Background Information - Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
Background Information โ East and Southern Africa Multi Country Office (ESAMCO)
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the East and Southern Africa Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements. The ESAMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya, which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple โoperationalโ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi.
Background Information - Job-specific
Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Manager and under the guidance of the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Officer is responsible for providing administrative support in the management of a variety of procurement and contracting processes and /transactions for goods, services and works for the Business Unit.
Summary of Key Results Expected:
Functional Responsibilities
1. Implements key aspects of operational procurement strategies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system.
Implementation of, or support to, 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.
2. Provides technical support and guidance to procurement processes of the Business Unit, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Timely and duly prepared elements of procurement plans and monitoring of their implementation
Guidelines followed for embedding sustainability along the procurement process.
Organization of Request for Quotation (RFQ), Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposal (RFP), receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
Preparation of submissions to the Contract and Property Committees (CPCs).
Monitoring of contractor performance and certification of completed work for compliance with contractual terms and payment.
Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Project Managers on procurement issues.
Drafting of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures.
3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.
Carry out market research to identify new potential suppliers.
Utilization of-sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Groupโs goals and standards in this area. 4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing:
Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for 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 human resources management.
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 UNOPSโ 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 UNOPSโ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.
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. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
A first-level university degree (Bachelorโs degree) or equivalent, preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field, is required.
An Advanced Degree or equivalent, preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field, is a distinct advantage.
Certification from the Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) or similar international Certification is a distinct advantage. Experience:
A minimum of two (2) yearsโ experience in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management is required.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (Google Suite) is required.
Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing countries is desirable.
Experience in the use of Enterprise systems such as OneUNOPS is desired.
Knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations is a distinct advantage. Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) - Homebased Retainer Contract
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - 8 (ICS 8)
Contract duration: Open ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a โunit priceโ per day worked. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.
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.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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.
It may be the responsibility of the selected candidate to make arrangements, to a standard deemed acceptable by UNOPS, for secure internet connections, laptop and or equipment necessary for work (as defined by UNOPS).
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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.