of experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (such as MS Word and Excel) is essential, along with advanced knowledge of web-based management systems like ERP. Familiarity with tendering principles and experience in public sector procurement of goods and services are also required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability, treating all individuals fairly without favoritism, and understanding the language associated with gender, equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of UNDP.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time, and the incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Sector Associate and the Head of Procurement. The role involves collaboration with the CO Procurement team and project staff within the sector. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that discrimination based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status is not tolerated.