Project Manager & Chief Technical Advisor (Public Procurement)

Overview

Lead project management for public procurement improvements.

You have:

• Advanced Degree or equivalent in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management or related field is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible combined experience in strategic leadership and public procurement/supply chain management is required.
• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in providing expert advice in public procurement management is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in analysing, evaluating, recommending and facilitating the implementation of e-Procurement systems is required.
• Excellent (written and oral) English language skills are required.
• Knowledge of the Albanian language is an asset.
• Relevant certification in procurement and supply chain management (CIPS level 4 or above or similar) is highly desired.

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 147,567 USD and 184,934 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information - UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on: - Infrastructure - Procurement - Project Management (full service, back on track) - HR and Transactional Services - Grants Management - Technical and Advisory Services

UNOPS Albania Office is part of the Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) under the UNOPS Regional Office of Europe and Central Asia (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Background Information - Job-specific Public procurement is a key function of a government and a major factor in national budget execution. Effective, efficient and sustainable public procurement systems can help to promote economic growth, foster competition, and ensure that public services and infrastructure are delivered to the highest standards. According to the EU Albania Screening Report from July 2023, Albania has made progress in its public procurement system and is moderately prepared in terms of implementation and enforcement capacity. The public procurement system puts more emphasis on transparency, integrity and competition in procurement operations than on efficiency. The report also states that the country will benefit from further strengthening and functioning of the overall system to increase competition, compliance and professionalization.

UNOPS aims to provide technical assistance to the Government to build on the achievements in public procurement and to meet requirements of the EU acquis and to introduce best practices. This entails technical advisory for the establishment of the Central Purchasing Operator, including the establishment of its structures, working methods, financing mechanisms and similar, as well as the appropriate catalogues to be established to streamline public procurement of common and priority items in a quality, timely and cost effective manner. This may also include digitalization of these catalogues and establishment of an online system to facilitate the work of the Central Purchasing Operator through such resources.

The project for this technical assistance will be led by a Project Manager/Chief Technical Advisor, in coordination with the Prime Minister's Office, line ministries and relevant institutions. The incumbent will report to the Country Manager, and undertake the following responsibilities, with focus on the overall strategic management and delivery of the project, and more specifically focusing on its substantive elements involving the provision of technical assistance towards the establishment of a Central Purchasing Operator and relevant e-procurement/catalogue systems. S/he will be supported by a team of project management support personnel (who will be delegated the responsibility to manage day to day aspects of the project in UNOPS’ systems) and area experts (in public procurement, finance, organizational development, etc.), as well as shared support services (HR, administration, etc.) from AUMCO.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Technical leadership - Support the Government in its development of a strategy and implementation of the Central Purchasing Operator, including a financial strategy that ensures the long term sustainability of the centralised purchasing agency. - Based on best practice, provide technical advisory for the improvement of the public procurement effectiveness and efficiency – including the evaluation of regulatory frameworks, organisational structures, processes and tools, qualifications of cadres, aiming to measure the end results of existing public procurement systems, which are aligned to EU standards - Provide advise on the implementation of public procurement reforms – transforming public procurement structures and its capabilities, be it system wide or through entity specific interventions, which reflect EU standards and practices. - Provide strategic level advice in formulation of supply chain assessments, capacity building and organisational development of key ministries/organs of government. - Lead a team of experts and professionals, covering areas including public procurement, as well as associated elements such as financing considerations, organisational development, ICT, etc. - Take management responsibility for team activities and outputs, including the selection and work of short-term consultants and contractors, drafting ToRs and work plans, and ensure resources perform and deliver on their tasks to the required standard. - Oversee and provide guidance and technical inputs to the work carried out by national and international consultants, partners and/or companies.

2. Stakeholder engagement - Conduct stakeholders consultation and define a clear matrix of roles, responsibilities, accountabilities, consultations and information. - Coordinate across Government entities and international stakeholders engaged in public procurement support to build synergies. - Ensuring effective dissemination and access to information on project activities and results, so that stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and in a position to accept handover outputs. - Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), Steering Committee, client and key stakeholders. - Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications. - Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications.

