Administrative and Procurement Specialist

Volunteering Admin Human Resources Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Support effective management of UNFPA programme activities in population and development.

You have:

• Experience in administration, Human Resources, finance or office management.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

You support the effective management of UNFPA programme activities in the areas of population and development, reproductive health and gender. You will demonstrate a client-oriented, results- focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in relation to HR, administration and finance, while providing support and guidance to the Country Office (CO) and UNFPA-supported projects.

● Providing support on the operational aspects of programme/project inputs, including personnel, subcontracts, equipment, fellowships and other programme and project-related events to facilitate programme/project delivery. ● Providing support HR, HR focal point on the recruitment and selection process, applying best practice HR approaches; advising managers and project personnel on contracting options; coordinating the performance appraisal process. ● Providing support HR, HR focal point on boarding on new personnel, personnel leaves and attendance records; maintain the CO staffing table; maintain Consultant Monitoring Tools, schedule of contracts and timeliness. ● Managing and maintaining up-to-date inventory and records such as asset list, inventory list, attractive items list. ● Participate in OMT Procurement Sub-Working Group (SWG), and Admin Logistic Sub-working Group (SWG). ● Implementing corporate systems and applications in support of administrative and human resource management and CO operations; creating procedures for effective management of UNFPA resources; and advising and training project staff. ● Managing procurement operations for office and project equipment, supplies and services, in a transparent and cost-effective manner. ● Managing maintaining up-to-date long term agreements (LTA) and Professional Service Contracts (PSC); ● Managing maintaining up-to-date all office vehicle official documents; International staff’s and their dependents’ Lao Visa, stay permits, Lao driving licenses, vehicles and motorcycle’s official documents. ● Managing customs clearance for procured imported commodities and other supplies and closely work with SRH programme team; ● Involve the HACT assurance exercise such as Spot Check, Micro Assessment (MA), audit process and ensure follow up actions are taken up properly. ● Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

• Exemplifying integrity, • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, • Embracing cultural diversity, • Embracing change

● Experience in administration, Human Resources, finance or office management. ● Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.

The position will be based in the capital, Vientiane. Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure, including health facilities.

Vientiane is a relatively safe place to live in, with violent crime incidents very rare. However, single females should be vigilant if moving alone during the dark and it is best advised to move in groups.

The biggest hazards relate to traffic accidents; hence utmost care should be exerted when in traffic, especially when riding a motorbike. Volunteers must have a motorbike licence to ride a motorbike in Lao PDR.

The Vientiane entertainment scene is still quiet and to avoid feeling lonely, the person should be proactive in forming friendships and hence should be ready to make the best of e.g. the UNV Buddy Programme.

There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the UNDP office. Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity. The UNV Office in Laos will assist the UNV in finding adequate accommodation. House shares with 3-4 people are most common, but single apartments are also available.

Vientiane’s city centre is full of restaurants, shops, bars, and internet cafes with many lined up along the Mekong River.

Laos is a former French colony but is looking towards modernism despite its huge historical and cultural legacy.

Surrounded by China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Laos has established a business-friendly environment over the years. It thus attracts foreign investment and provides many professional opportunities to expatriates.

Lao people are friendly and show tolerance and an open-minded approach to visitors in their country, but their culture and values should always be respected.

Lao is a unique and mysterious country. It provides an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as some commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and will to adapt are necessary to live in a lovely yet developing country.

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Potential interview questions

Added 6 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unv.org