Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and is committed to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental sustainability and protection. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to foster sustainable development through sound environmental practices.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position is located within the Procurement and Partnerships Unit of UNEP's Corporate Services Division. The role is crucial for ensuring that procurement processes are efficient, transparent, and aligned with UNEP's mission of promoting sustainable environmental practices. The incumbent will be responsible for managing purchasing requests, assisting requisitioners in preparing specifications for goods and services, and ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Procurement Officer will also engage with suppliers, produce tender documents, negotiate terms and conditions, and resolve issues related to procurement. This position requires a strong understanding of procurement policies and practices, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Procurement Officer include reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests, assisting requisitioners in preparing scopes of work, proposing product substitutions for cost savings, determining funding sources, identifying and recommending procurement sources, producing tender documents, preparing abstracts of offers, negotiating terms and conditions, finalizing purchase orders and contracts, resolving issues related to delivered goods, maintaining internal databases and files, conducting market research, drafting correspondence, supervising junior staff, and assisting with data analysis and reporting. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with procurement policies and procedures, maintaining proper documentation, and supporting the overall efficiency of the procurement process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in supply chain management, administration, human resources, finance, accounting, or a related field is desirable. Pursuing or holding a Level 4 CIPS certification, or an equivalent qualification, is also desirable. Candidates should have a strong understanding of procurement policies and processes, as well as the ability to apply good judgment in various contexts. Professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional qualifications in supply chain management, procurement, administration, or related fields are highly desirable. Candidates pursuing or holding a Level 4 CIPS certification or an equivalent qualification will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, administration, or related areas is required. This experience is reduced to five years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Candidates should have experience working with an ERP system such as SAP in the area of purchasing and/or supply chain. Experience within the United Nations common system or similar international organizations is desirable, as is 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 another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. The appointment is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. Staff members in the General Service and related categories are recruited locally, and those selected for this position will not be eligible for allowances or benefits applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.