Procurement Associate (G6)

Background:

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) is involved in a wide range of activities, ranging from arms control, counter-terrorism, and border management projects to disaster risk reduction, good governance, trafficking in human beings, and gender equality. Project funding is secured through a combination of the OSCE's regular budget and extrabudgetary (ExB) contributions pledged by donors via formal agreements.

The Procurement Associate provides senior technical support throughout the procurement cycle, ensuring that procurement activities are implemented efficiently, transparently and in compliance with the OSCE CRMS and PCM, and applicable donor requirements. Working with a high degree of independence, the incumbent advises on procurement matters, co-ordinates complex procurement processes, supports procurement planning and contributes to the continuous improvement of procurement practices.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Administrative and General Service Officer and overall supervision of the Chief, Fund Administration Unit, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Co-ordinating procurement activities for ExB projects throughout the procurement cycle by reviewing procurement requests and technical specifications; advising on procurement approaches and planning; preparing and issuing solicitation documents (RFQ, ITB and RFP); co-ordinating procurement and financial evaluations; conducting supplier due diligence; preparing Justifications for Award and contractual documentation; participating in negotiations, where required; and ensuring compliance with the OSCE Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS), the Procurement and Contracting Manual (PCM), and applicable donor requirements;

2. Administering contracts and framework agreements by monitoring contract implementation and supplier performance; advising on contractual matters; co-ordinating contract amendments, renewals, extensions and close-out activities; and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations;

3. Providing procurement advice and guidance to project and administrative staff on procurement planning, procurement approaches, regulatory requirements and contractual matters to facilitate the timely implementation of ExB projects;

4. Conducting market and commercial analysis, evaluating sourcing strategies, identifying sourcing opportunities and procurement risks and recommending appropriate procurement approaches;
5. Monitoring procurement activities for ExB projects by maintaining procurement records in IRMA; tracking procurement activities and tenders; analysing procurement statistics and trends to improve the cost-effectiveness of procurement planning and activities; and preparing procurement reports, as required;
6. Overseeing supplier registration and due diligence process, supporting supplier performance management.  

For more detailed information on the structure and and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: https://dushanbe.osce.org/   

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education;
• Specialized training in logistics, procurement;
• At least 6 years of working experience in the field of procurement/supplies or in other related areas, part of which should preferably have been in an international environment; a university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience only to determine eligibility; 
• Certification in Procurement and Supply Operations similar to CIPS Level 2 would be an asset;
• Practical experience with an ERP system;
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English, Tajik and Russian;
• Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft Office applications;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; 

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1,062.33 EUR. Social benefits will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. 

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.