Procurement Officer

Organizational Setting The Procurement Service (CSLP) provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations and the Letter of Agreement Quality Assurance function both at headquarters and in FAO Decentralized Offices; it provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on "Best Value for Money" principles.

The post is located in the Procurement Service (CSLP) in the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines The Procurement Officer reports to the Procurement Officer (Monitoring and Compliance), Procurement Service (CSLP).

Technical Focus Timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods and services and Quality Assurance for Letters of Agreement in compliance with the relevant FAO Rules and Regulations.

Key Results Ensure that procurement activities comply with FAO's established policies and procedures and reflect best practice for public procurement.

Key Functions • Plans, develops and manages all procurement and contractual aspects of significant complexity; • Advises requisitioning units on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle, meeting objectives under tight deadlines; • Prepares solicitation process, identifies method of solicitation, drafts tendering documents, identifies sourcing strategy and distributes invitations to tender, also using e-tendering system and supports bid/proposals evaluations while ensuring the solicitation process is fair, objective and transparent and that it follows the general principles, as set forth in the FAO Manual Section; • Prepares and presents cases to the relevant Procurement Committees; • Participates in and conducts site inspections, bidder's conferences and contract negotiations; • Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments; researches and analyses statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services; • Contributes to updating procurement policies and related tools, provides procurement reporting as well as clarification/information for auditing purposes; • Ensures the full implementation of corporate initiatives in accordance with the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability and in line with the Strategy for Sustainability Management in the UN System 2020-2030; • Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at FAO headquarters and the Decentralized Offices; • Provides guidance to new/junior staff and stakeholders, ensures entry of accurate data using the Organizations ERP and related systems; • Makes initial determinations and recommendations concerning disputes or claims arising from contractual instruments or procurement processes; • Prepares monitoring reports, reviews and analyses data and make recommendations based on findings; • Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions ▪ Implements procurement capacity building strategy, delivers capacity development programs; monitors completion of procurement training programs for purpose of Decentralization Offices’ delegation of authority or procurement professionalism; ▪ Coordinates auditing of procurement activities; ensures recommendations are addressed in a timely manner to ensure adherence to compliance framework; liaises with stakeholders; ▪ Manages the yearly procurement planning exercise carried out by the Procurement Service; ensures/monitors effective implementation; acts as focal point for internal stakeholders; ▪ Implements the Procurement Service monitoring strategy to ensure principles of Best value for Money and compliance are met; monitors results and liaises with procurement officers at regional level on action plans as needed; ▪ Manages the Procurement Service communication activities; ensures accuracy, relevance and impact of communication to internal and external stakeholders; ▪ Oversees secretariat function for procurement related committees such as headquarters Procurement Committee and Vendor Sanctions Committee; ▪ Performs other related duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, or a related field. • Five years of relevant experience in procurement related activities including at least two years in public procurement. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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

Technical/Functional Skills • Demonstrated knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. • Extent and relevance of experience in public sector procurement, preferably at international level, in drafting procurement procedures or guidelines, providing support and guidance to internal and external stakeholders. • Extent and experience in contributing to high impact procurement related projects. • Demonstrated ability to draft complex documents in English is considered a strong asset. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work. • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.