Procurement Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Efficient, timely, responsive, cost-effective and high-quality services rendered to MNUSMA’s Procurement Section, including:

• All procurement activities in his/her unit or area of responsibility carried out are in compliance with the United Nations Financial Rules and Regulations, UN Procurement Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures; • All assigned requisitions completed, and procurement advice provided on statement of requirement, terms of reference and technical specifications to uphold competition, transparency and integrity of the procurement process; • Quality and reliable vendors registered in the database in accordance with the set criteria in the UN Procurement Manual, using the applicable sourcing methodologies; • Competitive solicitation of tenders solicited, and purchase orders and contracts awarded in accordance with the UN Procurement Manual; • Effective procurement of goods and services ensured within the established guidelines, UN • Procurement Manual to meet the mission’s operational requirements; • Efficient management of procurement records;

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Officer the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Review, record and prioritize purchasing requests and obtain additional information/ documentation as required; provide assistance to requisitioners in preparing scope of work and specifications of goods and services; • Propose product substitutions consistent with requirements to achieve cost savings, determine the availability of funding sources; • Identify and recommend sources of procurement; and interview potential suppliers. Produce tender documents (e.g. Invitations to Bids, Requests for Proposals and Request for Quotation) based on the nature of the requirements and cost of procurement involved; • Prepare abstracts of offers and compile data contained in quotations, proposals and bids to determine which supplier can deliver the required goods/services at the best terms and costs possible with due consideration to quality, delivery time, prompt payment and other discounts, transportation costs, etc.; • Enter into negotiation of terms and conditions of orders under the guidance of Procurement Officers; • Obtain credit and other information on proposed suppliers; • Finalize purchase orders and contracts for approval of the Procurement Officer; • If required, in cases where the procured value is above the threshold as set in the Procurement Manual, prepare case submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official; • Resolve issues/problems related to delivered goods, including discrepancies between purchase orders and items/quantities shipped or received; • Prepare and sign Return to Vendor forms for unacceptable and/or damaged goods received; • Maintain relevant internal databases and files; • Keep track of any contractual agreements, direct provisioning contracts, etc. and inform affected users of contractual rights and obligations; • Research, retrieve and present information from a variety of internal and external sources on sources of supply vendors by commodity, etc.; • Obtain specifications for new products and equipment on the market; • Draft a variety of correspondence; • Perform other related duties as assigned;

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take own-ership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confi-dentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work envi-ronment. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious work-ing relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for di-versity and gender; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, re-mote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of oper-ations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

• 3 years of professional experience in procurement or contracting work in private industry, government,
international organization.

Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2020 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 545 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.