Procurement Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to help the United Nations and its partners provide peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and has a workforce of more than 20,000 personnel. The organization focuses on infrastructure, procurement, and project management interventions to support countries in achieving their Sustainable Development Goals and EU accession. UNOPS aims to enhance the effectiveness of its partners' projects by providing high-quality services and expertise in various sectors, including housing, health, education, transport, and energy.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Advisor plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing all procurement services and support for the portfolio of Procurement Projects in UAMCO (70%) and providing strategic oversight and advisory services for the ECR region (30%). This position requires a proactive approach to planning and securing resources to ensure that the procurement team is equipped to deliver compliant, efficient, and high-quality services. The Procurement Advisor is responsible for ensuring that procurement services are consistent across all countries under UAMCO, adhering to international public procurement best practices and UNOPS policies. The role involves analyzing procurement rules and regulations, providing advice on complex procurement issues, and building strategic relationships to enhance procurement processes. The Procurement Advisor will also contribute to business development efforts and maintain high ethical standards while fostering a collaborative and client-focused environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Advisor's duties include providing procurement support and strategic services to UAMCO and other country offices, ensuring adherence to procurement best practices, and contributing to the development of procurement advisory services. Responsibilities also encompass overseeing the UAMCO procurement project portfolio, mentoring procurement project managers, and ensuring timely and cost-effective implementation of procurement processes. The advisor will guide personnel on procurement policies, manage procurement planning, and oversee solicitation and contract management processes. Additionally, the role involves engaging with stakeholders to assess procurement risks, developing mitigation measures, and ensuring transparency in procurement processes. The Procurement Advisor will also support the implementation of sourcing strategies, quality assurance, and e-procurement tools, while fostering a culture of respect and compliance within the procurement team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Finance, Business/Public Administration, Public Policy, Accounting, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Equivalent certifications in Supply Chain Management or Procurement may also be considered. An Accredited Level III Certificate in Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing or equivalent is an asset. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, supply chain management, or contract management, with experience in leading complex procurement operations, particularly in post-conflict settings. Knowledge of international procurement frameworks and experience in training and capacity-building are highly valued.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's) in relevant fields such as Procurement, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Finance, Business/Public Administration, Public Policy, or Accounting. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's) combined with two additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Equivalent certifications in Supply Chain Management or Procurement may also be considered. An Accredited Level III Certificate in Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing or equivalent is an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, supply chain management, or contract management. This experience should include leading or advising on large-scale, complex procurement operations, ideally in post-conflict or fragile settings. Familiarity with international procurement frameworks, including UN/UNOPS policies, World Bank, EU, or other public procurement regulations, is essential. Experience in training, mentoring, and capacity-building for national staff and partners is an asset, as is experience in procurement for infrastructure projects. Candidates should also have experience managing a large team (over 5 people) across multiple locations and working with ERP systems and Google Suite applications.

Languages:
Full working knowledge of English is essential for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA), specifically at the IICA-3/ICS11 level. The contract duration is ongoing and open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.