Procurement Specialist (Procurement & Contract Management) , Multiple positions

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across  North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines.  EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia,  EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.

In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.  

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself. 

UNOPS in Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was established in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.  

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time. Working with an increasing number of development partners, EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people. 

Project Background: IMPACT Health Project

The National Department of Health (NDOH) is responsible for improving access to and outcomes from health services in Papua New Guinea in accordance with the National Health Plan (NHP) 2011 - 2030. A key function of NDOH is the procurement, supply and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs and other medical supplies to all public hospitals, health centres and aid posts. Such supplies are grouped into two types, General Hospital Orders and Medical Kits. Significant problems remain in the delivery of medical supplies to health facilities at rural and provincial levels throughout the country. The strengthening of medical supplies procurement and distribution is a key result area of the National Health Plan.

This assignment relates to the provision of technical assistance services  under Subcomponent 1.4 of the “Improving Access to and Value from Health Services in PNG: Financing the Frontlines Project” (IMPACT Health), signed between the World Bank and the Government of PNG on 22 July 2022, and will focus on strengthening the capacity of the NDOH procurement function. This engagement contributes to Component 1 - Increase service delivery readiness and community-based service delivery, and Component 2 - Improve frontline service delivery performance of the IMPACT Health Project.

The objective of the project is to enhance the procurement and contract management capabilities of NDOH and the Provincial Health Authorities. Support will particularly focus on procurement related to infrastructure (facility rebuilds or refurbishment) and bio-medical equipment. The project team will provide critical support to assist NDOH in its objective to improve the condition and operation of health facilities across the country. This will include providing technical assistance for contract management overseeing the provision of architectural and engineering services. 

The project will also design and cost a plan to improve existing inventory controls and procurement systems. Resulting in an improved health procurement and supply chain system that meets public health service demands. 

The Role:

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager and under the technical supervision of NDOH counterparts, the incumbent will provide hands-on capacity development, advice and practical support to NDOH. 

The incumbent will support NDOH in correctly implementing the National Procurement Guidelines, relevant legislation, and financial management guidelines, in executing efficient tendering processes and decisions.

Alongside the Senior Project Manager the incumbent will review current systems and develop Standard Operating Procedures and guidance to improve efficiencies within the NDOH’s procurement and inventory systems. They will help ensure effective, efficient and timely implementation of the Section.

Key activities of the assignment include: 

• Assist NDOH to strategize and initiate procurement and outsourcing, alongside Contract Managers provide some surge support in procurement activities (without participating in decision-making). In particular, the incumbent shall not serve on any evaluation committee that is not part of a UNOPS procurement process. 
• Assist the NDOH’s Commercial Support Services Branch in its role as the Secretariat of the NDOH-led Special Procurement Committee, helping to set up the process for efficient preparation, undertaking and follow-up of the meetings; and 
• Assist the NDOH with completing procurement oversight and good governance  during Technical Evaluation processes and Committee Meetings.  
• Review existing systems and determine the governance requirements to achieve a robust system for planning and tracking NDOH procurement over the procurement life cycle with an emphasis on contract management and capacity development outcomes.  
• Work with key stakeholders to assess the weaknesses in the governance structure of the current inventory management system and facilitate a plan to achieve agreed deliverables to demonstrate efficiencies in supply and distribution mechanisms 
• Support Senior Project Manager in carrying out a capacity needs assessment and, based on the results, design, develop and implement a capacity development framework, including a professional development plan and learning materials for the Commercial Support Services Branch of NDOH and through NDOH for the PHAs;

The incumbent will be based in the Commercial Support Services Division of the National Department of Health (NDOH) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

• Provide technical assessment on development projects, identify and propose to NDOH nonecore activities potential for outsourcing and do business casing with detailed Cost Benefit Analysis.
• Advise on appropriate procurement modalities and instruments to apply based on individual case requirements, utilizing expert knowledge of procurement policies and instruments.
• In consultation with the NDOH Manager, provide information and guidelines on the formulation of policies on commercialization and outsourcing of NDOH non-core activities.
• Provide advice to PHA’s on matters concerning procurement services, procurement planning, coordination and management in compliance to the National Procurement Act and the Public Finance Management Act.
• Provide support in the development of Statement of Requirements (SOR) for non-capital projects, Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Information (RFI) and Scope of Works (SOW) for capital projects.
• Creation, implementation and oversight of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes including receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, evaluation, negotiation of contracts including Purchase Orders in full compliance with appropriate rules and regulations.
• Ensure the projects incorporate and are consistent with public service policies, management directives and policies including OH&Sand environment.
• Assist NDOH Manager with development of costed implementation schedules of the Health Sector Development Budget in line with the NHP 2021-2020, PNGDSP, PNG 2050 Vision and provide updated for annual budget purposes.
• Assist NDOH Manager with Planning and development of annual procurement plans from the approved annual implementation plans developed by the Planning Branch.

• Assist the NDOH’s Commercial Support Services Branch in its role as the Secretariat of the NDOH-led Special Procurement Committee, helping to set up the system for efficient preparation, undertaking and follow-up of the meetings. If needed, the incumbent from UNOPS may be present as a non-participating observer during Committee Meetings, to support learning purposes and provide feedback on the implementation of procedural aspects discussed during evaluation meetings. 
• Assist the NDOH with completing procurement oversight and good governance  during Technical Evaluation processes and Committee Meetings.

• Provide advice on best practice in managing procurement processes and professional contracts for the acquisition of goods, services and the construction of works, focusing on achievement of the following results, in compliance with the official procurement policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Provide advice on suitable procurement strategies, policies and plans -  applying expertise in market intelligence matched to business requirements.
• Support the development of a system for oversight and supervision of the implementation and results of strategic and routine procurement work plans , covering Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.
• Assist manager to develop and plan post procurement audit on selected major procurements and capital works projects on a bi-annual basis or as and when required in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Assist manager ensure of and assist internal and external audit of contractor performance and NDOH contract management compliance.

• Analyse existing systems and determine the requirements to achieve a robust system for planning and tracking NDOH procurement over the procurement life cycle with an emphasis on contract management and capacity development outcomes.
• Plan, organize and develop an "Asset Inventory Management System" for NDOH lands, buildings, infrastructures and static plants.

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on Procurement-related topics.
• Coach and mentor junior staff and guide them in their duties.
• Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for procurement personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
• Develop training tools, standard operating procedures and other guidance documents to ensure sustainability of training and systems changes.

• Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in engineering, procurement, health management, or related field is required.
• A combination of a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

• A minimum of five (5) years of procurement, supply chains or a related field in the public or private sector in combination with a master’s degree is required.
• Knowledge of project development and implementation, experience in Government procurement systems and processes is an asset. 
• Familiarity with the National Procurement Act, Professional Engineers Acts & Regulations, Public Service Management Act 1995, and Public Finance Management Act 1995, is preferred. 
• Relevant experience with PNG national systems is preferred.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English language is required. 

• Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
• Contract level: ICS-10/LICA10
• Contract duration: Open-ended and subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

This vacancy is open only to Papua New Guinea nationals or those who have a valid residence permit in the country of assignment.

• 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 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• 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.