Procurement Specialist
Manage procurement processes effectively and efficiently.
Overview
Manage procurement processes effectively and efficiently.
You have:
- University degree in business administration, management planning or other related fields.
- 3 years of relevant experience in project/programme support, financial and administrative assistance to projects.
- Experience working in UN system is an asset.
- Working knowledge of English.
- Working knowledge of Russian and Kazakh languages is an asset.
- National of Kazakhstan or resident of the country with valid work permit.
Organizational Setting
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies for addressing food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities in the country in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and other national stakeholders.
This position will be based in the Astana Office, in Kazakhstan.
Reporting Lines
The Procurement Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the National Professional Officer/Deputy Head of the office and the direct supervision of the Administrative Analyst, and in close collaboration with other Administrative and Operations units, and relevant counterparts in the Regional (REU), Subregional (SEC) Offices and HQ, as needed.
Technical Focus
Timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods and services in compliance with the relevant FAO Rules and Regulations.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the National Professional Officer/Deputy Head of the office and the direct supervision of the Administrative Analyst, the incumbent with undertake the following duties:
• Assist in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the Annual Procurement Plan in coordination with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), Project Managers and requesting units; • Prepare and manage procurement processes, including selecting the appropriate solicitation method, drafting tender documents, developing sourcing strategies, issuing solicitation documents through FAO corporate systems (including e-tendering), and supporting bid and proposal evaluations in accordance with FAO procurement policies and procedures; • Conduct cost and price analyses of quotations and proposals, prepare evaluation reports and recommendations, and support the contract award process; • Prepare and administer Purchase Orders (POs), Letters of Agreement (LoAs), service contracts, framework agreements, and related amendments and extensions; • Support the implementation and administration of procurement contracts throughout their lifecycle; • Liaise with FAO Headquarters, Regional and Subregional Offices, suppliers, programme personnel on procurement-related matters, and provide guidance on FAO procurement procedures; • Monitor supplier performance, including the quality and timely delivery of goods and services, and coordinate the resolution of procurement- and delivery-related issues; • Support supplier management activities, including supplier registration and updates through ServiceNow; • Monitor order status and follow up on deliveries to ensure timely receipt of goods and services; • Support procurement-related financial processes, including invoice submission, clearance and correction, in coordination with the finance function; • Prepare documentation and presentations for the Local Procurement Committee (LPC) and support the committee's procurement review process; • Provide administrative support for customs clearance procedures and inspection arrangements for international shipments, as required; • Review and calculate liquidated damages for delayed delivery of goods and services, where applicable, prior to payment processing in GRMS; • Maintain complete and accurate procurement records, databases, filing systems and contractual documentation in accordance with FAO requirements; • Contribute to procurement process improvement initiatives and support the implementation of changes to procurement procedures and systems; • Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in business administration, management planning or other related fields. • 3 years of relevant experience in project/programme support, financial and administrative assistance to projects. Experience working in UN system is an asset. • Working knowledge of English. • Working knowledge of Russian and Kazakh languages is an asset. • National of Kazakhstan or resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time when you had to conduct a procurement process under tight deadlines. | This question assesses your ability to manage time-sensitive tasks in procurement. | Provide a specific example demonstrating your organizational skills and ability to prioritize. |
| How do you ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations? | This question evaluates your understanding of procurement compliance. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict with a supplier? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to evaluate supplier proposals? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell us about your experience with supplier performance monitoring. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Have you ever implemented improvements in procurement processes? What was the outcome? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with financial processes related to procurement. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle disagreements within a procurement team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |