Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Group (PG) at UNOPS leads the organization’s procurement practice and is responsible for all matters of organizational development and governance in procurement and supply chain management. PG provides authoritative guidance and procurement advice and is responsible for developing procurement strategies, policies, and processes. The unit leads the strategic approach for all procurement and supply chain activities to ensure the goal of sustainability, and to achieve process simplification and best value; leverages volumes and shapes markets through proper planning, the establishment of commodity teams, and a focus on results across the global organization.

The advertised position reports to the Deputy Director Procurement Group and is a member of the category team. In addition to designing and delivering global contracting options, the team comprises highly skilled procurement professionals, offering a specialized support service to our stakeholders to undertake strategic/complex procurement activities on major projects. 

Procurement Management

• Plan, develop and manage all procurement-related aspects of solicitations for a range of goods and services, taking into account sustainability aspects, the local economic and other market or political conditions
• Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments, researching and analysing data, evaluating and recommending potential supply sources
• Prepare and review technical specifications and/or terms of references for complex procurements, design cost estimations for the required goods/services, creation of technical and financial evaluations
• Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to minimize and resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects
• Lead negotiations with supplier representatives
• Develop and implement supplier relationship management/contract management plans as appropriate

Expertise and Advice

• Function as a subject matter expert in process and policy application in relation to procurement of general goods and services
• Prepare case presentations for review and recommendation by appropriate contract review body, act as a reviewer of procurement business cases prepared by other offices
• Regular reporting using procurement process monitoring systems and mechanisms
• Participation in delivery of procurement training programs

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a procurement point of reference and guide other staff through the procurement process as necessary (other practitioners, evaluation committee members, clients etc.)
• In close cooperation with stakeholders, such as other UN agencies, donors, NGOs and other departments within UNOPS, prepare realistic procurement plans and appropriate procurement strategies
• Assist stakeholders with amendments, extensions, general contract administration and other procurement-related contractual issues throughout the life cycle of the contract
• Coach and mentor staff who may report to the Procurement Specialist
• Performing such other duties and responsibilities relevant to the functions of a Procurement Specialist

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Supply Chain / Procurement, Business/Commerce, Accounting/Finance, Law, Economics, or other related discipline is required.
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in related field with additional 2 years of relevant working experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a procurement role is required.
• Demonstrated experience in a range of procurement activities such as process, policy, strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management.
• Well-developed analytical thinking, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
• Public Procurement expertise and/or working experience is an asset.
• Work experience in international organizations is an asset.

Languages requirements:

• Fluency in English required.
• Working knowledge of Spanish or French is an asset.

Certifications

• Professional certification in procurement is desirable

Client-focused – Ability to serve and manage clients’ needs; be able to represent and promote UNOPS through knowledge and partnership building within the UN and other forums.

Integrity and Professionalism – Solid ethics and integrity interfacing with colleagues, clients and service providers. Accountable and takes ownership.

Analytical – Analytical abilities specific to procurement; able to understand and assess complexities, able to match the scope of the solution with optimal use of the organisation's resources, attention to detail and ability to convert data to useful information.

Communication – Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Ability to communicate technical concepts in a manner relevant to stakeholders.

• 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.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, 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.