Header

Procurement Officer, P-4

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17 Aug 2012
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 18 Jul 2012
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Field Missions Administered by DPKO
DUTY STATION: Multiple D/S
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 12-PRO-PMSS-425799-R-MULTIPLE D/S


This Generic Job Opening is issued for roster purposes. Successful candidates will be placed on a roster for potential consideration for future United Nations Secretariat job openings with the same function at the same level in multiple duty stations. Placement on the roster does not guarantee employment with the United Nations.
Remuneration
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
More Info

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Responsibilities
The following duties are generic and may differ depending on the requirements of the mission. Under the general guidance and direction of the Chief Procurement Officer or Chief of Section, carries out procurement of goods and services required by the Mission, in accordance with the UN Financial Regulations and Rules, established procurement policies and procedures and relevant administrative instructions. Within the delegated authority, the Procurement Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects of projects of significant complexity related to worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities, taking into account local economic and other conditions. • Advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle including ensuring clients maintain effective acquisition planning. • Review procurement requests to ensure appropriateness of technical specifications, evaluation criteria and seek clarifications, if required. • Prepare/oversee the advertisement and distribution of solicitations and manage/conduct all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations. • Make recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts. • Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects. • Establish and maintain work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly-planned ones. • Participate in negotiations with senior supplier representatives; sign purchase orders/contracts up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized approval authority, prepare submissions to contracts committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official. • Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments and to indentify new sources of supply; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services. • Identify new technologies and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and participate in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program. • Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations. • Draft a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, reports, etc. • Supervise, train and evaluate a team of junior staff.

Competencies
Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be assessed against the following competencies: PROFESSIONALISM - In-depth knowledge of all facets of international public procurement and contract principles and practice and ability to address broader issues of procurement in terms of impact at the program and institutional level; good working knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and contracting of a diverse range of goods and services; ability to develop and recommend procurement policies, procedures and new programs; ability to integrate technical knowledge with broader strategic and policy objectives; good working knowledge of INCOTERMS and international business practices; clear understanding of the best value for money concept and methodology; strong analytical skills; knowledge of and experience in cost analysis and evaluation techniques; good knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity; ability to conduct market research (including market trends and pricing), excellent negotiating skills and ability to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors; ability to apply technical expertise, independent judgment and discretion to resolve complex and/or sensitive issues; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations. JUDGEMENT/DECISION MAKING - identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making decision; considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; make tough decisions when necessary. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING - Demonstrated ability to coordinate and supervise the work of others, work to tight deadlines, juggle competing demands, handle multiple concurrent activities and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. ACCOUNTABILITY - Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.



QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Law or related fields. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Additional study or training in accounting, law, or a recognised qualification in procurement is desirable.

Work Experience
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing/procurement, contract management, contract administration, logistics or supply chain management with a minimum of 5 years of direct purchasing/procurement experience. Supervisory experience is desirable. Proven experience of planning, managing and delivering complex procurement programs and services is required. Experience of working in public sector bodies and/or international organizations is desirable. Experience of peacekeeping or military logistics operations is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Other Skills
Assessment: Eligible candidates will be requested to undergo a knowledge-based assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview depending on the result of the test.


The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.
  1. To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.

  2. After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications.

  3. In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.

  4. UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reports to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.

    E-mail: staffing@un.org,

    Fax: 1-212-963-2800

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, if you encounter problems when applying.