Procurement support Specialist (OSL)
Support procurement transactions and logistics follow-up.
Overview
Support procurement transactions and logistics follow-up.
You have:
- Relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, managing logistics operations and supply operations in international organizations/institutions.
- Proficiency in office productivity software and data management tools.
- Ability to manage procurement documentation, correspondence, and reports efficiently.
- Knowledge of procurement systems such as ERP or GSM systems is an advantage.
- WHO experience is desirable, experience working in Gaza and/or the West Bank is preferable.
- Strong organizational and coordination skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple procurement transactions simultaneously.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
The humanitarian context in the occupied Palestinian territory continues to generate significant operational demands on WHO procurement and logistics operations. The WHO OSL unit supports large-scale procurement and delivery of medicines, medical consumables, medical equipment, and operational supplies required for health service delivery and emergency response.
The Procurement Support Specialist will work under the supervision of the (OSL) Team Lead, supporting procurement transactions, supplier coordination, logistics follow-up, and documentation management. The role contributes to ensuring efficient procurement workflows, accurate tracking of procurement transactions, and effective coordination with logistics and programme teams.
Under the direct supervision of the National Procurement Operations and Logistics Officer and the overall guidance of the Operations, Supply and Logistics Lead Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Procurement Operations:
• Analyze and process procurement requests for goods and services from technical units and emergency programmes, ensuring compliance with WHO procurement and logistics procedures. • Verify completeness of supporting documentation, accuracy of information, and availability of funds before initiating procurement actions. • Support procurement transactions through the Global Management System (GSM) for catalogue and non-catalogue items and monitor the status of procurement requests to ensure timely processing and delivery.
Procurement Documentation and Processes:
• Draft purchase order amendments when required as well as justifications and supporting documentation for the Records Management System (RMS). • Prepare Requests for Price Estimates (RPE) for non-catalogue items and obtain estimated costs from the Regional Logistics and Supply Unit or Headquarters when required. • Draft bid invitations and procurement correspondence, compile supplier offers, and prepare bid summaries including price comparisons and conditions of offers. • Draft adjudication reports and recommendations for procurement decisions.
Supplier and Vendor Management:
• Support in the maintenance and update the supplier database, including completion of supplier evaluation forms for vendors contracted by the WHO Country Office.
Procurement Monitoring and Reporting:
• Draft periodic procurement and logistics reports on the status of transactions for review by the supervisor. • Update procurement, payment, and logistics tracking systems regularly and provide status updates on ongoing procurement processes.
Coordination and Follow-Up:
• Assist the supervisor in correspondence with suppliers and internal stakeholders to clarify procurement data, respond to queries, and highlight gaps or delays in procurement transactions. • Assist the team in coordination with customs clearance agents, government authorities, shipping agents, and transportation providers to facilitate delivery of goods.
Delivery and Asset Management:
• Monitor deliveries to destination and support quality verification in collaboration with the relevant technical teams during handover. • Support registration of fixed assets in GSM, ensure assets are barcoded, and support periodic physical inventory checks.
Other Duties:
• Perform other duties related to procurement and logistics operations as required and provide support to OSL colleagues when needed.
• Producing Results • Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences • Fostering Integration and Teamwork • Communicating in a Credible and Effective Way • Knowing and Managing Oneself • Moving Forward in a Changing Environment • Commitment to continuous learning
relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, managing logistics operations and supply operations in international organizations/ institutions. • Proficiency in office productivity software and data management tools. • Ability to manage procurement documentation, correspondence, and reports efficiently. • Knowledge of procurement systems such as ERP or GSM systems is an advantage. • WHO experience is desirable, experience working in Gaza and/or the West Bank is preferable. • Strong organizational and coordination skills. • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple procurement transactions simultaneously.
The assignment is designated as a remote national UN Volunteer position; accordingly, the UN Volunteer shall be solely responsible for securing and maintaining appropriate housing and covering all related living arrangements and expenses.
The initial contract duration shall be six (6) months, with any subsequent extensions subject to the availability of funding, operational requirements, and the satisfactory performance of the UN Volunteer.
A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) shall be provided to contribute toward housing, utilities, and standard living expenses. In addition, the UN Volunteer shall be entitled to life, health, and permanent disability insurance coverage (including health insurance for up to three eligible dependents), as well as an exit allowance, contingent upon satisfactory completion of service.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with international procurement processes? | The interviewer wants to assess your familiarity with global standards in procurement. | Detail your specific roles and responsibilities from previous positions that relate to international procurement. |
| How do you ensure compliance with procurement and logistics procedures? | This question evaluates your understanding of regulatory frameworks in procurement. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time you faced challenges in logistics management. What was your approach? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to keep procurement documentation organized? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you handled a procurement negotiation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize multiple procurement transactions? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What steps do you follow to prepare a Request for Price Estimates? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain how you build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |