Chief, Procurement Policy and Strategic Directions

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Working under Category 6, corporate services / enabling functions, the Department of Operational Support and Services aims to ensure high-quality, consistent and responsive managerial and administrative support services and to promote an efficient and collaborative, customer-oriented working environment. Contracting and procurement is one of the areas of work in the department, whereby it presently has a responsibility for purchasing and evaluating suppliers for HQ s technical programmes and providing guidance in any procurement related matters to HQ entities

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Chief, Procurement Policy and Strategic Directions is the authoritative advisor and the senior expert on matters related to procurement. In this capacity, he / she will\:

- Lead efforts in strategic planning and policy development in the area of procurement for WHO, developing new policies as well as proposals on revisions to procurement and logistics policies and procedures and recommending strategies for the effective implementation of procurement and logistics policies and reforms.

- Set policy standards for the procurement of goods and services as well as for control and oversight regarding the adherence to rules, procedures and standards.

- Monitor and evaluate progress made with the above.

- Develop support tools and mechanisms, where required, including procurement related training / training materials.

- Review and address, as appropriate, audit recommendations linked to procurement.

- Ensure that potential for fraud (and other) risks are identified and appropriate action is taken towards risk mitigation and that the implementation of WHO's internal control framework is supported in the area of procurement.

- Provide authoritative advice for and intervene, as necessary, in negotiations for difficult and highly complex contracts, ensuring that quality, costs, and legal requirements in the interest of the Organization are safeguarded.

- Participate in the work of the Contracts Review Committee, as required.

- Advise ADG/GMG and other senior colleagues on the latest developments and state of the art on procurement.

- Jointly with the Global Service Centre as well as with the Procurement Officers network, ensure that procurement policies are supported by efficient processes and procedures and that opportunities for process improvements are identified and enhancements implemented, as required, in the GSM, WHO s ERP systems.

- Promote collaborative relationships internally within WHO between various Headquarters departments, Regional and Country offices and share knowledge of best practices.

- Lead the work of the WHO Procurement Officers network and convene annual meetings with the aim of creating synergies and harmonization of procurement processes and practices across the Organization.

- Build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with external stakeholders.

- Participate in trade meetings and/or business events organized by Governments or the UN in order to explore new market opportunities, identify new potential suppliers and products to increase competition and to obtain better prices and/or value for money.

- Leverage WHO s procurement activities through the UN system, or participating in meetings dealing with procurement, and represent WHO in inter-agency meetings, as required.

- Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree related to Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or a closely related discipline.
Desirable\: Additional study, course-work or training in areas relevant to supply chain management, procurement and logistics, international trade & law, public health and/or a recognized qualification in procurement.

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years' experience at a senior level in a procurement-related role, including extensive experience gained internationally and in managing procurement related projects & negotiations and in developing procurement strategies, policies and processes.

Of this experience, at least seven years should be obtained in an international organization/setting or multi-national organization.

Desirable\: Experience from a procurement management role in an international public organization.

Experience of procurement in a health sector, in emergency response and / or in procurement of vaccines, drugs, pharmaceuticals or biological products.

Experience in delivering change management projects.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of modern procurement methods and best practice, including considerable knowledge of UN or international public procurement policies, procedures and operations.

Good knowledge of international contract law.Demonstrated managerial, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work under tight deadlines and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Ability to write clear and concise reports.

Demonstrated ability to promote innovation and manage change.

Ability to represent the Organization and to provide authoritative advice and guidance.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 97,805 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 5705 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.