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
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to tackle the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change on a global scale. Working with our broad network of experts, host governments and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law.
Following the power shift in August 2021, the situation for the country remains largely uncertain and fragile, with approximately seventy percent of the population facing multifaceted vulnerabilities affecting their well-being, human security and long-term development while nearly a third of the population are estimated to be acutely food insecure. Over the recent years, international assistance has played a vital role in averting a socioeconomic collapse by providing lifesaving, resilience-building and livelihoods-sustaining assistance to millions of people, hundreds of critical healthcare and educational centres, and tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, often owned and managed by women. Nevertheless, the humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan is one of the biggest in the world, and basic human needs and priorities remain extremely high. In 2024, 95 percent of households experienced at least one shock of an economic or natural disaster nature such as floods, droughts and others.
To help tackle the pressing challenges for enduring livelihoods and climate resilience, UNDP is designing fit-for-purpose portfolios of programs to create new livelihoods, income opportunities, basic services and to build resilience against climate-induced natural calamities that continue to haunt millions of households in the country.
Afghanistan remains one of the most gender-unequal countries in the world, with women facing systemic challenges hindering their access to education and employment opportunities in the public sector and restricting their participation in public life. UNDP remains committed to women's empowerment through capacity-building initiatives, livelihoods and self-employment/employment support, enhancing gender-responsive decision-making at community level, and supporting local communities to include women, in line with UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).
The Procurement Unit is responsible for managing the procurement of goods, services, and works, to meet the requirements and objectives of the country office. In line with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) its primary role is to ensure that the procurement processes are conducted transparently, efficiently, and according to client needs. It is directly engaged in capacity building and provision of procurement training to UNDP personnel and external suppliers, procurement planning, sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and supporting requesting units in ensuring the delivery of goods and services to meet the needs of the office, while upholding the organization's values of integrity, accountability, and sustainability.
Within these responsibilities, the Procurement Unit contributes to achieving the UNDP development goals, enhancing the country office’s ability to implement impactful programs and drive positive change in local communities in Afghanistan.
Position Purpose
Under the day-to-day guidance and supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative for Operations, the Procurement Specialist leads the implementation of the UNDP procurement and contracting strategies with focus on the impact at programme and operational level in order to ensure cost effective and timely delivery of assigned procurement programs. The Procurement Specialist is also responsible for management of the Country Office (CO) Procurement Unit, effective delivery of procurement and contracting services for UNDP programme, projects, and associated agencies in UNDP Afghanistan, in order to obtain the best value for money with large procurement volume. The Procurement Specialist manages the CO procurement and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The Procurement Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.
The Procurement Specialist supervises and leads the support and professional staff and personnel of the Procurement Unit and individuals in projects with procurement profiles, training and advising on procurement procedures to UNDP project staff, UN Agencies, and counterparts in the Government. The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, Regional Offices, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials to successfully deliver procurement services.
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
Ensure provision of a broad range of advisory services to programme, projects, other UNDP units and associated Agencies in a complex and difficult operating environment focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Ensure full compliance with procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.
- Develop and implement a practical internal control framework and a client-oriented procurement management system.
- Elaborate and implement cost-saving and cost-reduction procurement and sub-contracting strategies.
- Conceptualize, elaborate, and implement a contract strategy, including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation, offers negotiation, contract and contractor management, legal considerations, payment conditions, and risk assessment.
- Conceptualize, elaborate, and implement strategic procurement elements for complex and high-value actions in consultation with the Country Office teams.
- Provide prompt and timely advice in the planning of procurement resources and activities.
- Advise and support the DRR Operations in proactively addressing complex procurement matter while providing advice to projects and management.
- Assess risks and formulate proposals that facilitate decision-making process and contribute to effective implementation of overall procurement strategy.
- Serve as an advisor on procurement activities during all phases of the procurement cycle.
- Analyze and evaluate procurement plans to harmonize strategies and ensure appropriateness and consistency with organizational needs.
- Support the DRR-Operations in providing advice on correct interpretation of contract terms and clauses, penalties, handling of guarantees, and any other issues related to contracts or purchase orders.
Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies, ensuring the achievement of the following key results:
- Review and comment on the requisitions and procurements plans prepared by the CO Projects and units, ensuring that related responsibilities are adequately designated, and that the time and resource estimates are adequate for the success of the proposal.
