Sr. Procurement Officer

Background Information - Job Specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position: Procurement Senior Officer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Qualified women and candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular, candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.This is a local position, and is hence open to Ethiopian nationals only.

The Procurement Senior Officer is responsible for the effective delivery and implementation of strategic and effective procurement services for a select group of technically complex goods, services and works within the specific geographical area and/or project. These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.

The incumbent analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The work is focused in transactional procurement, including all steps of the procurement process. Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Senior Officer promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

The Procurement Senior Officer works in close collaboration with the Support Services, Program and project teams in the relevant geographical area or business unit, UNOPS HQs colleagues and Government officials, to successfully deliver procurement services.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Specialist, the Procurement Senior Officer shall perform the following duties including, but not limited to:

1. Implementation of transactional procurement
2. Management of procurement processes
3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
4. Team Management
5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. In close cooperation with the Project Managers, under the guidance of a technical supervisor, and reporting to the management on central issues related to procurement activities, implements operational strategies and manages procurement, contract, and sourcing transactions, actions and processes for goods, services, and works, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; internal controls and client orientation.
• Implementation of the different steps of the procurement processes, including Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.
• Implementation of strategic procurement for projects assigned in the Business Unit.
• Research undertaken and data provided for Business Unit’s supply market intelligence and analysis.

2. Manages and guides procurement processes for a select group of technically complex goods, services within a given geographical area and/or Business Unit, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Sustainability is embedded along the procurement process.
• Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for projects and monitoring of their implementation.
• Establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures in compliance with the Procurement Policy.
• Implementation of proper monitoring 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 UNOPS rules and regulation.
• Awards are recommended based on UNOPS procurement rules and procedures.
• Management of procurement contracts, analysis of contract performance against agreed benchmarks and pre-established reporting mechanisms.
• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Programme Managers on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.

3. Implements sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.
• Utilization sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Groups’ goals and standards in this area.

4. Team management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Procurement-related topics.
• Contribute to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Impact of Results

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit/s and project activities in procurement management, impacting the timely availability of effective goods and services for UNOPS’ programmes. Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of goods and services, contribute to office performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) or equivalent in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Management, Business/Public Administration or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree) in combination with four (4) years experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Management, Business/Public Administration or related field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement management is required.
• Experience in procuring requirements of significant complexity and value is desirable.
• Experience in UNOPS procurement work procedure & system with a range of stakeholders in developing and developed countries is an added advantage.
• Experience in procuring high-value requirements(experience in establishing long-term supply contracts would be an advantage).
• Some experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country, is desirable.

Certification:

• CIPS and/or other Procurement Practitioner Certification would be considered a significant asset.

Skills

• Contract management two (2) years is required.
• Negotiation skill two (2) years is required.
• Relationship management skills is an asset.
• Experience/knowledge of Google Suite products, especially Google Forms, Sheets, Docs and Slides is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in writing, reading and oral English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others.

For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
• Contract level: LICA/ICS -9
• Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Contract type: Local Individual

• Contractor Agreement (LICA)
• Contract level: LICA/ICS -9Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance
• Procurement / Purchasing
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management