Procurement Specialist (Internal Applicant ONLY)

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Afghanistan

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s national priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads, bridges, justice and security, health, and water supply) development, procurement services, HR services, capacity building, and humanitarian protection, amongst others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, the international donor community, and other UN agencies.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to the achievement of the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the reconstruction and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO’s services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to significantly improve the lives of all Afghans in need.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Procurement Advisor of the Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project, the Procurement Specialist is responsible for the day to day management of procurement function under the project, development and implementation of operational procurement services reflecting international public procurement best practices, compliance with UNOPS procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money for the acquisition of goods, services and works.

He/she analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides advice and solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The role requires a deep understanding of procurement policy and processes and the Procurement Specialist should be able to apply them to the appropriate situations.

The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with UNOPS country office, regional office and HQ personnel, particularly with the Procurement Group (PG), as well as other stakeholders, to successfully deliver procurement services as well as sharing knowledge.

The Procurement Specialist will work in close cooperation with the Head of Project and Procurement Advisor, reporting to the management on central issues related to procurement activities. S/he supervises and leads procurement personnel to deliver work results, in close cooperation with the Procurement Advisor and Head of Project.

Functional Responsibilities

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

1. Leads the implementation of procurement strategies for goods, services and works, focusing on achievement of the following results for the Project:

• Appropriate application of UNOPS procurement governance framework (rules, regulations, policies and tools) within the Project operations.
• Provision of supply-market intelligence and analysis.

• Procurement strategies, approaches and plans designed and implemented according to cost reduction and saving strategies, applying:

  • Expertise in market intelligence matched to project requirements;
  • Optimal Stakeholder management principles;
  • Sustainability criteria;
  • Appropriate work processes to individual cases.
  • Contract management and reporting

• Oversight and supervision of the implementation and results of strategic and routine procurement work plans in the project covering Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; and Contract Management.

2. Manage and guide procurement processes for the acquisition of goods, services and the construction of works for the Project, focusing on achievement of the following results, in compliance with the UNOPS procurement policies, rules, regulations and procedures: - Sustainability embedded in the procurement process. - Appropriate procurement modalities and instruments applied (e-sourcing, procurement and Rosters of Suppliers) based on individual case requirements, utilizing expert knowledge of procurement policies and instruments. - Creation, implementation and oversight of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes in the projects including organization of RFQ (EPP-RFQ), ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS Procurement rules and regulations. - Review of solicitation documents, requests for awards and submissions to Contract and Property Committees (CPCs) in role as a peer reviewer (Internal organization). - Procurement contracts and contractors optimally managed through supplier and contract performance management against agreed benchmarks and through agreed reporting mechanisms. - Implementation of Internal control system and reporting requirements. - Elaboration of comments regarding project audit reports, when necessary.

3. Ensure introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results: - Creation, development and management of rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms. - Ensures that the e-sourcing tools and other ERPs systems are used in accordance with PG 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 recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

5. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing - Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for the project personnel on Procurement-related topics. - Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for procurement personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking. - Oversee team’s contributions to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement management. - Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively. - Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for vendors

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Procurement Specialist directly affects the overall efficiency of the project initiatives, in regards to procurement management, impacting the timely and effective implementation of the project. Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of services, ensures the Project performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and the Project. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the given geographical area.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

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

• A First University degree in combination with a minimum of seven (7) years’ qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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

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

Experience: - A minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience in advising on, implementing policies and procedures to deliver a range of complex procurement programmes and services.

• Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing and developed countries;

• Personnel supervisory experience in procurement;

• Some experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country, is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• English: Full knowledge of the working language is essential:

• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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 ICA Contract level: LICA-10 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.