Senior Procurement Associate, G7 (Fixed Term), New Delhi

The Senior Procurement Associate performs highly skilled work on UNICEF supply chains, and manages the more complex cases and client requests, which frequently requires the evaluation of difficult situations and adaptation of procedures and processes to resolve such cases. This is the senior GS level for specialized supply chain work and requires advanced specialized knowledge acquired through formal training and experience.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up!

Click here to learn more about UNICEF:   https://youtube/E1xkXZs0cAQ

For Every Child, AN ADVOCATE:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children in the world's thereby ensuring a better future for every child, this is the chance to make a difference.  Under the supervision of the Procurement Specialist in Supply and Procurement section, the incumbent performs highly skilled work on UNICEF supply chains, and manages the more complex cases and client requests, which frequently requires the evaluation of difficult situations and adaptation of procedures and processes to resolve such cases. This is the senior General Services (GS) level for specialized supply chain work and requires advanced specialized knowledge acquired through formal training and experience.

The function is characterized as highly independent and provides opportunities for Associates to lead and carry out responsibility for end to end supply chain management from the beginning to the end of the process and provide input into the design and development of improved supply chain services and delivery mechanisms.

Major duties and responsibilities:

I   Supply Chain Service Delivery and Response

1.   Planning:

• In consultation with supervisor, provide input to the Country Programme Action Planning and advise on Supply requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans. Participate in the forecasting, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the supply chain operations, including establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of products and services;
• Support supply emergency preparedness and response activities including establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs), Logistics Capacity Assessment and Contingency Plan update, and pre-positioning of stock.

2.   Procurement/contracting:

• Provide input to and advice on the annual supply plan. Conduct data review and analysis for category management and development of procurement strategies;
• Undertake market research in relevant areas for UNICEF to identify potential suppliers/contractors and advice on best approaches to obtain best value for money and sustainable procurement. Support potential suppliers to register through UNGM, the public electronic registration platform. Keep updated on market trends and developments and in cooperation with supervisor, prepare category reports on outlooks and expenditure. Together with supervisor prepare and propose procurement strategies for assigned categories. Support product innovation and market shaping initiatives for specific categories of supplies and services;
• Liaise with clients in planning procurement and contracting initiatives, supporting development of appropriate specifications, terms of reference, and logistics arrangements and timelines. Take into account opportunities to strengthen sustainability of supply chains;
• Ensure establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) and act on specific procurement requisitions as might be required. Prepare and process Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as might be requested by the Supervisor. Organize bid openings and conduct technical and financial analysis of offers as might be required. Conduct clarifications and negotiations with suppliers. Maintain highest level of integrity, ethical standards and accountability in the procurement of goods, contracting of services and construction work;
• Undertake the contracting of Consultants and Individual Contractors while ensuring adherence with Division of Human Resources Procedures, as revised from time to time;
• Prepare requests for award including submissions to Contract Review Committee. Prepare purchase orders and contracts in SAP (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning system), and submit for relevant approvals, ensuring completeness of documentation in UNICEF systems;
• Keep stakeholders/partners informed on the progress. Liaise with suppliers, ensuring timely follow-up on delivery schedules Implement appropriate vendor management practices e.g. supply performance reviews;
• Ensure appropriate filing of procurement cases and maintain up to date records for future reference including for audit.

II   Alternative delivery mechanisms

• Support assessment of and collaboration with implementing partners including civil society, for establishment of Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), and monitoring of supply components under Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT);

• Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with UN organizations to support harmonized and collaborative procurement and logistics arrangements.

III   Partnership coordination and collaboration

• Support effective working relations with other agencies, local authorities and implementing partners through information exchange, collaboration, and harmonization. Cooperates with other UN agency counterparts in the UN reform initiatives (including common LTAs, bulk procurement, etc.).

IV   Other duties/responsibilities:

• Provides practical input on implementation of guidelines in the area of supply and procurement, in close coordination with the Chief of Supply & Procurement and supervisor;
• Supports supervisor and the Chief of Supply & Procurement, and updates staff on supply and procurement policies, procedures rules and regulation.  Implements the appropriate application and interpretation of Supply and Procurement rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Contributes to recommendations on the improvement of internal controls systems taking into account the prevailing conditions in the locality;
• Keeps supervisor abreast of potential problem areas, prepares reports on supply and procurement matters as required;
• In collaboration with supervisor, Chief of Supply & Procurement, Supply Division, Regional Office and the global supply community, provide input to help ensure knowledge exchange and learning is prioritized to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team. Develop and facilitate training of newcomers, establish processes or manuals to support effective workflows.

Impact of Results:

The Senior Procurement Associate’s impact is founded on the provision of input into the design and development of improved services, systems and delivery processes. The impact directly affects the quality and timeliness of the delivery of a range of different specialized services for which the unit is accountable. Working with a high degree of operational independence, Associates are accountable for the achievement of overall service delivery results to clients.

Their client interface focuses on handling of specialized and complex supply chain processes and delivery of services with clients. They liaise with concerned clients and with suppliers to solve issues on purchase orders, contracts, delivery and payments. These relationships are important to ensure that service standards and deadlines are met, and that proposals and actions adhere to policies and rules. The Associates’ work relationships require skills to promote understanding and acceptance of regulations, rules and procedures and/or otherwise improve client services.

External contacts involve liaising with similar organizations for collaboration, research and data/information gathering to compile and assess best practices. Furthermore, extensive external contact with suppliers is required, including to negotiate or clarify unique, complex issues or processes. Collaboration with partners and Governments is also applicable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values (Required)

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication  [ II ] 
• Working with People  [ II ]
• Drive for Results  [ I ] 

  Functional Competencies (Required)

• Analyzing [ II ]
• Applying Technical Expertise [ II ]
• Following instructions and Procedures [ II ]
• Planning and Organizing [ II ]

 To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Skills Required

• In-depth knowledge of the concepts, methodologies relevant to the area of work including the relevant supply chain policies, partnership mechanisms, rules and regulations, as well as general knowledge of other related fields;
• High level of proficiency or skill is required in the interpretation and application of specialized rules and regulations to the particular circumstances of complex individual cases;
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF office tools;
• Demonstrated understanding of the relevant supply chain processes and ability to consistently apply relevant policies, procedures and good practices in the daily work. Good judgement in order to handle complex cases including considerations for exceptions;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor;
• Ability to use supply related modules within SAP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system;
• Ability to establish priorities and plan his/her own work and plan, coordinate and monitor the work of those under his/her supervision;
• Ability to draft clear and concise reports or rationale for supply related decisions on key issues.

 To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Requirements of the position (QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES):-

Education:      

• Completion of secondary education is required.
• University level or technical courses in supply chain, business administration, contract/commercial law, or another relevant technical field is an advantage.

Experience:    

• A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration and/or other directly-related technical fields in supply chain management or a commercial context is required.
• Experience working in development and/or humanitarian organization is an advantage.

Language Requirements:      

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all national, religious, gender and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

UNICEF has recently become the first United Nations agency to be awarded the EDGE certification – the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace. UNICEF’s commitment to EDGE reaffirms our pledge to gender equality and inclusion all UNICEF staff worldwide.

This certification recognizes UNICEF’s commitment to achieving significant milestones in gender equality for all its staff, including strong gender balance at all levels of the organization, pay equity, a solid framework of policies and practices, and an inclusive workplace culture.

“UNICEF’s most important asset is our staff — all of our staff. Gender diversity and equal opportunities for men and women is not only a matter of rights. It makes us more effective as an organization.” Henrietta H. Fore, UNICEF Executive Director.

We are the first United Nations agency to be awarded the EDGE certification – the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace.

For more information on UNICEF EDGE Certification, kindly view the video here.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:  

• This position is based in New Delhi (India).
• Selected applicant will have an initial two (2) year fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. 

 For more information about UNICEF India, please refer to the link below: - http://unicef.in

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