Procurement Officer, New York City

Org. Setting and ReportingThe 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.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority the Procurement Officer will be responsible for the following duties: \u2022 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. \u2022 Advises requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle. \u2022 Prepares/oversees preparation and distribution of invitations to tender and manages/conducts all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations. \u2022 Formulates strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects. \u2022 Establishes and maintains work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly planned ones. \u2022 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. \u2022 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. \u2022 Identifies new technologies, and products/services, evaluates and recommends potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program. \u2022 Oversees adherence to contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations. \u2022 Prepares a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, etc. \u2022 Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.

Competencies\u2022 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. \u2022 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. \u2022 Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be \u201cclients\u201d and seeks to see things from clients\u2019 point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients\u2019 needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients\u2019 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.

EducationAn Advanced university degree (Master\u2019s 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 QualificationProfessional 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 ExperienceA 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.

LanguagesEnglish 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).