Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team (Sustainable Procurement)

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

Background Information - Job-specific

CANDIDATES WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED TO THIS POSITION NEED NOT TO REAPPLY

The Sustainable Procurement Practice Group (SPPG) at UNOPS leads the organization’s sustainable procurement practice and is responsible for all matters of organizational development in procurement and supply chain management. It is responsible for developing procurement strategies, policies, and processes. SPPG provides authoritative guidance and procurement advice. It enables oversight and develops procurement and supply chain knowledge networks and training tools to strengthen skills in public procurement while advancing sustainable practices. SPPG is also responsible for a significant percentage of the transactional procurement volume of UNOPS which totalled 740 Mio. USD in 2012.

Our Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team provides subject matter expertise on procurement policy and provides interpretation and substantive examples to assist the procurement practitioners in their understanding of the theory and practice of procurement and all of the supply chain elements. The Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team ensures that UNOPS is aligned with best practices in procurement and supply chain management and helps to continuously improve UNOPS‘procurement practices and organizational maturity. The team also takes charge of all training and educational activities in procurement, outreach to academic partners and universities, is responsible for the visual design and branding of the services and products and for all matters of knowledge management in the sustainable procurement delivery practice.

The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team is the overall responsible for the delivery of the team’s work programme. The incumbent will oversee a team of professionals including two training specialist, a product design and knowledge management analyst, a policy and training analyst, a graphic assistant and intern(s). We are looking for an experienced manager and procurement professional who has a proven track record in procurement operations (preferably in the public sector), policy development, innovation and project management. If you are also interested in sustainable development and contributing the United Nations’ mission, we are looking forward to receiving your application!

Functional Responsibilities

1. Procurement Policy

The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team is responsible for the review and development of all procurement policies ensuring that UNOPS adopts best practices aligned with the environment in which UNOPS carries out its projects. S/he keeps aware about changes in the profession and in the marketplace to assure policies are continuously monitored to reflect best practices and incorporates changes as UNOPS business needs change. Sustainability is a priority for UNOPS and hence, the promotion and integration of sustainable procurement is part of UNOPS continuous development of its procurement framework. Development of new policies will be done after appropriate benchmarking is undertaken within the UN system and looking for innovative approaches among international organizations. S/he provides leadership and advice on the matters of procurement policy and related topics internally as well as externally to UNOPS.

2. Processes, Tools and Templates

The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team is responsible for the design of all procurement processes to ensure simplified and streamlined procedures which ensure compliance. This includes the design of tools, templates, forms, quick guides, graphical illustrations, case studies and other guidance material. S/he ensures that processes, tools and templates are available in a user friendly, easily understandable and implementable manner. S/he actively seeks user feedback to assess usability of such documents and strives for continuous improvement.

3. Knowledge Management and Learning programme

The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team ensures that policies and processes are supported by a portfolio of learning, training and other educational activities. S/he oversees and contributes to the development and delivery of a learning curriculum for UNOPS procurement practitioners that will lead to credentialing, as well as the corporate certification programme for procurement practitioners globally. S/he drives the development and implementation of a broad suite of learning programs, templates and tools to support the procurement practice – working in harmony with other subject matter experts to assure the learning program is comprehensive and current. S/he develops a line of knowledge products, trainings and services to offer to clients and partners. In collaboration with the Deputy Director, Procurement Practice, s/he manages the day to day relationships with UNOPS partners (academic and business) who participate with UNOPS for advancing knowledge in the field of procurement and supply chain and develop, implement and manage student programs for procurement learning exchange/educational secondments.

4. Vendor Review Committee

The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management is also the Secretary of the UNOPS Vendor Review Committee which recommends vendor sanctions in response to findings related to unethical practices, fraud and corruption. In this capacity s/he leads the review of cases for the Vendor Review Committee, presents the findings and makes recommendations guiding the committee. S/he also manages related documentation and correspondence, develops and implements business processes and standard operating procedures and manages vendor sanctions and ensures those are reflected in accordance with the policy.

5. Team management

The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team manages a team of professionals including two training specialist, a product design and knowledge management analyst, a policy and training analyst, a graphic assistant and intern(s). S/he fosters a positive environment of highest standards and values and enables an environment of trust, transparency, fairness and diversity. S/he ensures results through effective communication, motivation and appropriate allocation of available resources. S/he ensures regular discussions on day-to-day business, performance or any matter of concern and manages the recruitment of personnel and effective and efficient succession planning in case of separation of existing staff.The Team Manager, Policy, Training and Knowledge Management team reports to the Deputy Director, Procurement Practice and s/he may also be asked to take on other related duties as required.

Competencies

Representational – be able to represent and promote UNOPS through knowledge and partnership building within the UN and other forums

Knowledge Management and Learning – Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture. In-depth knowledge on public sector procurement solutions, systems and tools. Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills to tasks.

Ability to Analyze – Displays analyzing abilities specific to procurement; is able to understand and assess complexities, takes reasoned approach and discusses them with other key players for a balanced view and is able to match the scope of the solution by optimal use of the organisation's resources, with attention to detail and ability to convert data to useful information.

Managerial and Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage a team, establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Communication – Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Ability to communicate technical concepts in a manner relevant to stakeholders (procurement advisors, procurement associates, procurement specialists, and other end users).Planning and Organizing – Experience in project work; ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for completing the work and managing conflicting priorities. Identifies priority activities and assignments adjusting priorities where required. Foresees risk and allows for contingencies when planning tasks.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education
Masters degree in relevant subject (i.e. Finance, Business, Law, Engineering, Supply Management). Bachelors degree combined with additional experience in a similar position may be accepted in lieu of a Masters degree.
A professional certification in Procurement (for example CIPS) will be considered an asset

Experience
At least 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, with at least 5 years in procurement and supply chain development and implementation, including proven supervisory experience.

In-depth expertise in the field of procurement and supply chain management is required

Strong operational experience with procurement, preferably in the public sector is required

Excellent communication, business acumen and judgement skills is required

Proven track record in delivering projects

A strong team player with experience of working in diverse environments

Language Fluency in English is a requirement

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration: 1 year

Selected candidates who currently hold a staff position, may be able to retain their current staff status

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

How to apply:

Please apply on our online vacancies site https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=5534