Procurement Officer (Contracts)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries, two associate members, and one member organization, the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The Procurement Service (CSLP) plays a crucial role in supporting these objectives by ensuring that procurement operations align with FAO's strategic goals and adhere to best practices in public procurement.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer (Contracts) position is integral to the Procurement Service (CSLP) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves overseeing the procurement of goods, works, and services while ensuring compliance with FAO's established policies and procedures. The officer will be responsible for planning, developing, and supporting procurement and contractual aspects of significant complexity, advising requisitioning units on procurement issues, and preparing solicitation processes. The officer will also conduct market research, contribute to updating procurement policies, and ensure the implementation of corporate initiatives related to environmental sustainability. This position requires a proactive approach to managing procurement activities and fostering collaboration across various divisions and offices within FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer (Contracts) will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: planning and developing procurement strategies, advising on procurement issues, preparing solicitation processes, drafting tendering documents, and ensuring fair and transparent solicitation processes. The officer will prepare and present cases to relevant Procurement Committees, conduct site inspections, and participate in contract negotiations. Additionally, the officer will conduct market research, contribute to the development of training materials, and provide guidance to junior staff. The role also involves preparing monitoring reports, reviewing data, and making recommendations based on findings. The officer will support strategic guidance on procurement activities, liaise with various divisions to ensure compliance with procurement rules, and develop contracts for complex services. Furthermore, the officer will supervise staff, participate in tender opening panels, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: an advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing, or a related field, along with five years of relevant experience in procurement-related activities, including at least two years in public procurement. Alternatively, candidates may hold a first-level degree in the same fields with seven years of work experience in procurement-related activities, including two years in public procurement, and completion of a professional qualification from an internationally recognized body such as CIPS4, MCIPS, FCIPS, or other UN-wide recognized certifications. Candidates should also possess a working knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level degree in these areas are also eligible if they have the requisite work experience. Additionally, completion of a professional qualification from an internationally recognized body is preferred, which demonstrates a commitment to professional development in procurement.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Procurement Officer (Contracts) position includes a minimum of five years of relevant experience in procurement-related activities, with at least two years specifically in public procurement. Candidates with a first-level degree must have seven years of work experience in procurement-related activities, including two years in public procurement. Experience in dealing with complex contractual issues, drafting contracts, and formulating recommendations is essential. Furthermore, candidates should have experience in identifying clients' procurement-related needs and providing support from the clients' perspective.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements. The position may involve international collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders across different countries. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, ensuring that the selected candidate is adequately supported in their role.