Procurement Senior Officer

Background Information – PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible for providing support and oversight of the day-to-day management of project field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the cluster director, who maintains overall authority and accountability for the performance of the PSC on behalf of its clients.

Background Information – Job-specific

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) established a regional support office, the Entebbe Support Office (ESO) in November of 2016. This office provides regional support to UNMAS programmes based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Abyei Administrative Area. The areas of support include Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics, Human Resources, Finance and Contracts Management.

Functional Responsibilities

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. * QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Procurement Specialist and overall guidance of the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Senior Officer (PSO) is responsible for effective delivery and implementation of strategic and effective procurement of 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 PSO promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

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

Functions / Key Results Expected

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
6. In close cooperation with the Heads of Project Unit, 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.
• Monitor and keep the procurement tracking tools updated.
• Support completion of reports and data analysis.

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 Shopping, 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 contract, analysis of contract performance against agreed benchmarks and pre-established reporting mechanisms.
• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Heads of Project Unit on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.

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.

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.

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.

Impact of Results

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

* QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

a.Education:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with 2 years of relevant experience OR
• A First-level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with 4 years of relevant experience is required.
• 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.

b. Work Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in providing procurement management services in a national and/or international public or corporate organization.
• Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing and developed countries is desired.
• Experience in working with Google Suite/Workspace applications (Docs, Slides, and Sheets) and/or MS Office programmes is desired.

C. Language

• Fluency in English (Reading, Speaking & Writing) is required.
• Knowledge of French language is an asset.