Procurement Assistant

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.

In support of the Government of Zimbabwe, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently implementing a five-year Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022- 2026. UNDP focuses on areas that have a multiplier effect through a targeted build-up of capacities, policies, the creation of dialogue space, and scalable downstream interventions. UNDP’s downstream interventions seek to provide platforms for citizen engagement in democratic processes and facilitate access to skills, knowledge, and new technologies for increased income generation.

In line with the Bureau for Management Services’ observation on supply chain disruption and export restrictions that have been put in place by many countries for certain critical products, UNDP country offices may need to look for alternatives beyond sourcing from UNDP's traditional and/or Long-Term Agreements (LTA) vendors. Increasingly these sourcing solutions may need to be local, for example suppliers or manufacturers who already have stock and who require orders to be placed within a short period to secure supply. To facilitate such procurement, the Bureau for Management Services has placed a number of options at the country offices’ disposal, among them being the following:

National Competition: Lifting of the restriction on national competition and encouraging Country Offices to look at the local market for sourcing urgently required supplies.
Bidding time: Reduction of the minimum bidding period from two weeks to one week.
Expediting clearances: To ensure that there are no delays in the provision of clearances.

Pursuant to the above, the CO has a need for a Procurement UNV for ensuring this objective is fully achieved.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Procurement Analyst the UNV Procurement Assistant will perform the following: 1.1 Micro Purchasing

- Engage units on specifications of requirements.
- Launch procurement enquiries with local suppliers.
- Prepare evaluation reports.
- Submit for review and approval.
- Inform suppliers of placed orders.
- Follow up on pending deliveries.
    - Update clients on status of requests.

1.2 Contract Management

- Update existing contract register.
-  Follow up with service providers on delivery timelines.
-  Note any challenges, constraints, and modifications to timelines.
-  Update program colleagues.

1.3 Rosters Update

- Launch an expression of interest for local suppliers in identified categories.
- Receive and evaluate prospective suppliers’ submissions.
- Update the country office rosters.
- Submit the rosters for approval by country office management.

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Professionalism, Working in Teams

in Procurement and Supply Chain Management or other relevant programmes; experience with the UN and knowledge of Atlas is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; - Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; - Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; - Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners; - Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; - Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; - Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona phrase, dzimba dzemabwe, meaning houses of stone or stone building which are symbolized by the Great Zimbabwe ruins near the present-day town of Masvingo. Zimbabwe is landlocked and situated in Southern Africa with a total land area of 390,757 square kilometres. It is bordered by Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the South, Botswana to the west and Zambia to the north and northwest. The country is divided into 10 administrative provinces and 62 districts. The capital city is Harare and other major cities include Bulawayo, Gweru, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Masvingo and Mutare. The population of Zimbabwe is estimated to be 13.061 million with 52% being female. The major ethnic groups are Shona and Ndebele.

There are two main seasons: The rainy/green season (November to May) and the dry season (June to October). There are usually many hours of sunshine every day (even during the rainy season), and the temperature doesn’t feel as hot as it could, due to Zimbabwe’s high altitude and low humidity. Towns in the Eastern Highlands like Nyanga, Vumba and Mutare are usually cooler than the rest of the country. Towns in lower altitude areas like Victoria Falls, Beitbridge, Bulawayo and Kariba are warmer than the country average during the day, and cooler in the evenings. House of sunlight in Zimbabwe don’t change much during the year. The usual precautions that should be taken in any city in the world apply here too such as being wary of thieves, pickpockets etc. avoiding certain shady areas. Medical Vaccinations should also be taken as directed by medical authorities.

There are lots of short-term accommodation options which vary in price range and standard. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) recommend a list of temporary accommodation facilities (hotels and lodges) which can be used while in Zimbabwe. Most guest houses and hotels have an internet service that is either included in the room or may be accessed through the payment of a fee. There is the need to check rates first as sometimes internet access can be costly. Refer to UN in Zimbabwe, New Arrivals Welcome Brief-2017 (under review).

The UN Volunteer will be based in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe and hosts UN Agencies and a large number of development partners. Zimbabwe is a family-duty station with vibrant expat community. It has been assessed as secured and classified as C hardship duty station. While general security threats are assessed as 'Low' by UNDSS, a detailed security briefing is provided to all new arrivals by the security staff on arrival in the country. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.