Background

                Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director (Operations), the Procurement Specialist is responsible for management of the CO Procurement Unit, effective delivery of procurement services in order to obtain the best value for money. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The Specialist will build the Procurement implementation capacities in national counterparts by providing quality advisory services and coming up with solutions. The Procurement Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

The Procurement Specialist supervises the staff of the Procurement Unit. The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Project Teams in the CO, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials to successfully deliver procurement services.

                Duties and Responsibilities

                Summary of Key Functions:

• Elaboration and implementation of operational strategies;
• Efficient management of procurement processes;
• Elaboration, introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensures elaboration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system;
• CO Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement and Logistics, control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit;
• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies;
• Implementation of contract strategy in the CO including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, managing the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment;
• Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of the contract strategic in the office including tendering processes, evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, management of the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment;
• Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of the strategic procurement in the office, including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, performance measurement.

1. Ensures efficient management of procurement processes for CO, NEX projects, and at the request of other Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Timely and duly preparation of procurement plans for the office and projects and monitoring of their implementation;
• Establishment and implementation of proper monitoring system and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulation;
• Review and certification of submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP);
• Management of procurement contracts and, upon delegation of responsibility, performing the functions of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for Purchase orders approval;
• Elaboration of the internal control system to ensure that Purchase orders are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems;
• Establishment of the procurement processes monitoring system and mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in procurement;
• Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.

1. Ensures elaboration, introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms;
• Management of the e-procurement system.

1. Knowledge sharing and management will be the fundamental aspects of high value services, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Sound contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Knowledge sharing and knowledge management will be fundamental aspects of high-value services;
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Procurement;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Procurement.

                Competencies

                Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills .

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to lead procurement processes using specific procurement methods (RFQ, ITB, RFP);
• Ability to introduce and implement strategic procurement, contract and sourcing strategy;
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

                Required Skills and Experience

                Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.

Experience:

• 5 years of post Master’s relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement management. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and national language of the duty station. Knowledge of one more UN official language is desirable.

                Disclaimer

                Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.