Procurement Assistant

Support and coordinate procurement operations in the FAO office.

This opening expired 2 years ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Friday 22 Mar 2024 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Support and coordinate procurement operations in the FAO office.

You have:

  • Secondary School Education.
  • Four years of experience in administrative, accounting and/or procurement support work.
  • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of French.
  • Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.
  • Good knowledge of the MS Office package, Internet and office technology equipment.
  • Candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station.

Organizational Setting

The main objective in the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Rabat, Morocco.

Main Purpose

The Procurement Assistant supports and coordinates day-to-day procurement operations, including specialized processes and functions, ensuring consistency, timeliness and conformity with relevant rules, procedures and practices. He/she provides procedural guidance to clients and staff across the Organization regarding procurement rules and procedures.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Procurement Assistant works under the supervision and guidance of the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration). Work is performed applying initiative and judgement. The incumbent may coordinate the work of other procurement support staff. Supervision/ guidance received is focused on the appropriateness of actions and the quality of work outputs.

Working Relationships

The incumbent works closely with a wide range of colleagues both within the work unit, with client offices and with suppliers, providing the full range of procurement support services.

Key Functions/Results

• Perform and as necessary coordinate all procurement actions related to the assigned area of responsibility: retrieve purchase requisitions, enter potential suppliers/contractors into relevant systems, prepare all documents related to the procurement action including tender documents, issuance of Purchase Orders, Service Orders, simple contracts, amendments and renewals, handle all related incoming and outgoing correspondence and documentation; inform the supervisor of the status and any issues, problems and discrepancies. • Follow-up on purchase orders and contracts: monitor receipt of order confirmation, shipment and receipt of goods and services, receipt of performance bonds or other necessary documentation. • Plan, organize and coordinate delivery schedules involving contact with international suppliers, domestic/international transportation companies, and Italian customs for international and national merchandise to FAO. • Review invoices of incoming goods and customs clearance fees for accuracy; bring to the supervisor's attention any discrepancies which may arise, prior to processing the payment. • Identify potential sources of supply for goods and services required. • Maintain database records regarding procurement actions undertaken, assigned tenders, purchase orders and contracts. • Prepare and review periodic monitoring reports, taking action as instructed. • Provide advice and support to other Procurement Assistants and to clients across the Organization on procurement procedures, regulations and the use of the ERP Procurement Modules. • Supports corporate initiatives in accordance with the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability. • Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Work

The incumbent's work impacts on the quality, timeliness and efficiency of FAO's procurement operations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education. Work Experience and Knowledge: Four years of experience in administrative, accounting and/or procurement support work. Languages: Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of French and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English. IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office package, Internet and office technology equipment. Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. "Commuting distance" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

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

Technical Skills

• Very good knowledge of the corporate computerized financial/travel/procurement/human resources systems. • Very good knowledge of standard procurement regulations and procedures.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Very good knowledge of FAO's administrative policies and procedures. • Very good knowledge of FAO structure. • Knowledge of Corporate Environmental Responsibility.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you had to handle a procurement issue? This assesses your problem-solving skills in procurement scenarios. Provide a clear example of a specific issue and the steps you took to resolve it.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple procurement requests? The interviewer wants to gauge your organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have with procurement regulations and procedures? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a disagreement with a supplier? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or systems have you used to manage procurement records? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org