Papua New Guinea is currently a medium sized office. The Office has been increasing the programme delivery from $12.5 million in 2015 to $16.07 million 2017. In 2018, the Office has agreed on a programme delivery target of $17.1 million to be delivered through 15 Projects. The target of the office is to progress to a $20 million per annum office to ensure office sustainability.

The Office is embarking on an ambitious plan to construct the UN House in the Country, for which the Govt of PNG has provided land on a long-term lease to the UN and it is not feasible for the existing CO team to handle this project. The operations structure in the Office is currently decentralized, especially with each team having its own Procurement and Administrative support and likely contributing to differentiated approaches to the critical enabler for programme delivery. The CO needs to consolidate all operational functions (notably procurement), irrespective of contract modalities in the Country Office and also reduce footprint.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Procurement Team Leader, the Procurement Assistant provides procurement services ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. The Procurement Assistant promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

 The Procurement Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects staff in the CO and UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Summary of key functions:

• Implementation of operational strategies
• Support to procurement processes
• Implementation of sourcing strategy
• Control of CO Assets
• Provision of logistical services
• Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
•    Provision of inputs to the CO Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement and Logistics in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

2. Supports procurement processes for CO, NEX/DEX projects and at the request of other Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of inputs to preparation of procurement plans for the office.
• Support to organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation.
• Preparation of Purchase orders and contracts in and outside Atlas, preparation of Recurring Purchase orders for contracting of services, vendor creation in Atlas, maintenance of the filing system in the procurement Unit. . Buyers profile in Atlas.
• Implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase orders are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.
• Provision of information for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.

• Contributes to implementation of sourcing strategy focusing on achievement of the following result:

• Update of the rosters of suppliers.

• Ensures proper control of CO Assets focusing on achievement of the following result:

• Preparation of inventory reports.
• Implementation of Inventory and physical verification check-up in the CO and projects.

• Ensures provision of logistical services focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Purchase of tickets and PO preparation; arrangement of shipments; vehicle maintenance organization; conference facilities arrangements.
• Timely conducted DSA, Travel Agencies, vehicle maintenance, hotel and conference facilities surveys.

• Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Procurement.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Level 1.1: Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions

Design and Implementation of Management Systems

Level 1.1: Data gathering and implementation of management systems

• Uses information/databases/other management systems

Client Orientation

Level 1.1:  Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Level 1.1:  Gathering and disseminating information

• Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making

UNDP Procurement Certification programme

Secondary Education with specialized training in procurement. University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

4 years of relevant administrative experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of automated procurement systems, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

• Strong written and spoken English.
• Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.