Procurement Senior 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 - job specific

In Ukraine, UNOPS support to the partners in their reform agenda since 2017 spans the rule of law, social protection, demining, emergency response and security. The projects are funded by the EU, the Governments of Japan and Canada.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.

Following the increased militarisation around Ukraine’s borders as well as the recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics by the Russian Federation, the security situation in Ukraine deteriorated rapidly, with the launch of a military offensive by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022. Armed violence escalated in at least eight oblasts (regions), including Kyivska oblast and the capital city of Kyiv, as well as in the eastern oblasts of Donetsk and Luhanska which were already affected by conflict. The towns of Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpin were strongly affected, so resident civilians fled their homes en masse.

Martial law and a state of war were introduced in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the general mobilisation of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old was ordered, while the Ukrainian airspace was closed to civilian users.

The UNOPS immediately launched its Emergency Procurement Procedure (EPP) to enable a faster response to requirements related to the crisis. The EPP provided flexibility in procurement procedures while still ensuring adherence to essential public procurement principles.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the functional supervisor who reports to the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Senior Analyst 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 analyzes 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. 

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Senior Officer promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit. 

The Procurement Senior 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.

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

• Advanced  Degree or equivalent in preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field is required
• A first-level university 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
• 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.

• 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 an advantage
• Some experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country is desirable
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) is required

1. Contract type: Local ICA 
2. Contract level: Local ICA  Specialist -LICA 9
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

• 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.