Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Facilities, Construction and Security Section, Technology & Infrastructure Support Service, Procurement Division (PD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS). The incumbent reports to Chief of Facilities, Construction and Security Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Procurement Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Serves as a senior procurement and contracting expert with responsibility for the procurement of a wide variety of supplies and services associated with highly complex (technically and legally) contracts and procurement activities. • Provides technical advice on procurement activities to officials of substantive units during all phases of the procurement cycle. • Analyzes and evaluates procurement requests and ensures appropriateness of technical specifications. • Develops and prepares highly complex contracts for procurement of non-routine and technologically advanced commodities or long-range services; issues international tender invitations; evaluates responses to tender, and makes recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts; 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. • Develops new tactical approaches to contracts, as well as new methods for their application, based on market research. • Contributes to development of institutional procurement policies and procedures; develops standards and criteria for the evaluation of goods, services, supplier capacity, etc. • Maintains under constant examination production patterns in exporting countries; evaluates the productive capacities and performance of manufacturers to identify supply sources. • Establishes approaches for negotiations and conducts or coordinates all phases of negotiations with all concerned parties, including the negotiation of disputes arising from contracts. • May carry out consultancy missions to the field. • Provides direction and guidance to more junior staff.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: 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. Knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and 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 complex and/or sensitive issues/problems. Ability to develop procurement policies, procedures and new programmes. 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
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, public administration, commerce, commercial law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Professional certification in supply chain such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required. Professional certification or qualification in quantity surveying, cost management, construction, or real estate, with knowledge of recognized international standards and practices, including Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or equivalent frameworks, is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, supply chain management or related area is required. A minimum of two consecutive years of experience in leading international procurement activities, including the development and management of solicitation processes and contract awards for construction, renovation, engineering design, facilities management, and major capital improvement projects, during the last five years is required. A minimum of two consecutive years of experience leading and managing international procurement activities for real estate consultancy and property leasing is required. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or a similar system, and/or working with e-tendering systems such as Ariba or a similar system is required. A minimum of two consecutive years of experience in applying internationally recognized contract forms, such as FIDIC, NEC, JCT, AIA or similar frameworks, and developing performance-based contractual instruments, which may include Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and other performance related measures, is desirable. Experience in the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in sourcing, cleaning and preparing data, selection and developing visualization/metrics in procurement, and/or supply chain management is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
• This position is funded for an initial period of one year by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. • The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
