Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Field Procurement Service, Procurement Division, Office of Central Support Services, Department of Management. The incumbent will report to a senior Procurement Officer. The mandate of the Procurement Division is to provide responsive, effective, and quality expert procurement services and business advice to United Nations (UN) Headquarters, field missions, and other UN organizations, while achieving best value for money, ensuring a competitive, fair and transparent process in accordance with established regulations, rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the Procurement Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

？ Plans, develops and manages all procurement and contractual aspects of projects of significant complexity related to worldwide procurement of diverse products and services with significant complexity for the United Nations Headquarters, Peacekeeping Missions, and Office Away from Headquarters (e.g., transportation services, information technology, electronic equipment and instruments, vehicles, medicines, foodstuffs, building maintenance materials, office supplies, construction, furniture, etc.).

？ Advises requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle.

？ Prepares/oversees preparation and distribution of invitations to tender and manages/conducts all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations.

？ Formulates strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects.

？ Establishes and maintains work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly-planned ones.

？ Participates in negotiations with senior supplier representatives; signs procurement orders up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepares submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.

？ Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments; researches and analyzes statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of good and services.

？ Identifies new technologies and products/services, evaluates and recommends potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program.

？ Oversees adherence to contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.

？ Prepares a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, etc.

？ Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.

Competencies

？ Professionalism: Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Good working knowledge of INCOTERMS and international business practices. Knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex contract issues. Knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing. Ability to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors. Ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

？ Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

？ Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration or logistics and supply chain management is required.

Two consecutive years of the aforementioned experience, in the most recent five years are required to be directly related to first-hand procurement experience in conducting international tender exercises to award contracts.

Experience in public sector procurement processes and procedures is desirable.

Experience in the use of procurement information systems is desirable.

Procurement experience in support of implementation of the programmes and operations of the United Nations field missions, the United Nations Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.