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. UNOPS is operating in India since 2007. Today, UNOPS has a total strength of 94 personnel (including state offices) across 8 states (New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Odisha; West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh) of India. UNOPS mandate is across all SDGs. Currently, UNOPS is working in India in sectors such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Climate Resilience; Circular Economy and Plastic Waste Management; Natural Farming and Health System Strengthening.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the functional supervisor who reports to the Country Manager, India office, the Procurement Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of procurement services reflecting best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS procurement rules and regulations, appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money. He/she analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide range of issues related to procurement. 

1. Implementation of operational procurement strategies

2. Management of procurement processes

3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tool

4. Team Management

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Implements key aspects of operational procurement strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. 

• Implementation of, or support to, 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.

2. Provides technical support and guidance to procurement processes of the Business Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely and duly prepared elements of procurement plans and monitoring of their implementation

• Guidelines followed on embedding sustainability along the procurement process.

• 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. 

• Preparation of submissions to the Contract and Property Committees (CPCs). 

• Monitoring of contractor performance and certification of completed work for compliance with contractual terms and payment.

• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Project Managers on procurement issues.

• Drafting of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures. 

3.  Implementation  of 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 Group’s goals and standards in this area. 

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for 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 human resources management.

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

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.

• Advanced Degree or equivalent preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) 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.
• For those who do not have a degree in Procurement of Supply Chain Management, Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) or similar international Certification is a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations is required. 

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.