Procurement Associate (Open to all applicants)

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

 

Background

UNDP is striving to ensure its procurement function and practices are an integral part of UNDP’s competitive advantage as a development partner of choice. This requires placing more attention on strategically integrating procurement at the project design stage, stimulating innovation in specifications and technologies, and adopting more sustainable production and consumption practices that align with UNDPs sustainable development goals.  Sustainable procurement means making sure products, services, and purchases are as sustainable as possible with the lowest environmental impact and most positive social results. In implementing UNDP strategic procurement priorities, Country offices will strive to use flexible methods for high-value/low-risk and timely delivery that meet the needs of its clients and key stakeholders.

 

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

 

 

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Procurement Associate provides leadership in execution of procurement services in Country Office ensuring their effectiveness, transparency, and integrity. The Procurement Associate supervises and leads the staff supporting procurement. S/he promotes a client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

 

The Procurement Associate works in close collaboration with Operations, Programme and project teams in the Country Office, Region and UNDP HQ as well as with vendors and Government officials to deliver information, provide advisory support, and resolve complex procurement-related issues.

 

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

1.) Administer and support implementation of innovative and sustainable procurement strategies and policies that are in alignment with principles of fairness, integrity and transparency to achieve best value for money.

2.) Organize procurement processes for CO, projects, and collaborate with other UN Agencies.

3.)  Implement a sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools to find best values in marketplace and align purchasing strategy to project and CO goals.

4.) Facilitate procurement knowledge building and knowledge sharing in CO, Region and UNDP.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

 

 

Competencies

• ACHIEVE RESULTS - LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• THINK INNOVATEVELY - LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• LEARN CONTINUOUSLY - LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• ADAPT WITH AGILITY - LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• ACT WITH DETERMINATION - LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• ENGAGE AND PARTNER - LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• ENABLE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION - LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

• BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • CUSTOMER SATISFACTION / CLIENT MANAGEMENT: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
  • RISK MANAGEMENT: Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.
  • COMMUNICATION: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Technical Competencies

• PROCUREMENT
  • SOURCING: Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services.
  • FINANCIAL ANALYSIS: Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability.
  • PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT: The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source
  • STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT: Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders.

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
• CIPS level 3 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

• Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative experience is required at the national and international level. At least 3 years in managing public sector procurement of goods and services would be an advantage. 
• Experience in the industry and understanding of procurement principles, and strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Experience working in procurement within the UN system or international organizations is desirable.
• Experience with large-scale or complex procurement projects is desirable.
• Experience with e-procurement systems and procurement software is desirable.
• Contract management experience, including negotiation and administration is desirable.
• Knowledge of UNDP procurement policies and global procurement practices is desirable.
• Familiarity with UNDP financial systems (e.g., Quantum) or similar ERP tools is desirable.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ethical procurement practices is desirable.
• High-level documentation and reporting skills are desirable.

• Fluency in the English language is required.
• Knowledge of Spanish is desired.