Procurement - Advisory Services Specialist

In an effort to accelerate and promote sustainable development, UNOPS seeks motivated and qualified individuals to support its sustainable procurement programme and associated initiatives.

The Procurement Group (PG) at UNOPS leads the organization’s sustainable procurement practice and is responsible for all matters of organizational development in procurement and supply chain management. It is responsible for developing procurement strategies, policies, and processes.

PG provides authoritative guidance and procurement advice. It enables oversight and develops procurement and supply chain knowledge networks and training tools to strengthen skills in public procurement while advancing sustainable practices.

For UNOPS Procurement is not just internally focused but also an area where we provide guidance and support directly to of partners through our Advisory Services Team. This is where a number of highly-qualified UNOPS experts’ provide consulting/advisory services to Government officials and other public sector entities in developing nations on how to improve their procurement processes, identifying the issues and providing key recommendations on reforming the function.

There is a growing need for UNOPS to provide these advisory and capacity development services in the areas of and procurement & supply chain management.

This role is specifically associated with Procurement/Supply Chain Advisory Services, which resides in PG, which includes (but not exclusive to):

• Support business development to our offices and be able to write compelling proposals
• To be key personnel in the kick-off of any procurement advisory services project and to monitor adherence to timelines and quality of work from our roster of consultants.
• Diagnostic: Be able to understand and perform  Procurement Efficiency Assessments through PEAT; Rapid Procurement Assessments of the National System; Procurement audits;
• Be able to support the Procurement Advisory Services Training Specialist in delivering trainings to our clients, both in content and delivery

• Provide intelligence and information to support the pursuit of procurement business opportunities, including gathering any relevant information and intelligence from external media, donor websites, business/economic journals.
• Carry out field missions in support and delivery of new AS engagements, in coordination with local UNOPS staff under the overall direction of the AS Lead;
• Provide guidance in how to write and customize technical advisory services proposals for the various Office Countries (OC) and Regional Offices (RO);
• To develop standardized methods and tools kits for procurement business development and to coordinate with other business development partners on pricing models, costing proposal writing and mission support as required;
• Develop and deliver outreach material (webinars, blogs, presentations, conferences, one- on-one support, etc.) to business developers on specific topics in advisory services (e.g. pricing, specific tools, project engagement setup);
• Conduct quality assurance on technical project documentation developed by the external experts
• Actively participate in the identification, design and formulation of new advisory services engagements;
• Collect, organize and file all Advisory Services reports resulting from completed assignments; and assist in the development of Advisory Services factsheets and presentations;
• Assist in the establishment, update and management of the AS Experts Roster in coordination with HR staff and the Advisory Services Team Leads and to continue in the identification of new external experts in the most demanded fields of expertise.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Supply Chain / Procurement, Business / Commerce, Marketing or other related disciplines.
• Applicants with Bachelor’s Degree in related fields with additional 2 years of relevant working experience in Procurement / Supply chain Management may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement management.
• Experience working in management consulting will be considered a significant  advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions)

Analytical skills – Demonstrates ability to understand and evaluate matters pertaining to public procurement; is able to understand and assess complexities, takes reasoned approach and discusses them with other key players for a balanced view and is able to match the scope of the solution by optimal use of the organisation's resources, with attention to detail and ability to convert data to useful information.

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

Knowledge Management and Learning – Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture. In- depth knowledge on public sector procurement solutions, systems and tools. Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills to tasks.

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 (procurement advisors, procurement associates, procurement specialists, and other end users).

Planning and Organizing – Experience in project work; ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for completing the work and managing conflicting priorities. Identifies priority activities and assignments adjusting priorities where required. Foresees risk and allows for contingencies when planning tasks.

Specific skills requirements

• Solid understanding of procurement and supply chain processes, in particular of the public sector, required
• Good understanding of sustainability and sustainable procurement, and solid understanding of procurement and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with public sector management, namely of national administrations or international organisations required
• Proven project management experience and knowledge of UN procurement rules and regulations desirable. Familiarity with UNOPS is a definite advantage.

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. 

• 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.