CONTRACTS MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Under the overall authority of the Director of Bureau of Management of Support Services (MSS) and the direct authority of the Chief of the Operations Section (OPS), the incumbent will be responsible for the following\:

• Provide input to the management of contracts and Long-term Agreements (LTA) ensuring compliance with UNESCO Financial Regulations and Rules, Administrative Manual and applicable procedures.
• Provide operational technical leadership, advice, guidance and support to UNESCO contract managers in the execution of LTAs and contracts.
• Work in close collaboration with stakeholders to establish key performance indicators (KPI), for contracts for common goods and services to accompany them in monitoring the contracts and achieve and ensure value for money.
• Provide input to the overall management and oversight on the implementation of UNESCO travel policy and travel contracts globally, to ensure cost-effective solutions to the travel-related needs of the Organization, in compliance with applicable rules and regulations including safety.
• Lead the development and evolution of the travel policy, procedures and guidelines, to be applied throughout the Organization contributing to efficient and cost-effective travel services in support of UNESCO programme delivery.
• Monitor the travel management company and the business travel account to ensure excellent service provision, provide periodic training and information to travellers and travel assistants on all travel management issues.
• Assist in the preparation of the strategic framework, the biennium budget for MSS and in the preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
• Assist in the effective and timely planning, oversight, coordination and implementation of MSS work plans, determining priorities, resource allocation and monitoring performance.
• Participate in the development of risk assessments and risk management plans for MSS, including mitigating measures.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, law or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of contracting and/or operations support, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in contract management.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations and procedures related to contractual arrangements.
• Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with contractors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
• Strong IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets etc.) and SAP or a similar ERP system.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and a good knowledge of the other language.