National Professional Officer (Procurement)

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing, across all 34 provinces, in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In 2022-2023, FAO will, under the life-saving assistance Outcome (1) of the UN Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF), focus on the following four priority actions: (i) Safeguarding Wheat Seed Security, (ii) Enhancing Local Production of Nutritious Food, (iii) Livestock Protection and Dairy Sector Support, and (iv) Restoring Irrigation Structures to Boost Cash Incomes. Additionally, FAO will contribute towards resilience building activities under Outcome 2 of the TEF.

The post is located in the FAO Representation in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Reporting Lines

The National Professional Officer (Procurement) works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and under the direct supervision of the International Procurement Officer.

Technical Focus

The National Professional Officer (Procurement) provides and coordinates day-to-day procurement operations, including specialized and complex processes and functions, ensuring consistency, timeliness and conformity with relevant rules, procedures and practices. S/he provides procedural guidance to clients and staff across the Organization regarding procurement rules and procedures.

Key Results

The planning and delivery of procurement services in accordance with internal policies, UN procurement guidelines and International Standards.

Key Functions

• Performs operational functions relating to the procurement process, including the preparation of documents related to assigned procurement actions, issuance of tenders and purchase orders, evaluation of bids, follow-up with suppliers, attendance at tender opening panel, draft simple amendments and/ or renewals to contracts and service orders under the guidance of the supervisor(s), applying in-depth knowledge of the procurement applications and regulations, etc. • Reviews purchase requisitions, orders, contracts and tenders to ensure that they are technically complete and in conformity with established FAO rules and procedures; approves transactions in the relevant systems up to a maximum amount as delegated. • Ensures that procurement actions are completed in a timely manner in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures; ensures timely information on the status of procurement activities and all related issues. • Maintains and monitors database records related to procurement actions undertaken, assigned tenders, and contracts; coordinates collection of statistical information on procurement actions and ensures that information maintained in the relevant systems is accurate and updated. • Prepares, reviews and analyzes periodic monitoring reports making recommendations and taking action as instructed; • Participates in meetings with suppliers. • Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing across the Service through training of staff and briefing of colleagues on the use of the Oracle Procurement Module and other IT applications utilized in the Procurement Service. • Acts as the Contracts Unit focal point for GRMS, UNGM and Intend. • Reviews current processes and makes recommendations to improve purchasing systems and procedures. • Acts as focal point for the procurement of services under MS 502 and MS 507. • Manages contracts with different stakeholders. • Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Afghanistan. • Advanced (Master’s) university degree in procurement, supply chain or related field or a University (Bachelor) degree in procurement, supply chain or related field and a minimum of three years of additional relevant experience. • One year of experience in procurement support work. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari).

Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the procurement regulations and procedures of any public or international entity or organization. • Good knowledge of the International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS) and their application. • Thorough knowledge of the ERP Procurement Module and ability to guide, direct and advise colleagues on its use and applications. • Thorough knowledge of UN system procurement regulations, policies and procedures. • Certification on procurement delivered from an internationally recognized institution is an asset. • Extensive knowledge and experience in iMIS reporting and monitoring tools.