Re-advertisement: Contracts Specialist, NO-C, Fixed Term, Juba- South Sudan #125840 (Open to South Sudanese Only)

Contract

This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Future.

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Job organizational context:

Purpose for the job: The Contracts Specialist (NOC) will support the Country Office in all projects requiring the procurement of goods locally and offshore (and occasionally services), collaborating with Programme and Operations Sections through efficient contractual administration in support of the Office and country programmes and special projects. Under the general guidance and oversight of the Supply and Logistics Manager MTDF project (while integrated in the Supply Unit under the Supply Specialist), and while part of the normal structure of the Supply & Logistics Section of the CO, this position will be specifically focused in the supply chain operations (including planning, procurement, contracting, customs clearance, warehousing, in country transport and distribution, as well as monitoring of supplies, services and construction works) for a specific project: the World Bank-led multi-donor trust fund for health (MDTF) project that will extend the delivery of health services in South Sudan to a national wide.

Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

Policy and procedures

• As technical specialist, accountable for the correct and consistent application of Supply Procedures in the management of procurement functions through the provision of technical leadership, guidance and support to the country office and field offices where applicable.
• Provides technical input to the establishment of internal S&L guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in close coordination with the Supply Specialist and the Senior Supply & Logistics Manager.
• Advises the office and updates staff on Supply Procedures, Regulations and Rules and related specific procedures like CRC or Disbursing Policy.

Reviewing of invoicing process

• Reviewing of filing and archiving in corporate tools to ensure compliance with recent audit
• Keeps the supervisor abreast of potential problem areas and identifies and recommends

Contractual arrangements

• Leads on the local and offshore procurement of goods (RFP / ITB / RGQ / DO LTAs).
• Ensures that all transactions and arrangements of contractual instruments (LTAs, POs) are of high quality and in compliance with the applicable Supply Procedures, Regulations and Rules and any other applicable UNICEF policies in the execution of local and offshore procurement of goods.
• Reviews procurement VISION transactions (Sales Orders, Purchase Requisitions, Low Value Procurement) and provides support to sections to ensure that the terms and conditions of all contracts are being adhered to by suppliers.
• Proposes to supervisor any changes that may be required.

Monitoring and reporting

• Monitors progress of local and offshore procurement through regular monitoring and updating of the annual Supply Plan and prepares the necessary regular of ad-hoc reports to Management, CMT, donors, etc.
• Communicates and reports quality issues with respect to supplies.
• Supervises adequate and appropriate use of supplies. Ensures that services are in accordance with organizational standards.
• Liaises with Logistics on importation of offshore procured supplies.

Performs any other duties and responsibilities assigned as required.

• Ensure to provide quality services to the internal customers in a timely and cost-effective manner in performing additional duties and responsibilities assigned in conformance with the policy, standards, rules, and regulations.

Skills

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure.
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment.
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of support staff.
• Able to allocate appropriate time and resources for successful achievement of goals and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.
• Focused in implementing clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identify priority activities and assignments, adjust priorities as required.
• Work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions.
• Good communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes.
• Understanding of supply chain processes, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, logistics and delivery, monitoring and evaluation.
• Overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of supply chain issues, ethics and risk management of supply chain operations.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree in business administration, management, contractual / commercial law, engineering, or any other relevant field of discipline.
• Accredited courses and certifications in supply, procurement and contracting will be an asset.

*A first level university degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with eight (8) years of relevant work experience in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration and/or other directly related technical field, may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Five years of relevant progressively responsible professional work experience at both national and international level.
• Work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting, construction projects with the public and/or private sector, or any other relevant function.
• Work experience in emergency or complex setting duty stations will be an asset.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Health supply chain management experience an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

This position is advertised subject to classification of job description.