Strategic Initiatives Team Leader (Procurement)

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.

As a central procurement resource for the United Nations system and its partners, UNOPS emphasizes efficient, transparent, cost-effective and sustainable delivery of goods, services and works, in line with public procurement best practices. On a yearly basis, UNOPS procures USD over 900 Million worth of goods, services and works on behalf of our partners. These include a broad base of categories, including life-saving pharmaceuticals, mine action equipment, vehicles or road construction services. Procurement is decentralized, with approx. 90% done outside HQ in Copenhagen through a global supplier base from +90 countries.

The Procurement Group (PG) at UNOPS leads the organization’s procurement practice and is responsible for: overall strategy, thought leadership, both for internal and external positioning. It is also responsible for policy and enabling the operationalization and managerial oversight of UNOPS procurement activities through appropriate systems and reports; strengthening the knowledge, skills and career development of procurement practitioners; and leading the implementation of Sustainable Procurement across the organization. It is also a key driver of innovative solutions, including eProcurement systems.

UNOPS also offers procurement solutions to many partners including governments, NGOs, other UN organizations, etc.

The  Team Leader  Strategic Procurement Initiatives is a key member of the Procurement Group’s leadership team and will report directly to the Director, Procurement Group.

This role focuses on shaping and defining the strategic positioning of UNOPS Procurement Services globally. This role will manage  a small team (3) of specialist/analysts.

1. Establish a strategic roadmap for the growth of procurement solutions globally

2. Implement and manage the future strategy roadmap and forward direction for procurement services globally.

3. Work with the UNOPS Regions in concert with Management Support Centre (MSC) to define the key drivers for growth in procurement which support the delivery of the global strategy.

4. Work with key internal stakeholders  to define procurement solutions offerings.This includes but is not exclusive to MSC, Partnerships, Regions, Country Offices etc. to support business development

5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with the development sector, business units and supporting teams, to ensure cross-functional support of the strategic positioning activities, which could include identifying key conferences for UNOPS to participate, researching and,creation of publications, etc...

6. Act as a key focal point and liaison with Partnership and Liaison Group (PLG) and MSC, Infrastructure/Project Management Group (IPMG) for all relevant initiatives;

7. Leads/manages the SPI team and supports the overall leadership of the Procurement Group

8. Lead the production of thought leadership publications on procurement that help to promote UNOPS strategic position in sustainable procurement etc.. , including the production of the Annual Statistical Report (ASR) on UN Procurement, in collaboration with participating UN organizations. https://www.ungm.org/Public/ASR

9. Support the financial budget process, balanced scorecard, and other reports as identified to enable the Director and the PG Leadership team in informed decision making. Support where necessary in the development of key performance indicators, both internal and external but with a particular focus on the latter supporting business units in tracking success.  Supports the Team Leader in Knowledge Management to ensure that relevant data is provided to all audits such as UNBOA, JIU, internal as required

10. Other duties as assigned

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Business, Economics, Procurement, Supply Chain, or equivalent is required.
• Project Management certification is an advantage
• A first level University degree with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant past experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of  progressively responsible experience in global  procurement strategy development related to marketplace development, market analysis, and strategic positioning,
• Minimum 5 years of experience in managing/leading a team
• Knowledge of project management is an advantage
• Experience in both private and public sector and experience in consulting would be considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement and procurement’s impact on the SDGs is an advantage
• UN experience is an advantage
• Other: This role will at times require significant travel.

Languages: Fluency in English is a requirement. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish will be considered an asset.

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

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

Ability to Analyze – Displays analyzing abilities specific to 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 organization’s resources, with 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.

Skills required –

Understanding of marketing/sales. Excellent communication skills with previous experience writing publications and presentation in large forums. A team player who can work effectively with multiple stakeholders

Excellent knowledge of research methodologies, approaches. Significant knowledge of data presentation/extraction/statistical analysis, including knowledge of excel.

• 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.