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Procurement Officer (FS-6) , United Nations

Responsibilities

The following duties are generic and may differ depending on the requirements of the mission. Under the general guidance and direction of the Director/Chief Mission Support, carries out procurement of goods and services required by the Mission, in accordance with the UN Financial Regulations and Rules, established procurement policies and procedures and relevant administrative instructions. Within delegated authority, the Procurement Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects of projects of significant complexity related to worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities, taking into account local economic and other conditions. • Advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle. • Review procurement requests to ensure appropriateness of technical specifications and seek clarifications, if required. • Prepare/oversee the distribution of invitations to tender and manage/conduct all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations. • Make recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts. • Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects. • Establish and maintain work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly-planned ones. • Participate in negotiations with senior supplier representatives; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepare submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official. • Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of good and services. • Identify new technologies and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and participate in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program. • Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations. • Prepare a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, reports, etc. • Provide guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex contract issues. Knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing. Ability to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors. Ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Communications: Very good communication (oral and written) skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences on procurement – related matters and prepare a variety of written documents, contracts, reports, etc. in a clear concise style. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

A high-school diploma or equivalent

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, logistics and supply chain management, or administration in the public or private sector, of which at least two years must be directly related to first-hand procurement and/or contracting experience preferably at the international level, is required. Procurement experience in the peacekeeping mission(s), the field duty station(s) within the UN system of the UN organization(s) is highly desirable. In special cases the incumbent may be the team leader, therefore supervisory skills are highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Other Skills

Assessment Method: Eligible candidates will be requested to undergo a knowledge-based assessment exercise and, depending on the result of the exercise, a competency-based interview. Special Notice: Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

How to apply:

To apply, please visit our jobs website at http://jobs.un.org The opening can be found by navigating to "vacancies" and to "procurement". Please follow the online application instructions.