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Procurement Advisor

Kinshasa

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Kinshasa
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Procurement
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The CDOH portfolio has grown significantly in the past couple of years, mainly with the signature of large WB funded infrastructure projects, and transactional procurement projects across the 11 countries.

Under the direct operational supervision of the CDOH Head of Support Services (HoSS), the Procurement Advisor will provide procurement advice on various matters in support of the activities pertaining to programme support and/or project implementation by UNOPS in the Central Africa Countries covered by the CDOH. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the Hub’s procurement performance and delivery goals. The position requires sound judgment, diligence and the ability to act in a firm but tactful manner. 

The Individual Contractor will be initially engaged on a monthly remuneration basis for 3 months and based in Kinshasa. The contract type will then be converted to daily home-based retainer (s/he will work when and as required) from the 4th month.


Background information - DR Congo

Located in Kinshasa, DRC, the UNOPS Hub in Central Africa (CDOH) covers eleven countries; The Hub has developed strong working relations with the international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments of Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors; procurement, project management and sectoral advisory services; peace and security, environmental preservation and protection among others.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

  1. Development and Implementation of procurement strategies adapted to the new scope of the Hub
  2. Management of procurement processes, Technical supervision and support to Project Centres on all procurement related matters
  3. Contracts Administration and Management
  4. Facilitation of capacity building and knowledge sharing
  5. Organization and promotion of Supplier Sustainability Initiative

1.    Development and support for Implementation of procurement strategies adapted to the new scope of the Hub

  • Coordinate with the relevant staff, including relevant senior managers and clients of procurement department, to understand the needs and plans.
  • Conduct review of current procurement processes and provide reports and briefs on relevant issues, as well as project and work plans to remedy identified issues and bring forth improvements.
  • Support the implementation of  the required strategic procurement activities in the Hub: establish Long Term Agreements and Blanket Purchase Agreements for common user items and services in the Hub, develop sourcing strategies specific to local context for the Project Centres (supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, performance measurement, etc.), etc.;
  • Support the implementation of project specific procurement processes, including formulation of strategy for obtaining best results, developing criteria for evaluation, preparation and conducting of ITBs and RFPs, evaluation of bids and proposals, pre-award negotiation of contract conditions with winning bidder(s), submissions for review and award to UNOPS Contract Committees, prepare Purchase Orders and Contracts in and outside of oneUNOPS;
  • Review unsuccessful procurement processes conducted by Hub’s procurement personnel; undertake remedial actions when and where possible to positively conclude the process.
  • Work on integrating sustainable procurement and innovation within the hub procurement strategy.

2.    Management of procurement processes, Technical supervision and support to Project Centres on all procurement related matters

  • Oversight, technical supervision, guidance and mentoring of the procurement units and procurement personnel;
  • Provide interpretation of procurement policies and guide the personnel within the Hub on the appropriate application of procurement policies and procedures in their daily work;
  • Ensure full compliance of the Hub’s procurement activities with UNOPS policies and strategies by designing and operationalizing a client-oriented procurement management system for the Hub to monitor and control the implementation of procurement plans and procurement processes conducted by Hub’s procurement personnel;
  • Manage the process of periodic (annual, semi-annual and quarterly) procurement planning for the projects and oversee their implementation ensuring effectively-functioning processes to avoid costly delays and lost opportunities for the projects and the Hub;
  • Provide technical support to Project and Countries on all procurement related matters, including:
  • Assistance in identification of procurement needs at the project development stage;
  • Assistance in preparation of realistic procurement plans and development of appropriate procurement strategies;
  • Assistance in preparation of technical specifications, terms of references, scope of works;
  • Assistance in cost estimations for the required goods/services/works;
  • Responsible for quality of solicitation documents;
  • Guiding the personnel throughout the solicitation, evaluation and submission for award processes whenever required;
  • Assistance in contract management and dispute resolution issues;
  • Quality assurance (preclearance and clearance) for procurement actions and documentation requiring a PA approval (solicitation documents, shortlists, requests for awards, submissions to LCPC and HQCPC, contracts, agreements, etc.) and obtaining, on timely manner, of the necessary approvals and clearances from the relevant PA; The incumbent should become within the 6 first months UNOPS procurement reviewer if not already the case.
  • Ensure effective lines of communication between the Hub’s Programme Management Office, Project Managers and procurement teams to ensure priority requirements, timely delivery of goods, works and services using the most appropriate procurement procedures;
  • Provide inputs to the Hub’s administrative business process mapping and development for streamlining the various procurement related process-flows between the Hub and other business units (headquarters, the regional office, countries).

3      Contracts Administration and Management:

  • Develop appropriate contract management tools, guidelines and manuals for standardization and knowledge sharing purposes;
  • Provide oversight over various contract management processes and ensure transparency;
  • Monitor and analyze contract performance against agreed benchmarks through agreed reporting mechanisms and advise the concerned Project Manager on potential issues and recommend remedial actions;
  • Negotiate, within the terms and conditions of the contract, solutions to conflicts/problems arising in case of poor performance or non-compliance with contractual obligations and convene meetings with contractors to allow ample opportunity for the identification and early resolution of potential disputes in the best manner achieving the best interest of UNOPS, its clients and beneficiaries

4      Facilitation of capacity building and knowledge sharing:

  • Synthesis of lessons learnt, keeping abreast of best practices in procurement and making recommendations for continuous improvements of processes and policies in the Organisation;
  • Develop effective working relationships with the Hub’s procurement personnel; coach, mentor and evaluate the Hub’s procurement personnel;
  • Promote and support a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility;
  • Develop trainings and related training materials and promote capacity development among the Hub’s procurement personnel;
  • Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  • Build strong and collaborative relationships with a network of people who possess a variety of competencies;
  • Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts and facilitate appropriate arrangements for capacity building for the suppliers and contractors to execute their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

5      Organization and promotion of Supplier Sustainability Initiative:

  • Develop risk based mechanisms for monitoring the compliance of suppliers with behavioral codes of conduct;
  • Develop processes for managing sustainability risks for goods, works and services.



Education

  • Master’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain, International Development, Economics, International Finance, Business Administration, Public Policy, Accounting or other related disciplines. 
  • Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s Degree..

Experience

  • Minimum of 7 year of experience in the field of Procurement and Supply Chain Management is required
  • At least 3 years of United Nations procurement rules and regulations is required for this position
  • At least 2 years of UNOPS procurement rules and regulations is required for this position
  • At least 2 years of experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) is required
  • A member of international professional body is desirable.
  • Well conversed in data analysis, management reporting and project management tools and information management systems is an added advantage

Languages

  • Full working knowledge of French and English is essential.

Certifications

  • Certificate in Procurement – CIPS (certificate in Purchasing and Supplying) Accredited Level III or equivalent is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract IICA
Contract level:IICA3 
Contract duration: The Individual Contractor will be initially engaged on a monthly remuneration basic for 3 months and based in Kinshasa. Kinshasa is a family duty station. The contact type will then be converted to daily home-based retainer (s/he will work when and as requiered) from the 4th month

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • 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.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


This vacancy is now closed.
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