Procurement Associate

Contract

This is a LICA-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-6 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

In the Panama Office, various types of projects are carried out, such as the remodeling of prisons, technical assistance to the UCIP (Public Infrastructure Coordinating Unit), Operations Projects for the Administration of Funds and Human Resources and the project for the Construction of the Humanitarian Logistics Center, these projects that help all those involved, empowering them with the necessary tools

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Officer and under the guidance from the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Associate ensures the provision of efficient and timely support services in procurement and contract administration to the different programmers in a relevant geographical area. He/she promotes a client-focused, quality and results- oriented approach and provides support to the relevant procurement personnel. In the discharge of her/his duties, the Procurement Associate works with minimal supervision and liaises with UNOPS Programme Support Officers, Chief Technical Advisors, Portfolio Managers and Portfolio Assistants in order to ensure best support.

Summary of Key results area:

1. Transactional Procurement Support services
2. Procurement planning, requisitions and sourcing
3. Bidding and tendering processes
4. Contract administration
5. Team Management
6. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Transactional Procurement Support services

• Incorporation of necessary steps to embed sustainability in the procurement process.
• Completeness of submissions to the Contract and Property Committees (CPCs).

2. Procurement planning, requisitions and sourcing

• Collaboration with projects personnel and Managers in the preparation of their procurement plan, awarding, administering and monitoring of all matters related to procurement for the given geographical area / project activity.
• Maintenance and update of procurement monitoring processes for projects and provision of feedback on purchase orders to requesting office;

3. Bidding and tendering processes

• Preparation of shortlists of suitable contractors/suppliers for purchases of value over designated amounts for approval of designated officer;
• Preparation and issuance of EOI, RFQ, ITB, RFP or other tender documents as required, ensuring their conformity with UNOPS approved templates or seeking legal clearance in case of required adjustments;

4. Contract administration

• Supports efficient contract administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Follow-up signing of contracts by vendors;

5. Team Management

• Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

6. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organizes, facilitates and/or delivers training and learning initiatives for personnel on procurement
• Provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement.

To access the full list of roles and responsibilities, pelase download the terms of references attached to the announcement.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - High School Diploma is required.

• University degree (Bachelor or Master) preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, or related areas will be considered an asset and may substitute some years of relevant experience required.

• Relevant certification in procurement and supply chain management (CIPS or similar) is a distinct advantage.

Experience - A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in providing procurement support services in national and/or international public or corporate organizations.

• Proficiency in computers and office software packages (MS Office / Gsuites) and experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.

• Supervisory experience of personnel in procurement support services, may be considered an asset.

• Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing countries may be considered an asset.

• Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.

• Experience in use of Enterprise systems including e-Sourcing in procurement, One UNOPS is desirable

Language - Full knowledge of Spanish and English, is required

• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level: LICA 6 - support services

Regular Monthly Contract: This contract is established in the form of a regular monthly contract, i.e. a continuous presentation of services is required during the contract period, with payments associated with the contract being made at the end of each calendar month

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

Work life harmonization: UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options.

UNOPS is an equal opportunity employer and all quialified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We encoourage female candidates to apply.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the deadline is midnight Copenhagen time (CET).
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Additional information