Procurement Specialist – Infrastructure and Construction

The Procurement Group (PG) at UNOPS leads the organization’s procurement practice and is responsible for all matters of organizational development in procurement and supply chain management. PG provides authoritative guidance and procurement advice and is responsible for developing procurement strategies, policies, and processes. The unit leads the strategic approach for all procurement and supply chain activities to ensure the goal of sustainability, and to achieve process simplification and best value; leverages volumes and shapes markets through proper planning, the establishment of commodity teams, and a focus on results across the global organization.

PG has responsibility to support business development, with special attention to optimizing business support through technology, and ensuring the procurement function across UNOPS is conducted in a transparent, consistent and efficient manner. Collaboration and outreach across UNOPS delivery practices and operational centres will be critical to success.

The advertised position reports to the Deputy Director Procurement Group and is a member of the category management team. The role of the category team is to provide deep subject matter expertise, engage internal stakeholders and develop appropriate procurement strategies that are aligned with UNOPS business needs.

Provide expertise, support and advice on procurement for construction and infrastructure through:

• Identification of procurement needs at the development stage for construction and infrastructure projects
• In close cooperation with stakeholders, such as other UN agencies, donors, NGOs and other departments within UNOPS, preparation of realistic procurement plans and development of appropriate procurement strategies
• Planning, developing and managing all procurement-related aspects of solicitations for complex and diverse works, taking into account sustainability aspects, the local economic and other market or political conditions
• Conducting market research to keep abreast of market developments, researching and analyzing statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services
• Preparation and review of technical specifications and/or terms of references for complex procurements, assistance in cost estimations for the required works/goods/services
• Preparing case presentations for review and recommendation by appropriate contract review body
• Formulating strategies and designing innovative solutions to minimize and resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects
• Leading negotiations with supplier representatives
• Developing and implementing supplier relationship management/contract management plans as appropriate
• Identifying new technologies, and products/services, evaluating and recommending potential supply sources
• Guide other staff through the procurement process as necessary (other practitioners, evaluation committee members, clients etc.) including drafting of clear terms of reference or specifications, creation of technical and financial evaluations
• Assisting stakeholders with amendments and extensions of contracts, contract administration throughout the life cycle of the contract and other procurement-related contractual issues
• Supervision and coaching of staff who may report to the Procurement Specialist
• Regular reporting using procurement process monitoring systems and mechanisms
• Participation in procurement training programs
• Performing such other duties and responsibilities relevant to the functions of a Procurement Specialist

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Engineering, Supply Chain / Procurement, Business/Commerce, Accounting/Finance, Law, Economics, or other related discipline is required.
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in related field with additional 2 years of relevant working experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in leading procurement tenders for complex projects is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the procurement of infrastructure/construction/engineering services in complex environments.
• Solid and proven experience in strategic sourcing and supply chain
• Well-developed analytical thinking, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to provide guidance in a timely and understandable manner to staff that may not be familiar with the procurement process and/or rules, regulations or terminology.
• Public Procurement expertise and working experience with the UN is an asset.
• Work experience in developing countries is an asset.
• Work experience in international organizations is an asset.

Languages requirements:

• Fluency in English required.
• Working knowledge of Spanish or French is an asset.
  
  

Client-focused – Ability to serve and manage clients’ needs; be able to represent and promote UNOPS through knowledge and partnership building within the UN and other forums.

Integrity and Professionalism – Solid ethics and integrity interfacing with colleagues, clients and service providers. Accountable and takes ownership.

Analytical – Analytical abilities specific to procurement; able to understand and assess complexities, able to match the scope of the solution with optimal use of the organisation's resources, attention to detail and ability to convert data to useful information.

Managerial and Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Planning and Organizing – Experience in project work; ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for completing the work and managing conflicting priorities. Identifies priority activities and assignments adjusting priorities where required. Foresees risk and allows for contingencies when planning tasks.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.