Procurement Senior Associate

Contract

This is a LICA-7 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-7 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Ghana Multi Country Office (GMCO) :

UNOPS Ghana Multi Country Office (GHMCO), located in Accra, spans across West Africa, covering Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

The Ghana Operational Hub is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with a subset of the regional portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

The core functions of GHMCO are to:

• Liaise and develop engagements, and deliver services responding to partner needs.
• Leverage advice and integrate delivery modalities of the three Delivery Practices and the Global Partner Service Office.

• Maintain appropriate arrangements and capacity for direct transactional support for delivery of the sub-regional portfolio.

  Job Specific: Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Senior Officer, GHMCO - Ghana and under the guidance from the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Senior 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 procurement personnel. In the discharge of her/his duties, the Procurement Senior Associate works with minimal supervision and liaises with UNOPS programme support colleagues and technical experts, in order to ensure the best quality of service.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions/Key Results Expected Summary of key results:

1. Transactional Procurement Support services
2. Procurement planning and systems
3. Requisitions/procurement and sourcing
4. Bidding and tendering
5. Contract administration
6. Team Management

7. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

   1.Transactional Procurement Support services: Ensures compliance of transactional procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies, including undertaking the following

• Execution of necessary steps to embed sustainability in the procurement process.

• Completeness of submissions to the Contract and Property Committees (CPCs).

• Completeness of documentation for preparation/processing of Purchase Orders, Contracts, LTAs or their Amendments.

• Provision of requested research/data on market supply by conducting routine market research to determine sources of supplies, using United Nations Global Market Place, and other external sources;

• Set-up/enhancement and maintenance of the local supplier database, ensuring regular update of data.

• Information databases, all procurement files and records updated and maintained.

• Status reports generated, as required.

  2. Procurement planning and systems Ensures team/personnel provision of support to procurement planning and systems, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Collaboration with projects personnel and Managers in the preparation of their procurement plan;

• Collaboration in the implementation of a procurement management system in respect of planning, 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;

• Constant liaison is maintained with vendors and consignee until safe delivery of goods is achieved.

  3. Requisitions/procurement and sourcing Supervises the office’s or team’s requisitions/procurement and sourcing support processes, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of proposals to requesting entity on modes for providing goods, works and services, including procurement deadlines for each stage;

• Review of requisitions for completeness;
• Preparation of proper and complete specification for equipment and materials, Terms Of Reference and Statement of Works for the preparation of RFP, RFQ and ITB, ensuring clearance/approval by respective units of the requests
• Drafting of letters, memoranda, faxes, email, etc.; monitoring of progress and liaison with vendors during the entire procurement cycle; investigation and resolution of post-order problems and of progress reports on procurement matters;
• Oral/written responses to queries from projects, clients, companies, etc. regarding procurement related matters
• Preparation of monthly reports on procurement matters;
• Liaison with the logistics unit or projects on receipt of goods, equipments and services in view of obtaining proper delivery report, RIR (Receipt and Inspection Report), or relevant certificates and that proper inventory is taken;
• Availability of all supporting documents for audit and review purposes;

• Database, and intranet maintained on procurement standards and tools, roster of best suppliers, contractors and service providers, activities and statistics.

  4. Bidding and tendering Providing the following support services to bidding and tendering processes, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• 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;

• Together with the requesting programme/operations clients, review and evaluation of bids or proposals received and preparation of analysis for less-complex, contract awards and for submission to the LCPC or other, statutory, designated body;

• Preparation of HQCPC, or designated body, submission together with the requesting programme/operations component;

• Organizing of LCPC (or designated, statutory body) meetings as may be required, and circulating at least 24 hours in advance documents for review;

• Maintenance of records of LCPC or designated, statutory body.

  5. Contract administration Ensures team provision of support to efficient contract administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Follow-up on signing of contracts by vendors;

• Obligation of funds in Enterprise system and obtaining of appropriate signatures for approval;
• Dissemination of contract advertisement and awards;
• Maintenance of contracts and filing system;

• Maintenance of databases/rosters of best suppliers, contractors and service providers, activities and statistics.

  6. 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.

  7. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organizes, facilitate and/or deliver 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

• Collects feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

  Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Procurement Senior Associate affects the performance of major aspects of the relevant business unit/s, project activities, procurement and contract management support services, impacting the timely and effective implementation of the respective services and deliverables. This ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of UNOPS 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

A. Education Completion of Secondary School is required.

First University Degree in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, or related areas is desirable but not required.

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

B. Work Experience - A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in providing procurement support services in national and/or international public or corporate organizations is required. - Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing countries is an added advantage. - Out of the 7 years, a minimum of 2 years is required in the use of google software packages (Google Doc, Sheets and Slides) and experience in handling web-based management systems. - Experience in use of Enterprise systems including OneUNOPS is desirable.

C. Language Requirements - Full working knowledge of English language is required.

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

• Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
• Contract level: LICA 7/ ICS 7
• 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.
• This is a local position, therefore only candidates with Sierra Leonean nationality or valid resident permit are eligible to apply.
• Freetown is a family duty station.

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.

Background information - AFR

Africa Region

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources. AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.