Procurement Specialist

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. 

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS Afghanistan has regional offices in most parts of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Afghanistan is responsible for implementing a number of projects on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the aid donor community.  The Afghanistan Operational Hub (AFOH) has been set up as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the Implementing Agency/Consultant.

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Government of Afghanistan aims to construct Trans-Hindukosh Road Connectivity Project (THRCP) which has strategic importance for the movement of goods and freight between the Northern provinces and Capital of the Country. This road has a significant role not only for the current traffic movement but also as part of a resource corridor which is already targeted as a priority to construct. The Government of Afghanistan intends to improve and upgrade the Bamyan to Baghlan Road as well as rehabilitate and maintain portions of the Salang Highway in order to improve the Trans-Hindukush road connectivity in order to provide all year-round access and enhance local as well as international trade and regional integration. Furthermore, the improved roads will increase security by reducing the time to respond to local, regional, or national incidents, facilitate access to social services and provide new regional trade opportunities including agriculture and mining.

Reporting directly to the Team Leader, THRCP, and working under the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), the Procurement Specialist is expected to perform the following duties and responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Identification of procurement needs at the project development stage;
• Preparation of realistic procurement plans and development of appropriate procurement strategies;
• Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of procurement and contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, administration of the contract and the performance management of the contractors, legal considerations and payment conditions as well as risk assessment.
• Preparation and review of technical specifications and/or terms of references
• Management of procurement contracts;
• Assistance in cost estimations for the required goods/services;
• Regular reporting on acquisition processes using procurement process monitoring systems and mechanisms

• Analyse the quality of goods and/or services delivered in relation to the needs of the operation/stakeholder and established quality standards.
• Working with concerned stakeholders on procurement needs, providing technical support on specifications, cost implications and logistics for safe delivery both externally and internally;

• Finalising specifications and preparing shortlists based on needs and investigation of related market, identify suitable vendors with due consideration to price, quality, delivery time, warranty and after sale servicing where applicable;
• Developing and issuing invitations to bid, requests for quotation, and requests for proposals;
• Publishing procurement advertisements and awards and maintaining a database on procurement activities;
• Evaluating submissions to ensure technical compliance with the project’s needs and cost-effective purchase of goods and services;
• Ensuring all procurement actions are conducted as required according to UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and the applicable policies and procedures as well as the highest degree of personal and professional ethics.
• Establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts as an when necessary either through standard or emergency procurement procedures in compliance with the Procurement Policy 

• Master’s Degree preferably in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field.
• First Level University Degree with an additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree requirement.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in procurement of related works, particularly within construction and rehabilitation projects; 2 years of which at least using World Bank procurement guidelines for World Bankfunded projects related to civil works implementation
• Experience in conducting training on subjects related to procurement and contract management activities.
• Knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations a distinct advantage
• Previous work experience in Afghanistan or similar conflict/post-conflict environment an asset
• Relevant certification in procurement and supply chain (CIPS) a distinct advantage

• Fluency in English both written and verbal is required.

• 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.