Senior Procurement Officer

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. 

Background Information – Project Specific

The European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) is a global Initiative funded and implemented by the European Union as part of its goal to promote peace, stability and conflict prevention. The aim of the Initiative is to mitigate risks and strengthen all-hazards security governance in Partner Countries (PCs) of the EU following a voluntary and demand-driven approach. Supported through the European Union’s Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe, the Initiative represents the EU’s largest civilian external security programme. It is led by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS). The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides technical support to Partner Countries, while the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) ensures coherent and effective national, regional, and international cooperation. CBRN security is addressed through coordinated action and cooperation between and within governments, the corporate sector, civil society, the media and individuals. Coordination and cooperation with other international organisations (WHO, OSCE, IAEA, Committee under UNSCR 1540, OPCW, NATO etc.) to avoid duplication of efforts and the mutual leverage and synergies of actions is a continuous process.

The overall scope of the CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) initiative is to strengthen the long-term national and regional capabilities of competent authorities and administrative infrastructures and develop a durable cooperation legacy in the fight against the CBRN threats. The Initiative addresses risks related to CBRN material and agents of any origin: criminal (proliferation, theft, sabotage and illicit trafficking), accidental (industrial catastrophes, in particular chemical or nuclear, waste treatment and transport) or natural (mainly pandemics but also a consequence of natural hazards on CBRN material and facilities). 

The European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Centres of Excellences Initiative (EU CBRN CoE Initiative) program has requested UNOPS to provide needed advisory, procurement, and logistics support for the Equipment delivery program in East, Central, North, and West Africa.

The project will be implemented to the benefit of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Partner countries in Eastern and Central African region (ECA):  Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Selected countries in the AAF and NAS regions will also benefit from this project. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Procurement Manager and secondary supervision of the Project Manager, the Senior Procurement Officer is responsible for effective delivery and implementation of strategic and effective procurement services, for a select group of technically complex goods, services and works, within the specific geographical area and/or project.  These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money. 

He/she analyses and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. 

His/her work is focused in transactional procurement including all steps of the procurement process in close collaboration within the Procurement team, Programme and project teams, UNOPS country office,  regional office and HQ personnel, particularly with the Procurement Group (PG), as well as other stakeholders, to promote collaboration, be client-focused and successfully deliver procurement services.

The Senior Procurement Officer shall Maintain the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, promote a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach within the project.

Impact of Results

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit/s and project activities in procurement management, impacting the timely availability of effective goods and services for UNOPS’ programmes.  Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of goods and services, contribute to office performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management.  This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

The Senior Procurement Officer shall Maintain the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, promote a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach within the project.

Functional Responsibilities: 

1. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, and with a secondary reporting line to the Project Manager, the incumbent will fully engage with the project team and be central on issues related to procurement activities, implements operational strategies and manages procurement, contract, and sourcing transactions, actions and processes for goods, services, and works, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; internal controls and client orientation.  

• Implementation of the different steps of the procurement processes, including Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalisation and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.

• Implementation of strategic procurement for projects assigned.

• Carry out market research to identify new potential suppliers. 

2. Plans procurement actions for acquisition of standard and complex goods and services for ad hoc transactions and/or establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTA’s), focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Planning of schedules and priorities as well as identification of correct procurement course of action for the goods or services in question

• Preparation of technical specifications/TOR

• Providing technical advice to internal clients on best procurement methodology, including: guidance and assistance with UNOPS’ procurement rules and regulations, policies, development of specifications/TOR, establishment of evaluation criteria, evaluation of bids/proposals, etc.

• Conducting market research to keep abreast of market developments for goods 

• Analysis of logistic solutions to determine the best value for UNOPS for shipment

3. Manages and facilitates the procurement processes for a select group of technically complex goods, services within the project focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Sustainability embedded along the procurement process.

• Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for projects and monitoring of their implementation.

• Establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures in compliance with the Procurement Policy.

• Under the EU CBRN Equip. Project context, implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulation.

• Awards recommended based on UNOPS procurement rules and procedures.

• Management of procurement contracts, analysis of contract performance against agreed benchmarks and pre-established reporting mechanisms.

• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Procurement Manager and Project Manager on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.

4. Provides support to efficient LTA and contract administration, focusing on achievement of the following result:

• Preparation of non-staff contracts/POs and necessary amendments ensuring conformity with template UNOPS documents;

• Follow-up signing of contracts, POs by vendors;

• Obligation of funds in oneUNOPS and obtaining of appropriate signatures for approval;

• Maintenance of a vendor database and usage of system to record the listing, updating, evaluation and and monitoring of performance of service providers and vendors;

• Maintenance of contracts, PO filing system;

• Ensuring supplier’s compliance to contract and/or Long Term Agreement;

• Information management to internal clients;

• Timely corrective measures taken to ensure smooth contract fulfilment;

• Timely follow-up to ensure LTA extensions and/or fresh bidding exercises if required

• Conduct of secondary bidding exercises against LTAs and guidance to UNOPS colleagues through the process when required;

• Conduct of corporate procurement planning exercise on a half yearly basis to determine any goods or services for which LTAs could be established.

5. Implements sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Utilisation of-sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Groups’ goals and standards in this area. 

6. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Maintenance of best practices and lessons learned database including procurement tracking sheet

• Participation and actively contribute in the training for the personnel on Procurement.

• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement.

• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Education/Experience/ Language Requirements

• Master degree or equivalent preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
• A Bachelor degree in combination with four (4) years' experience at the international level in procurement management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years’ professional experience in international public procurement is required.
• Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing and developed countries is desired.
• Experience in working on a similar project is desired. 
• Experience in use of Enterprise systems such as OneUNOPS is desired.
• Experience use of Google Suite applications is desired.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in written and oral English required.

Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: ICSC-9 (IICA1/ LICA9)
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

This vacancy is at ICSC Level 9 i.e. equally qualified International ICA (IICA1) or local ICA (LICA 9) applicants are welcomed to apply. 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.