Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to supply chain management, business administration, contract/commercial law, finance or relevant technical field. A Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) may replace 3 years. A Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) may replace an additional 2 years.A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain management or a commercial context (contracting, procurement, supply) is required. Experience with contracting services is an advantage.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, the right to a Calling
The Service Contracting Centre (SCC) is part of UNICEF Supply Division, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Established in 2017, SCC was created to enhance efficiency, strengthen compliance, and provide specialized expertise in the procurement of services. The Centre leads and supports services contracting across a diverse range of categories for the four Centers of Excellence, Global Programme Divisions and other Headquarters Divisions. Through this role, the SCC has developed into a center of expertise and a key resource for service contracting, providing procurement guidance, category knowledge and strategic contracting support across UNICEF.
The Centre works closely with all Centers of Excellence and Headquarter Divisions. The Senior Contracts Associate performs highly skilled work in service contracting and supports the more complex cases and client requests, which frequently requires the evaluation of difficult situations and adaptation of procedures and processes to resolve such cases. This is the senior GS level for more specialized service contracting work and requires advanced service contracting knowledge acquired through training and experience.
How can you make a difference?
Under the supervision of the Contracts Specialist, the Senior Contracts Associate provides a broad range of high level transactional, procedural and administrative tasks in support of service contracting activities carried out by the Programme Services Unit on behalf of the Global Programme Divisions and Headquarter Divisions, ensuring timely and efficient output that is in compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, whilst demonstrating the capacity to research, adapt and evaluate irregular cases, and also to recommend improvements to process delivery and design. At the GS-7 level, the below tasks are expected to be carried out with a high level of independence.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
- Provides input to and advice on the annual supply plan through coordination with UNICEF Global Programme Divisions, Centers of Excellence and other HQ Divisions. Conduct data review and analysis for category management and development of procurement strategies including collaboration with other UN agencies. In collaboration with the supervisor, develop procurement management strategies and best practices which help to strengthen supply chain systems which significantly contribute to Programme results. Conducts market research in relevant areas for UNICEF and advice on best approaches to obtain best value for money and sustainable procurement. Supports innovation and market shaping initiatives for specific service categories that support the organization to deliver on Programme commitments and the related targets in the strategic plans that include community engagement, social and behavior change, business engagement for results, humanitarian, development risk informed programming, scaling of innovative solutions for every child, and other cross cutting areas such as strengthening of evaluation capacity at the country level.
- Liaises with clients Divisions in planning procurement and contracting initiatives, supporting development of appropriate specifications, terms of reference, and contracting strategies and project timelines. Identifies opportunities to strengthen sustainability of supply chains. Provides support to Divisions through the requisitioning stage.
- Ensure establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) and act on specific procurement requisitions as might be required. In consultation with supervisor, review and provide input on Terms of References for service contracting. Review technical evaluations to ensure equal assessment of suppliers and that scores are commensurate with comments. Prepare and process Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as might be requested by the Supervisor. Coordinate preliminary assessments and conduct technical and financial analysis of offers ensuring procurement processes are conducted in a timely manner with transparency and fairness, promoting competition to achieve value for money, as well as coordinate demo meetings with bidders as needed. Conduct pre-bid meetings, clarifications and negotiations with suppliers and contractors.
- Maintains highest level of integrity, ethical standards and accountability in the procurement and contracting of Program services. Supports and guides potential suppliers to register through the United Nations Market Place platform (UNGM).
- Prepare award recommendations including submissions to Contract Review Committee including facilitating supplier evaluations as required. Prepare purchase orders and Institutional Services contracts in SAP (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning system), and submit for relevant approvals, ensuring completeness of documentation in UNICEF systems.
- Monitors and follows up on progress of contracts ensuring proper contract management is followed, and contracts are fully implemented. Coordinates required amendments to contracts and the evaluation of suppliers with respective contract managers, and ensures timely support is provided.
- Ensures appropriate filing of procurement documents on the SharePoint in accordance with UNICEF guidelines and maintains up to date records for future reference including for audit.
- Prepares procurement reports for services as requested by supervisor. Keeps supervisor abreast of potential problem areas. Conducts procurement analysis and provides inputs to reporting to management and Divisions client colleagues on procurement status, timelines, trends and KPIs.
- In collaboration with supervisor, Supply Division, provide input to help ensure knowledge exchange and learning is prioritized to continuously build capacity of individuals, the team and other UNICEF offices as required. Develop and facilitate training of newcomers, establish processes or standard operating procedures to support effective workflows.
- Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: 
JD - Senior Contracts Associate_GS7.pdf
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
- Education: Completed Secondary Education is required.
- Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain management or a commercial context (contracting, procurement, supply) is required. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace an additional two years.
- Experience working in a multicultural setting, working with diverse teams operating in various regions with different time zones.
- Skills: In-depth knowledge of the concepts, methodologies relevant to the area of work including the relevant supply chain policies, partnership mechanisms, rules and regulations, as well as general knowledge of other related fields.
- High level of proficiency or skill is required in the interpretation and application of specialized rules and regulations to circumstances of complex individual cases.
- Demonstrated understanding of the relevant service contracting processes and ability to consistently apply relevant policies, procedures and good practices in the daily work. Good judgement in order to handle complex cases including considerations for exceptions.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, vendors, stakeholders and colleagues and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.
- Ability to establish priorities and plan his/her own work and plan, coordinate and monitor the work of those under his/her supervision as requested by the supervisor.
- Ability to draft clear and concise reports or rationale for supply related decisions on key issues.
- Ability to use supply related modules within UNICEF ERP system and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF office tools.
- Strong skills in cost analysis, market assessment, and risk identification and ability to manage complex documents while ensuring compliance with policies and standards.
- Strong communication and presentation skills for various stakeholders and contracting purposes. And working collaboratively with all stakeholders.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.
Desirables:
- Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
- Technical or university courses related to supply chain management, business administration, contract/commercial law, finance or relevant technical field.
- Experience with contracting services is an advantage.
- Good knowledge of the latest trends in procurement and contracting services and sustainable procurement for public sector or international organizations is strongly desirable.
- Familiarity with UNICEF, UN / International organizations Supply procedures and systems and understanding of the principles of public procurement is advantageous.
- Experience with managing vendor relationships, effective negotiations and resolving disputes.
- Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and 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…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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, discrimination, fraud, corruption and other forms of serious misconduct.
UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference, safeguarding and background verification checks. These checks may include verification of academic credentials and employment history, screening against relevant United Nations misconduct databases, and requests for misconduct disclosures from current and former employers, professional associations, other relevant organizations and participating organizations under inter-agency safeguarding initiatives, including the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), where applicable.
Appointment, selection and continued engagement are subject to the satisfactory completion of all required checks. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information and consent to enable UNICEF to undertake these checks. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional on the selected candidates' willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel. Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category. Applicants must be nationals of Hungary or another EU country or hold a valid work permit.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.