Procurement Specialist

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.

10. Organizational context and brief project description:

The nexus of security, humanitarian and development issues around Lake Chad Basin Region, has given rise to an intractable extremist insurgency since 2009, that has caused tens of thousands of deaths and left approximately 2.5 million people displaced. To date, over 10 million people in the region, particularly people from the North and Far North regions of Cameroon, Hadjer Lamis and Lac regions of Chad, Diffa region of Niger and Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states of Nigeria are affected and in urgent need of assistance. In response to this threat, the UN Security Council resolution 2349 (2017) was adopted, followed by a series of high-level conferences including the Oslo Consultative Group conference on Prevention and Stabilization in the Lake Chad Region held in Berlin, that called for increased regional collaboration to address the crisis and the African Union and Lake Chad Basin Commission conference on the development of a framework for a Regional Stabilization Strategy.

Within the above context and the aim to address the root causes of the conflict and provide long term stabilization for the region, a Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RSS) of the Boko Haram-affected Areas of the Lake Chad Basin was adopted by the Lake Chad Basin Commission Council of Ministers in August 2018 and endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) in December 2018.

Engrained within the RSS as a primary mechanism for promoting regional cooperation on stabilization, peacebuilding and sustainable development is the establishment of a Governors Forum. Against this background the first conference of Governors was held in May 2018, in Maiduguri, Nigeria. This was followed by a second forum held in Niamey, Niger from 17th – 18th July 2019 geared towards taking stock of progress made and advancing the objectives of the Regional Stabilization Strategy (RSS), including a launched by UNDP and partners of a Regional Stabilization Facility, an innovative financing mechanism in support of the implementation of the RSS. The facility is expected to support the LCBC and AU in their implementation of the RSS, as a coherent and coordinated overarching framework for cross-border cooperation and multi-partner intervention in the region, aimed at long-term stabilization and steady transition from the provision of humanitarian assistance to development and resilience. It also has the following objectives: a) immediately stabilize insecure areas, where few actors are currently working, and where communities remain vulnerable to continued infiltration and attack, b) enhanced coordination and capacities for civilian security, improved civ-mil coordination, robust human rights monitoring, and a sequenced transition from military authority, c) repair essential infrastructure & deliver basic Government services, d) provide access to livelihoods or minimum income, to address acute levels of poverty, to combat radicalization and recruitment processes, and e) kick-start recovery of the local economy.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Area Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

Summary of key functions: • Elaboration and implementation of operational strategies • Efficient management of procurement processes • Elaboration, introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools • Provision of General Administration services • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing 1. Ensures elaboration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results: • Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; elaboration of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. • CO Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit, harmonization of the workflows in the office. • Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies. • Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of contract strategy in the CO including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, management of the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment. • Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of strategic procurement in the CO including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, performance measurement.

2. Ensures efficient management of procurement processes for DIM projects, UNDP, UN House and at the request of other Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results: • Timely and proper preparation of procurement plans for the office and projects, establishment of the deadlines and monitoring of their implementation. • Establishment and implementation of proper monitoring system and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulation. • Certification of submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP). • Management of procurement contracts and, upon delegation of responsibility, performance of the functions of Manager Level 2 in Atlas for Purchase orders approval. • Elaboration and implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase Orders (PO) are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems. • Management of the implementation of the procurement processes monitoring system and mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in procurement. • Supervision of preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies. • Establishment and implementation of harmonized procurement services and elaboration of proposals on common services expansion in the UN House, introduction and management of joint procurement for the UN Agencies in line with the UN reform.

3. Ensures elaboration, introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results: • Development and management of the rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms. • Management of the e-procurement system

4. Ensures provision of General Administration services: • Full application of rules and procedures and adequate internal controls • Quality, rapid and cost-effective provision services to the Country Office, projects and UN Agencies including procurement, travel, logistics, premises and ITC • Adequately plans for disasters and recoveries through a BCP

5. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results: • Organization of training for the operations/ projects staff on Procurement. • Organization of trainings for Govt. staff on Procurement as required. • Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Procurement. • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Results/expected outputs As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in procurement and general services management and success in establishment and implementation of operational strategies. Strategic approach to procurement, establishment and implementation of the monitoring and control system, timely and appropriate delivery of services, introduction of e-procurement, ensure client satisfaction and overall timely delivery of UNDP programmes and projects

Competencies and values: • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [UNDP]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to [UNDP] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [UNDP] in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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 environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• procurement management at the national or international level • Extended experience with UNDP procurement processes • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of web based management systems • Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents • Building support and political acumen • Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation • Building and promoting effective teams • Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication • Creating an emotionally intelligent organization • Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards • Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. • Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member. • Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

N’Djamena is an expensive city. Finding good accommodations remains a challenge. However, there are several supermarkets where local and foreign goods are available and expatriates frequent a few restaurants offering Lebanese, Chinese, French and other foods. R&R every 8 weeks. Chad is a country with a high incidence of malaria. The use of mosquito nets is strongly recommended. Vaccination from yellow fever is compulsory. Other vaccinations such as meningitis and hepatitis B are also recommended. Basic medicines are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring your specialized medicines.

Chad is a unique country and is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.