Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so that countries can sustain progress. As the United Nations’ development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Ukraine, UNDP operates in five programmatic areas of support: government capacities for crisis response and management; sustaining provision of public services; emergency works facilitating return and reconstruction; incomes, livelihoods and the private sector response; and civil society and maintenance of the social fabric.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and devastating destruction of infrastructure, placing recent socio-economic achievements at risk. In this context, UNDP’s core engagement in Ukraine prioritizes safeguarding development gains, supporting the restoration of critical functions, and facilitating the country’s pathway back toward achieving the SDGs as quickly as possible.
The ongoing war has inflicted profound damage on Ukraine’s economy, infrastructure, and social fabric, creating unprecedented humanitarian and environmental challenges. According to the latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), released in February 2025, the total cost of reconstruction and recovery amounts to USD 524 billion over the next decade. For 2025, recovery and reconstruction priorities total USD 17.32 billion across public investment projects and non-investment programmes, identified through the Public Investment Management (PIM) system introduced by the Government of Ukraine in 2024. These priorities feed into a nationally coordinated pipeline of recovery interventions, relevant to the European Investment Bank (EIB)-funded Ukraine Early Recovery Programme (UERP), Ukraine Recovery Programme (URP), and Ukraine Recovery Programme III (URP-III).
The EIB-funded recovery programmes supported by UNDP Technical Assistance (TA) focus on five recovery priority areas: education facilities, healthcare infrastructure, housing, water and sewage systems, and public/administrative buildings. Since early 2017, UNDP in partnership with the EU and EIB has been providing TA to both UERP and URP with the implementation of 438 sub-projects in more than 170 communities, contributing to the successful completion of 117 sub-projects in 12 oblasts and benefiting around 4 million Ukrainians, including more than 460,000 internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
Building on the successful implementation of previous EIB-financed recovery programmes – the UERP and URP – the new URP III aims at further supporting investments in critical public infrastructure in regions and communities affected by the RF’s military aggression and providing basic public services to affected populations. The UNDP Technical Assistance for the Ukraine Recovery Programme (URP and URP-III) is a 24-month initiative, funded by the EIB. It ensures that EIB-financed recovery investments are delivered efficiently and transparently, in full compliance with the EIB Environmental and Social Standards and the EIB Guide to Procurement, while applying “Build Back Better” principles and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The UNDP TA team will support the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine (MDCT) and local authorities in planning, preparation, procurement, implementation, and monitoring of recovery sub-projects across multiple oblasts in Ukraine, with priority given to war-affected communities, addressing critical capacity gaps and operational bottlenecks. UNDP provides integrated technical assistance throughout the sub-project cycle, including engineering and procurement monitoring, environmental and social risk management, financial management support, integrity and anti-corruption measures, and stakeholder engagement. By combining UNDP’s national presence and technical expertise, the UNDP project is expected to accelerate the implementation of over 300 EIB-funded sub-projects, contributing to the restoration of essential public services, strengthening of infrastructure resilience, and improved living conditions for conflict-affected populations, including IDPs and vulnerable groups.
In this regard, UNDP Ukraine invites applications from highly qualified and experienced Ukrainian professionals for the post of the Procurement Associate. The overall objective of this assignment is to ensure the performance of all tasks necessary to procure goods, services and individual consultants in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. This may include tasks such as reviewing TORs and RFPs for completeness and correctness, posting RFPs, seeking bids on goods and services, and processing applications.
The incumbent will promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance to any kind of discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Ensures Implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievements of the following results:
• Full compliance of project procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control.
2) Supports procurement processes for the project focusing on achievements of the following results:
• Contribution to preparation of the Procurement Plan based on the Annual Work Plans and its timely and regularly updating according to the project activities;
• Maintenance of the corporate procurement systems;
• Support the update of existing procurement tracking tools;
• Organization of procurement processes including preparation and conduct of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs, hiring individual consultants, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations. Support the procurement process to ensure that it is fair, competitive, transparent, ethical and provides best value for money as well as the procurement action is in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations, procedures and instructions;
• Preparation of submissions to Contract, Asset and Procurement Committees and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP), facilitate supportive information and document flows;
• Verification, review and providing support with drafting Terms of Reference (TOR)/technical specifications/Statement of Work (SOW) according to UNDP regulations, required evaluation criteria and scoring and provide procurement related inputs before PU CO review;
• Serving as a secretary of the tender procurement processes of the project procurement activities including: preparation of all procurement documents, distribution and presentation of relevant documentation to the members of the committee; coordination of procurement evaluation committee meetings; preparation of procurement evaluation committee reports as well as maintenance of records of all documentation and reports;
• Conduction of tenders in Quantum and their further processing through UNall (service management platform).
• