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Profile - Head, Field Procurement and Logistics Office

Multiple locations

  • Organization: UNRWA - United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Logistics
    • Procurement
    • Refugee rights and well-being
    • Supply Chain
  • Closing Date: Closed

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST

UNRWA

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. For its international team, UNRWA is seeking expressions of interest from qualified professionals for the following profile:

Profile – Head, Field Procurement and Logistics Office

Profile Number

Grade

Duty Station

17-VS-PR-09

P-4

Various (Amman, Jerusalem, Gaza, Beirut and Damascus)

Under the direct supervision of the Director and Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs, the Head, Field Procurement and Logistics Office is responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient procurement and logistics services to meet and satisfy assessed programme needs across the broad spectrum of its regular, emergency and discrete project activities, as applicable. In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

•          Plan, develop and manage the procurement activities of the Field Office including multi-million dollar expenditure for procurement of a broad range of commodities, services and construction works. Serve as a principal advisor on procurement and logistics to the Field Office management;

•          Be responsible for all aspects of supply chain management within the Field in support of its operations, departments and programmes, resource allocation, sourcing, supplier management, inventory logistics and channels for distribution, forecasting, supply chain initiatives as well as flow and processes management, including:

a)     Ensuring compliance with established tendering and quotation procedures for the supply of goods and services;

b)     Conducting quality control on supplies and materials received;

c)     Carrying out local market research and procuring local supplies;

d)     Facilitating the receipt of supplies by land, sea and air through liaison with customs, port, shipping and government authorities and the processing of customs, tax exemption, insurance, clearing and forwarding documentation;

e)     Supervising the sale of surplus, obsolete or unserviceable stock and stock control, warehousing and asset management functions;

•          Develop and ensure the efficient implementation of the procurement annual plan and overall procurement strategies using best procurement practices and approved policies;

•          Represent the Field Office in contacts with internal and external parties on contractual matters and advise thereon. Recommend to the Field Director appropriate action to be taken in relation to procurement contracts and/or orders. Authorize procurement contracts up to an approved limit;

•          Analyse all procurement proposals to determine appropriate strategy or approach. Perform market research to develop proposals on revisions of procurement plans, procedures and policies;

•          Be responsible for managing the receipt, storage, issuance, transport and distribution of basic commodities to the refugee special hardship cases, pregnant women and nursing mothers in the Field. Pre-packing food rations and the operation and maintenance of the related machinery and equipment;

•          Be responsible for all aspects of the motor transport management within the Field, including driver testing, vehicle maintenance, registration and insurance and related machinery and equipment;

•          Lead, manage and train the procurement team to efficiently perform the procurement activities as planned;

•          Supervise and coordinate the Contracts Compliance and Performance Management Unit to ensure the effective implementation of contracts, with an aim to achieve probity and proper performance of obligations by both parties; Develop and implement operational plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), initiatives and projects relating to contract compliance and management;

•          Serve as a member of Inter-Agency Procurement Committees and Boards (Country Procurement Committees, Evaluation Committees, Joint Procurement Project Boards, etc.) and Intra-Agency Procurement Project Boards (Risk Management Committees, Policy and Strategy Formulation, etc.) and represent UNRWA at inter-agency forums as applicable.

Professional Knowledge and Experience

•          Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in a supply chain management discipline, business administration, public administration, commerce or related field; or

•          A first level university degree from an accredited educational institution with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in supply chain management, procurement and logistics or related areas which may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;

•          Additional study, course-work or training in the areas relevant to supply chain management, procurement and/or a recognized qualification in procurement and logistics is preferable;

•          At least 8 years of experience in the application of the knowledge acquired from a relevant advanced degree (as stated above) with progressively responsible professional experience in procurement and logistics operations in large commercial or international organizations, of which at least five years at the international level outside one’s home country, preferably in a developing country; or

•          At least 10 years of experience in the application of the knowledge acquired from a combination of related experience and a relevant first-level university degree (as stated above) with progressively responsible professional experience in high volume procurement and logistics operations in large commercial or international organizations, of which at least five years at the international level outside one’s home country, preferably in a developing country;

•          Proven record of delivering procurement programmes and services;

•          Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Competencies

•          Professionalism: Exhibits broad knowledge of all facets of international procurement including knowledge of procurement and contract principles, techniques, practices, regulations, as well as current knowledge of broader economic and market perspectives; sound knowledge of and experience in best value procurement and in-depth cost analysis evaluation techniques combined with knowledge of administrative and management principles relevant to the direction of procurement of significant complexity, volume and financial and/or operational impact; demonstrated intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives; empowers others to translate vision into results; original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major procurement issues and problems; excellent negotiation skills and ability to persuade and influence others to reach agreement on complex issues;

•          Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Agency’s overall  strategy and the Department’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling directions;

•          Planning and organizing: Proven ability to plan and organize work, requiring understanding of strategic direction and the ability to integrate the work into the Agency’s/Field’s plans and work programmes; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently;

•          Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology, understands applicability and limitation of technology, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology;

•          Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having  two-way communication; ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials, advisory committee’s and oversight bodies; ability to communicate complex concepts orally; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;

•          Client orientation: Considers all those to whom support and services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from the clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in support, services/products deliveries; meets timeline for delivery of support, services/products to client; establishes and maintains effective relationships with outside collaborators, suppliers and other contacts, including representatives of donor communities, states and the public;

•          Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; anticipates and resolves conflict by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept status quo; shows courage to take unpopular stands; provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in the supply chain management and procurement and logistics areas of work;

•          Building trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; places confidence in colleagues, subordinates and clients; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately;

•          Managing performance: Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinates and monitors work of  others; ability to make timely decisions; delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities, accountabilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches tasks to skills; monitors performance against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly;

•          Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;

•          Proficiency in the use of internet and MS Office programmes for word processing, spreadsheets, database management and presentation; working knowledge of the use of computer applications relevant to supply chain management and procurement including knowledge and work experience with any modern ERP system is desirable.

Equivalency

When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Human Resources Department may substitute part of the unmet requirements under UNRWA’s equivalency determination guidelines with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and/or progressive relevant work experience. Note: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered sufficient for an equivalency determination.

Desirable Qualifications

•          Knowledge of UNRWA and UN procurement rules and directives, of UN policies, procedures and operations as well as leading-edges supply chain management or procurement and logistics methods;

•          Knowledge of Arabic language;

•          Working knowledge and experience in the Agency’s areas of operation and knowledge of Middle East culture.

Additional Information

•          The incumbent may be required to travel to UNRWA’s areas of operation;

•          Possession of a valid driving license.

Conditions of Service 

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package at P-4 level. Benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks of annual leave. Additional benefits apply for certain duty stations. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. Initial contract for regular appointments is for two years, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post. Temporary appointments may also be offered.

How to Submit an Expression of Interest

Please register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Profile postings are utilized to facilitate sourcing of candidates for regular recruitment needs. Expressions of interest will be reviewed as needed.

General Information

UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service in the UN Common System after 1 January 1990 is 62 and 65 after 1 January 2014. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.

On appointment, all individuals will be asked to sign a self-attestation, confirming that they have not committed, been convicted of, or prosecuted for, any criminal offence and that they have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.

Date of issue:  1 July 2017/ NH

This vacancy is now closed.
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