Programme Associate, Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of women and girls, particularly in the context of humanitarian crises and development challenges. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to accelerate progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that all individuals have access to reproductive health services and rights.

Job Overview:
As the Programme Associate, Procurement, you will play a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA Sri Lanka Country Office in managing procurement services effectively. This position requires a strong focus on delivering quality services in procurement and administration to both internal and external clients. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with UNFPA rules and regulations while obtaining the best value for money in procurement processes. Your work will involve collaborating with various stakeholders to facilitate the procurement of goods and services, particularly in response to humanitarian needs. The role demands a client-focused, results-oriented approach, and you will report directly to the Operations Analyst. Your contributions will be vital in supporting the overall mission of UNFPA to improve the health and well-being of women and girls in Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Associate, Procurement include:

• Supporting the procurement of goods and services for the Country Office by consolidating procurement plans and ensuring compliance with UNFPA policies.
• Organizing procurement processes, including preparing requests for quotations, terms of reference, and invitations to bid, while ensuring adherence to UNFPA regulations.
• Conducting market surveys to strengthen the supply base and managing vendor relationships through the ATLAS system.
• Assisting in logistics management, particularly in emergency preparedness and response, including the procurement of emergency reproductive health kits.
• Ensuring timely distribution of procured goods and maintaining an up-to-date database of contracts and long-term agreements.
• Preparing reports on procurement status, managing documentation, and ensuring timely payments to suppliers.
• Assisting in managing program supplies and inventory, ensuring compliance with corporate guidelines and timely updates of order tracking systems.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Programme Associate, Procurement position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Completed Secondary Level Education is required.
• A first-level university degree in business supply chain management or a related field is desirable.
• Certification or training related to humanitarian procurement and logistics is considered an asset.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, and administration, preferably within UN, humanitarian, or development agencies.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have completed Secondary Level Education as a minimum. A first-level university degree in business supply chain management or a relevant field is desirable. Additional certification or training in humanitarian procurement and logistics will be advantageous and enhance a candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in procurement, logistics, and administration. This experience should ideally be gained within UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, or development projects, providing a solid foundation in procurement processes and logistics management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in either Sinhala or Tamil, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the local context and with stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. 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 and appointment process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.