- Lead CO Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit, harmonization of the workflows in the office.
- Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
- Lead in implementation of the systems for procurement processes including oversight of procurement process cycle actions.
- Review comments, edit and finalize the solicitation documents, criteria for evaluation, specifications, and evaluation reports, and participate in evaluation and contractual negotiations for contracts of high value and complexity, when required.
- Promote compliance with the policies established for procurement oversight governing the Contracts, Assets and Procurement Committee (“CAP”), Regional (RACP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (“ACP”).
- Provide advisory services on planned contracts, including negotiation of terms and conditions, in liaison with the Legal Support Office (LSO/BMS) and Office of Financial Management (OFM/BMS), as needed.
- Provide advisory support services related to ongoing contract management, as needed.
- Elaborate and implement the internal control system which ensures that purchase orders are prepared and dispatched on corporate LTA vendors. Take timely corrective action on purchase orders if problems arise.
- Promote harmonized procurement actions, where relevant, in relation to joint procurement with other UN agencies in line with the UN reform.
- Provide consultation on procurement processes to CO teams that experience difficulties throughout the procurement chain.
- Evaluate complex or unusual situations and approve alternative approaches and solutions where regular procedures are not applicable.
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all procurement processes through an effective internal control system.
- Management and monitoring of procurement contracts.
- Elaboration and implementation of the internal control system, which ensures that Purchase Orders (PO) are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.
- Management of the implementation of the procurement processes monitoring system and mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in procurement.
- Maintenance of auditable procurement and contracting records in compliance with UNDP standards.
- Supervision of preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies and/or projects in close collaboration with the Finance Specialist.
Lead elaboration, introduction, and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Development and management of the rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality, and performance measurement mechanisms.
- Verify and analyze local and regional markets for capacity/availability of requirements based on competitive prices and quality.
- Lead management of the e-procurement system.
Ensure Relationship management with internal and external stakeholders and lead the procurement team
- Develop and maintain an effective network with inter-agency procurement counterparts, in line with a One-UN approach.
- Establish and maintain a strong partnership with service providers to ensure economies of scale and client satisfaction.
- Develop a network with other Agencies in Afghanistan to explore possible leverage across the UN system in the relevant region for the procurement of common goods and services.
- Lead the supervision, performance management, and professional development of the procurement team, ensuring the effective delivery of procurement services and achievement of organizational objectives.
Lead facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing:
- Undertake capacity building actions in various areas of procurement for the Project Managers from the CO, facilitate training and workshops. in collaboration with other operations units and RACP Chairperson, as required.
- Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in the procurement of goods and services.
- Contribute to the evaluation of the performance of personnel in their positions, promote their personal and professional development to constantly improve the quality of their work and stimulate their collective and individual growth, as required by the CO.
- Make regular contributions to the procurement knowledge network and other communities of practice.
- Provide leadership in the establishment of a reputation of UNDP as the “Centre of Excellence”, which shares best procurement practices with other UN Agencies.
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: Supervise and manage National and International Staff and Consultants.
Competencies
- Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.
- People Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
- Cross Functional and Technical Competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Management - Portfolio Management:
- Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity.
- Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment.
- Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.
Procurement:
- Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
- Category Management: Ability to segment spend into areas which contain similar or related products enabling focus opportunities for consolidation and efficiency.
- Supplier/Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Ethics - UN policy knowledge - ethics: Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.
Business Management - Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- CIPS level 4 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:
- Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience at the national or international level in public, government and or UN procurement management is required.
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
- Experience in managing high volume and complex procurement (including Civil work) is an asset.
- Experience in hardship and/or crisis context is an asset.
- Experience working on large-scale operations support efforts would be an asset.
- Experience working with UNDP, or another UN agency would be an asset.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting complex procurement needs analyses and market assessments to design strategic sourcing plans, identify appropriate purchasing methodologies, and guide requisitioning units on technical specification development for a diverse portfolio of goods, works, and services is required.
- Proven expertise in designing and implementing diverse international tendering strategies, with demonstrated ability to analyze and ensure the technical and legal integrity of highly complex specifications, terms of reference, and contracts is required.
- Experience with and knowledge of UNDP Procurement Policies and Procedures, rules and regulations are desirable.
- Experience and knowledge of e-tendering tools are a requirement.
- Demonstrated ability in communicating with senior managers is desired.
- Supervisory experience is required.
Language
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
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
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