Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Representative, Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights. UNODC has a global presence and works in numerous regions, including Africa and the Middle East, to support the implementation of international drug control treaties and to combat transnational organized crime.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in managing procurement processes for the UNODC in Nairobi, Kenya. This position requires a deep understanding of procurement standards and practices, as the officer will be responsible for the procurement of a wide variety of supplies and services, including complex and legally intricate contracts. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Deputy Regional Representative and the Chief of the Procurement Unit, to ensure that procurement activities align with the organization's goals and comply with UN regulations. The role also involves providing support to other UNODC offices and Global Programmes in the region, ensuring that procurement processes are efficient and effective. The officer will be expected to develop procurement strategies, manage procurement activities related to construction projects, and provide training and guidance to staff involved in procurement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: serving as a contracting expert for complex procurement actions; planning and managing procurement activities for diverse services and commodities; guiding and supporting procurement staff; negotiating with suppliers; developing and preparing contracts; issuing international tender invitations; evaluating tender responses; managing procurement activities related to construction projects; preparing procurement-related documents; conducting negotiations; ensuring compliance with UN procurement rules; leading discussions within the UN system; delivering procurement training; analyzing procurement requests; developing procurement templates; preparing reports on procurement activities; monitoring auditing of procurement activities; implementing corporate tools to enhance productivity; supervising junior staff; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field. A first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of procurement standards and practices, as well as contract law and complex procurement issues.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, or law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields along with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is also mandatory for this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience in procurement, contract management, administration, or a related area. Experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is essential, with familiarity in SAP (Umoja) being desirable. Candidates should also have experience in high-value procurement of construction services, supporting decentralized clients in field operations, and managing a team. Experience within the United Nations system or another international organization is preferred, along with experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another official United Nations language is also considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed from extra-budgetary resources, and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year, subject to funding availability. The extension of the appointment is contingent upon the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.