3. Project development, delivery and performance - Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s) to ensure the quality, effective and timely delivery of the aforementioned project objectives. - Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board/Steering Committee. - Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span. - Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources, and initiating corrective action where necessary. - Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan. - Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly. - Control project and work packages changes, manage acceptance and delivery of outputs. - Ensure that the project team conducts effective contract management, including supplier performance evaluation, and approve goods, services or works delivered by suppliers. - Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise mitigating measures to the senior management/Project Board/Steering Committee, so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved. - Lead preparation and issuance of regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting and according to the Legal Agreement. - Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality). - Maintain reports as required by the organisation’s standard procedures - Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the ERP system. - Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span.

4. Procedures - Comply with all organisational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual. - Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board/Steering Committee. - Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan. - Lead drafting of the requirements definitions for procurement processes. - Develop terms of references for consultancies, expert services and other activities as relevant and participate in the identification and selection of consultants and service providers. Approve requisitions and requests, lead evaluation of proposals and bidder submissions, as assigned. - Through the appropriate project team members, ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded. - Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations. - Lead management of budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time. - Understand and lead management of UNOPS’ overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project. - Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel. - Lead management of expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports), including monitoring commitments and disbursements in collaboration with the support services team. - For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager. - Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations, if requested. - Ensure all mandatory reporting. - Identify and report to the supervisor potential opportunities to expand on UNOPS’ partnership with and support to the donor and beneficiaries. - Ensure compliance with national policies and UN/UNOPS rules, as well as international best practices, on anti-corruption, prevention of fraud, and other relevant public procurement considerations.

5. Quality assurance - Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements, if required. - Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems. - Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables. - Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.).

6. Knowledge and change management - Support the identification of successful procurement practices and enhance collaboration with other countries for knowledge exchange. - Propose approaches, tools and systems that can be designed to optimise and streamline various aspects of public procurement processes, including market research, sourcing of submissions, bid opening and evaluation, due diligence and vendor checks, contracting of suppliers and management of deliverables, establishment of appropriate feedback and reporting mechanisms, etc. - Contribute to the discussions for proposing a way forward for the provision of strategic advice on public procurement to the government, including legislative, governance and process reforms that can add value, as well as specific capacity development to respective officials. - Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of personnel and government partners - Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice. - Share knowledge on the Project and its achievements, and promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from implementation for organisational purposes.

7. Personnel Management - Lead and motivate the project management and support team. - Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established. - Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely. - Select, recruit and train a team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives. - Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards. - Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. - Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

The incumbent directly leads on the project results and deliverables, including by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Advanced Degree or equivalent (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field. - A university degree (Bachelor’s degree level) in combination with two (2) additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of the master’s degree. - Relevant certification in procurement and supply chain management (CIPS level 4 or above or similar) is highly desired.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Work Experience: Required experience: - A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible combined experience in strategic leadership and public procurement/supply chain management is required. - Above experience must include at least 7 years of demonstrated experience in providing expert advice in public procurement management, beyond managing the conduct of specific procurement operations/transactions. - A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in analysing, evaluating, recommending and facilitating the implementation of e-Procurement systems is required. - Demonstrated understanding of supply chain issues in an international development context is required.

Desired experience: - Demonstrated experience applying advanced knowledge of sustainable supply chain management and public procurement principles and approach in national jurisdictions is a distinct advantage. - Demonstrated experience in EU acquis and requirements on public procurement, including respective accession requirements and criteria, is highly desired. - Experience working at leadership level in or with government or international financial institutions, procurement agency or other international development organisations preferably in a EU country is an asset. - Experience managing a public procurement agency, operator or similar, particularly in a EU-member or -candidate country, will be considered a strong asset. - UN/UNOPS experience is an asset.

Language requirements: - Excellent (written and oral) English language skills are required. - Knowledge of the Albanian language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff, FTA Contract level: P-5 Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

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.

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.

Potential interview questions