Procurement Officer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Given the expertise and operational capacities of UNOPS, the World Bank requested its support for the implementation of infrastructure projects in Niger in the health sector.

In this context, UNOPS NIGER wishes to recruit a Procurement Officer in the field of purchasing and infrastructure, who will be based in Niamey and will have to carry out the tasks described below:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager who reports to the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of procurement services reflecting best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS procurement rules and regulations, appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money. He/she analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide range of procurement-related issues.

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Officer maintains a collaborative, client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Implementation of operational procurement strategies
2. Management of procurement processes
3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
5. Team Management

1. Implements key aspects of operational procurement strategies focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design, and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system.
• Implementation of, or support to, the different steps of the procurement processes, including Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Rehabilitation/Construction/Equipment Contract Management.
• Report on suppliers’ performance & compliance through the Supplier Performance Evaluation Tool, and escalate where necessary ;
• Support the project manager and the team for construction/rehabilitation contract management (Amendment, CPC submission)

2. Provides technical support and guidance to procurement processes of the Business Unit, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Timely and duly prepared elements of procurement plans and monitoring of their implementation of infrastructure and/or procurement processes.
• Guidelines followed on embedding sustainability along the procurement and infrastructure process.
• Organization of RFQ, ITB, or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids, or proposals, their evaluation, and negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Preparation of submissions to the Contract and Property Committees (CPCs).
• Monitoring of contractor performance and certification of completed work for compliance with contractual terms and payment.
• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Project Managers on procurement issues.
• Drafting of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures.

3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.
• Utilization of sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Group’s goals and standards in this area.

4.Team Management - Facilitate 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. - Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices. - Work closely with the PM to ensure that purchase orders and payments are properly recorded under the project - Act as a focal point for long-term agreements equipment purchased through UN Web Buy Plus

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Organize, facilitate, and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on Procurement-related topics.

• Contribute to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing a collaborative synthesis of lessons learned and dissemination of best practices in infrastructure procurement management

• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about infrastructure & procurement processes within the best practices and utilize productively.

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit/s and project activities in procurement and infrastructure management, impacting the timely availability of effective goods and services for UNOPS programs. Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of goods and services, contributes to office performance, efficiency, and client satisfaction, which promotes the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education- Advanced Degree or equivalent preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Engineering Economics or related field.

• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years’ experience in Procurement Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field may be accepted instead of the Advanced university degree.

• For those who do not have a degree in Procurement of Supply Chain Management, the Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) or similar international Certification is a distinct advantage.

• Knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations is a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience in infrastructure procurement process in the public sector and/or international organizations is required.

• One (1) year of working experience in Procurement of Supply Chain Management is desirable.

• One (1) year of Experience in ERP use is required.

• Experience in FIDIC contract management is desirable.

• Experience in the development and/or supervision of infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of UN Procurement Rules and Regulations is a distinct advantage.

  Language:

• Full working knowledge, of French

• English intermediate (read, write, speak)

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.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type : ICA

2. Contract level : IICA 1, ICS 8
3. Contract duration : Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

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 Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.