Sustainable Procurement Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency established to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through effective and sustainable procurement. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates globally, focusing on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The organization is committed to ethical standards and seeks principled staff who can deliver high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Procurement Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and inclusiveness of UNFPA's procurement activities. This position involves providing strategic and technical input to improve sustainable procurement practices, ensuring alignment with international standards, and developing measurable performance indicators. The consultant will work closely with the Strategic Sourcing Team, focusing on developing a robust sustainable procurement strategy that incorporates environmental, social, and economic aspects. The role also emphasizes promoting the participation of women-owned and disability-owned businesses in procurement activities and strengthening regional supply chain networks to improve efficiency and sustainability. The consultancy can be performed from the duty station in Copenhagen or remotely, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, divided into three main areas:

• Sustainable Procurement Strategy Development (50% of Time): This includes reviewing current UNFPA procurement practices, identifying gaps, and developing a comprehensive sustainable procurement strategy aligned with international best practices. The consultant will establish specific targets and KPIs, provide technical recommendations, and develop guidance materials for procurement staff.
• Promotion of Women-Owned and Disability-Owned Businesses (25% of Time): The consultant will identify challenges faced by these businesses in accessing procurement opportunities, develop outreach strategies, and provide policy recommendations to enhance supplier engagement.
• Regionalization of Procurement (25% of Time): This involves assessing existing supplier data, developing strategies for regional sourcing, and creating an implementation plan with clear KPIs to measure success. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that all strategies are effectively communicated and implemented within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in sustainable procurement or supply chain management is required. Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainable procurement strategies aligned with international standards, expertise in financial modeling, and strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or International Development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience in sustainable procurement, supply chain management, or related areas. This experience should include a proven track record of developing and implementing sustainable procurement strategies that align with international standards, such as ISO 2040

• Candidates should also demonstrate expertise in financial modeling and calculating savings from sustainable procurement initiatives.

Languages:
Fluent knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNFPA's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements, and UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.