Procurement and Contracts Management 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. 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 organisations.

Background Information - UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls. 

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs. 

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients. 

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) DRC

For almost two decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced unrest, particularly in the eastern provinces.The use of landmines has been a feature of the conflict, and explosive remnants of war remain a danger.

UNMAS arrived in the DRC in 2002 to support the peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) and carry out humanitarian demining. It continues to work with all actors involved in mine action, weapons and ammunition management and security issues.

1. Functional Responsibilities

The Procurement and Contract Management 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. 

The incumbent analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The work is focused in transactional procurement including all steps of the procurement process. Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement and Contract Management Officer  promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit. 

The Procurement and Contract Management Officer works in close collaboration with the Support Services, Programme and Project teams in the relevant geographical area or business unit, UNOPS HQs colleagues and Government officials, to successfully deliver procurement services.

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Manager, the Procurement and Contract Management Officer shall perform the following duties including, but not limited to: 

1. Implementation of transactional procurement

2. Management of procurement processes

3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools

4. Team Management

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1.1.  In close cooperation with the Project Managers, under the guidance of a technical supervisor, and reporting to the management on central 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 finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.

• Implementation of strategic procurement for projects assigned in the Business Unit.

• Research undertaken and data provided for Business Unit’s supply market intelligence and analysis.
  
  

1.2. Manages and guides  procurement processes for a select group of technically complex goods, services within a given geographical area and/or Business Unit, 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.

• 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 the HPU on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.
  
  

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

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.

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

1.4.Team management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
  
  

1.5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Procurement-related topics.

• Contribute to Procurement 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. 

 a. Education 

•  Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) or equivalent with 2 years of relevant experience
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) with  four (4) years of relevant experience
• CIPS level 2 or 3 is desired.

b. Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in international public procurement..

• Experience working on procurement activities involving specialized or sensitive goods such as weapons and ammunition is desired.

• Experience working with national authorities is desired. 

• Experience working in conflict and post conflict stabilisation environments is desired.

c. Language:

• Fluency in French (speaking, writing and reading) is required. 

• Fluency in English (speaking, writing and reading) is required.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired. 

• 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.