Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

I. Background and Organizational Context 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Procurement Associate provides leadership in the execution of procurement services in the Country Office (CO) ensuring their effectiveness, transparency and integrity. 

The Procurement Associate support staff of the Procurement Unit. S/he works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO, as well as with relevant UNDP Headquarters units, for resolving complex procurement-related issues and information delivery.

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. 

II. Position Purpose 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the DRR, Operations Manager, or Procurement Specialist, the Procurement Associate provides leadership in execution of procurement services in CO ensuring their effectiveness, transparency, and integrity.  The Procurement Associate supervises and leads the support staff of the CO Procurement Unit.  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. 
III. Key Duties and Accountabilities

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

  • Full compliance of procurement activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and strategic priorities through implementation of effective internal controls and proper functioning of UNDP’s client-oriented procurement management system.
  • CO procurement business process mapping and elaboration of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in procurement and leads/supervises procurement workflows in coordination with supervisor.
  • Provision of research and information for the formulation and implementation of contract strategy and strategic procurement in the CO including tendering processes and evaluation, managing the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, and cost reduction strategies.

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

  • Review, analysis and consolidation of procurement plans for the office and projects, and monitoring their implementation.
  • Organization of procurement processes including preparation and conduct of RFQ, ITBs or RFPs, and the receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals, and negotiation of certain conditions of contract in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
  • Review of procurement processes conducted by projects, and submissions to internal procurement review committees (CAP, RACP and ACP).
  • Preparation of Purchase Orders and contracts in and outside of Quantum, and creation of vendors and buyer profiles in Quantum. 
  • Implementation of the internal control system which ensures Purchase Orders are duly prepared, dispatched, and corrected on a timely basis when there are budget check errors or other problems.
  • Implementation of harmonized procurement services and analysis of new opportunities for joint procurement with UN agencies in line with the UN reform.
  • Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.

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

  • Development, management and updating of rosters of suppliers.
  • Establishment of quality and performance measurement mechanisms and evaluation of suppliers.
  • Implement e-procurement module/tools and promote their use, as applicable.

4.) Facilitate procurement knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and the wider organization:

  • Organize procurement training for operations, programme and project staff.
  • Organize procurement training for vendors on e-procurement modules.
  • Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in procurement.
  • Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
  • Preparation of cost analysis and data collection for CBO.
  • Participation in design of the CBO.  
  • Implementation of BOS initiatives.  

5.) Support implementation of the BOS 2.0 and Common Back Office (CBO) in the area of procurement:
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The Procurement Associate supervises support staff in the Procurement Unit.
IV. Requirements:

Education

  • Secondary education is required. OR
  • A university bachelor’s 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.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

  • Minimum 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative experience is required at the national or international level is required. 
  • At least 3 years of experience in managing public sector procurement of goods and services would be an advantage. 
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of automated procurement systems as well as experience in using ERP systems is required.
  • Familiarity with UNDP financial system (Quantum) is an advantage.

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in French and Arabic is required.
  • Working knowledge in English is required.

V. Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core : Full list of UNDP Core Competencies can be found here  

Achieve Results

 LEVEL 2:  Scales up solutions and simplify processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work

Think Innovatively

 LEVEL 2:  Offers new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrates systemic/integrated thinking 

Learn Continuously

 LEVEL 2:  Goes outside comfort zone, learns from others and supports their learning

Adapt with Agility 

 LEVEL 2: Adapts processes/approaches to new situations, involves others in change process
Act with Determination  LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

Engage and Partner

 LEVEL 2:  Is facilitator/integrator, brings people together, builds/maintains coalitions/partnerships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

 LEVEL 2:  Facilitates conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic Area Name Definition
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
Business Management Risk Management
  • Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business Management Communication
  • Ability to 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
Procurement Sourcing
  • Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services 
Procurement  Financial Analysis
  • Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability 
Procurement  Procurement Management
  • The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.
Procurement  Stakeholder Management
  • Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders

IV. Keywords
  • Planning and Organization
  • Team work
  • Results and quality oriented
  • Public Sector Procurement and Sourcing
  • Purchase order and contract monitoring
  • Best value for money

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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