Procurement Officer

The incumbent coordinates, supports and provides supervisory oversight of the procurement function at UNODC ROMENA and the UNODC Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region (OGCCR). The incumbent is expected, upon request, to support other UNODC offices and Global Programmes in the procurement hub where UNODC operates. Within assigned authority the Procurement Officer will provide the following specific

Duties

• Serve as the procurement and contracting expert for technically and legally complex procurement processes across a wide range of goods and services (e.g. information technology, specialized electronic equipment and instruments, medicines, safety and security equipment, including personal protective equipment, food goods, building maintenance materials, office supplies, furniture, construction, refurbishment work, fuel, office lease etc.), while considering local market conditions
• Plan, develop and manage procurement activities related to infrastructure and major construction projects, including those of significant value, in consultation and supported by the UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit, in close cooperation with UNODC architects, engineers, and national authorities to ensure that all applicable building codes, regulations and safety precautions are followed
• Lead and manage all procurement activities, ensuring compliance with policies and providing end-to-end support across projects and programmes
• Review and evaluate procurement requests, ensuring technical specifications are appropriate, and guide and support buyers and requisitioners through quality assurance and coordination
• Develop procurement procedures, workflows, standards and evaluation criteria; organize staff development and training activities
• Conduct and lead negotiations with supplier representatives; prepare and manage complex contracts for procurement of non-routine and technologically advanced commodities or long-range services; long term agreements, and tender processes; evaluate bids and recommend award of contracts; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit under delegated authority or prepare submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official
• Plan, develop and manage all procurement activities related to UNODC construction projects
• Develop strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects, particularly of construction projects in cooperation with architects, engineers and other UNODC staff, experts and consultants
• Liaise closely with the national authorities in conforming with local construction laws
• Prepare, review, clear and/or approve a variety of procurement-related documents, note to file, contracts, communications, guidelines, and instructions
• Establish strategies and solutions to address complex procurement challenges, including contract negotiations and dispute resolution
• Ensure procurement activities comply with the United Nations Secretariat Financial Regulations and Rules; coordinate with other UN entities such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in line with the Mutual Recognition principle
• Promote and support discussions within the UN system in the context of Business Operating Strategy (BOS) which aims at increasing the number of established Long-Term Agreements to support UNODC. Contribute to the development of regional procurement guidance note, procedures, workflows, standards, templates, innovation initiative and criteria for the evaluation of goods, services, and supplier capacity; streamline procurement processes and support implementation of UNOV/UNODC and Secretariat-wide initiatives, in close coordination with the ROMENA Operations Manager
• Develop and deliver training, coaching and guidance on procurement practices to staff and stakeholders
• Improve and streamline procurement processes through analysis, standardization, and implementation of new tools and initiatives undertaken by the UN Secretariat
• Develop templates, standard operating procedures and other planning and monitoring tools to enhance efficiency and oversight
• Manage, as appropriate, the preparation of accurate and timely reports of procurement activities
• Monitor and manage reporting, auditing, and compliance of procurement activities, ensuring timely responses to recommendations and audit findings
• Lead the implementation of Enterprise and Corporate tools mandated by the Organization to enhance productivity and improve overall operations
• These tools may include the Procurement Tracker, the e-tendering tool (Ariba), the Instant Feedback System (IFS) and the Contract Performance Reporting Tool (CPRT)
• Following deployment, ensure their effective utilization through user support, guidance, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize organizational benefits and compliance
• Monitor various corporate dashboards to ensure compliance with key performance indicators related to procurement and coordinate with counterparts to ensure compliance with procurement standards
• Professionalism: Has knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for highly complex and technologically advanced goods and services
• Has knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and contract issues
• Has knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing
• Is able to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors
• Has ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of complex and/or sensitive issues/problems
• Is able to develop procurement policies, procedures and new programmes
• Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management
• 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

Desired Candidate Profile

Education An advanced university degree (Master s degree or equivalent) in business administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Professional certification in supply chains such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required. Evidence of such certification must be uploaded as part of the application. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in procurement or related area is required. Work experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required. Work experience with SAP (such as Umoja) is desirable. At least one year of demonstrated work experience with construction projects, including the procurement of architectural and construction services, is desirable. At least one year of demonstrated procurement work experience in multiple field locations, including hands-on experience supporting project-based client operations in a decentralized environment, is desirable. At least one year of demonstrated work experience in managing a team within the United Nations system or another international organization is desirable. Work experience in using e-tendering solutions (such as Ariba) is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult