Procurement and Contract Specialist

 UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Support Services Officer, the Procurement and Contract Specialist is responsible for effective procurement and contract administration.

• Prepare tender documents such as RFQ, ITB or RFP and other instruments related to market research or market survey such as RFI and EOI
• Provide guidance to the Programme on procurement processes, procurement timelines, evaluation methodologies, and the full range of possible procurement issues
• Prepare case presentation for review and recommendation by appropriate review bodies, explaining the nature and purpose of the requirement, the procurement process undertaken, the recommendations and basis for award
• Ensure full compliance to the Financial Regulations and Rules of UNOPS and its Procurement Manual
• Provide analytical inputs to the elaboration and implementation of contractual strategies, focusing on the timely delivery of complex requirements
• Support the Programme in the implementation of effective internal controls while ensuring client-oriented service
• Support the Programme in the management of requirements, focusing on the analysis of procurement plans and elaboration of appropriate procurement strategies
• Prepare weekly requisition status reports providing the most updated information about the status of each requisition
• Manage the execution of contracts pertaining to the supply of goods/services/works to ensure full and satisfactory compliance by the parties of their respective contractual obligations;
• Develop and implement an efficient contract management tool;
• Communicate effectively with contractors and internal clients to ensure the timely delivery of goods/services/works; and to this end, hold start-up meetings as well as periodic meetings with all parties concerned
• Manage, minimize and mitigate financial and operational risks, seek legal advice, and resolve contractual disputes by suggesting practical solutions to a wide spectrum of contractual issues; to this end, engage in productive dialogue with Operations Team and Support Team (Procurement, Logistics, Finance) to ensure that all parties within the programme are aware of the full range of contractual issues
• Evaluate the performance of contractors on a quarterly basis and prepare performance appraisal reports for submission to senior management, LCPC/HQCPC, Procurement and/or auditors;
• Monitor contract balances, PO balances and outstanding payments due to ensure that (i) contractors are paid in accordance with the contract’s payment terms and conditions; (ii) the programme does not underpay or overpay any contractor; (iii) outstanding obligations are paid prior to year-end closing; to this end, coordinate with and send regular notices to parties responsible for preparing/submitting Request for Payment
• Ensure that all payments made to contractors, especially for services and works, are commensurate to the actual quantity of services/works performed by contractors, as certified by internal clients;
• Establish price benchmarks for commonly purchased goods/services/works in aid of projects that need guidance in preparing budgets or determining price reasonableness of offers;
• Work towards the achievement of client satisfaction and,
• Perform any other duties as may be requested by the UNMAS Support Services Officer.

• Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field with five (5) years of relevant experience OR;
• First Level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.