Procurement Officer

Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer position at the Department of Operational Support in New York involves managing complex procurement projects for diverse services and commodities. The role requires advising on procurement issues, conducting bid evaluations, and negotiating with suppliers. The officer will also oversee contract adherence and prepare procurement-related documents. This position is crucial for ensuring effective procurement processes within the United Nations.

Candidate Requirements:

• Advanced university degree in relevant field
• Professional certification in procurement and supply chain
• Minimum five years of experience in procurement
• Two years of experience in international tender exercises
• Experience with ERP systems like SAP
• Experience with e-tendering systems
• Knowledge of procurement standards and contract law
• Fluency in English; French is desirable

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Department of Operational Support was established to provide end-to-end operational support, advisory services and other solutions to operating entities across the Secretariat, including other departments, Offices away from Headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The Office of Supply Chain Management includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, the Logistics Division, the Procurement Division, the Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, Global Service Centre, Aviation Safety Section and the Enabling and Outreach Service. 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. This position is located in the Transportation & Life Support Service, Procurement Division (PD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS). The Procurement Officer reports to a Team Leader within PD.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the Procurement Officer will 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 services and commodities (e.g. information technology, electronic equipment and instruments, vehicles, medicines, foodstuffs, building maintenance materials, office supplies, construction, furniture, etc.), taking into account local economic and other conditions.
• Advises requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage 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; prepares and develops data metrics for senior management.
• 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. 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

An Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree 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 procurement and supply chain such as the Diploma in Procurement and Supply of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in procurement, contract management or contract administration is required. A minimum of two years of experience in conducting international tender exercises to award high-value, complex goods and services contracts during the last five years is required. Experience working with the procurement module of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or a similar System, and working with e-tendering systems such as Ariba or a similar system is required. Experience working in procurement process and procedures in support of a field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping operations, special political missions, agencies, funds and programmes), or other similar international organizations is desirable. Experience working with business intelligence systems and data analysis tools is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a 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 is therefore subject to the availability of the position or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

Applicants from troop and police-contributing countries who are found most suitable and recommended for selection will be given due consideration for positions in a peacekeeping operation or Headquarters support account funded positions in the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support, taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/265 and 67/287.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity 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 professional's 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.

Individual contractors and consultants (Affiliate Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

Applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply for job openings.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may