Procurement and Grants Adviser (Health Procurement Specialist)

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – the Procurement and Grants Adviser (Health Procurement Specialist) will lead and manage procurement and grant activities, especially those with a focus on public health procurement, including sourcing of goods, and development of requirements; provide accurate, expert and specialist advice on procurement activities; and ensure compliance with organisational policies.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Operations: procurement and grants

• Manage the procurement and grants actions for the Public Health division (PHD), including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs,) Calls for Proposals (CFP) and exceptions requests in accordance with SPC’s Procurement Policy and Grants Policy.
• For other allocated divisions or programmes manage the RFP or CFP processes, and provide advice on RFQs and other procurement and grants processes
• Prepare procurement documents for Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Quotations, including the technical statement of needs for specialized health materials
• Source and manage the supply chain for specialized health materials
• Provide support to all PHD programs/projects (and any other allocated divisions) with the formulation of their annual procurement plans, and development of their procurement and grants documentation
• External relationships with vendors, including preferred suppliers, are manage

Advice

• Provide expert advice to PHD staff and other allocated SPC divisions on procurement and grants processes, including appropriate use of exceptions
• Advice to decision-makers (including the Procurement Committee) on complex procurement and grants issues taking into account stakeholder’s requirements to ensure value outcomes
• Advice provided to decision-makers on how to manage ethical issues; integrity demonstrated.
• Risks identified, mitigated and/or escalated

Outreach, education and training

• Provide capacity building to SPC staff in procurement and grants functions
• Provide capacity development support to potential grant applicants (where relevant)
• Builds collaborative relationships with staff across OMD and SPC.
• Ensure communication with key stakeholders and builds strong relationships

System and processes

• Provide capacity building to SPC staff in procurement and grants functions
• Provide capacity development support to potential grant applicants (where relevant)
• Builds collaborative relationships with staff across OMD and SPC.
• Ensure communication with key stakeholders and builds strong relationships

Other duties as required

• support for the Procurement and Grants Team

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a related field (or equivalent experience)
• CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (or equivalent experience)

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of experience leading a team providing advice on procurement matters in a public sector environment, including at least 2 years of specialized experience in procuring, sourcing and managing procurement in the health sector
• Experience in procurement sourcing and supply management, including providing advice and support

Essential skills

• Research and analysis skills
• Ability to influence decision-making through advice and support
• Customer relationship management skills
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills
• Negotiation and planning skills

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Strong people skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, inclusive and equitable environment
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance. Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – the Procurement and Grants Adviser (Health Procurement Specialist) is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,512‒3,140 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,410–9,263 (USD 3,592–4,490; EUR 3,014–3,768). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

**Benefits for international employees based in Fiji –**SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.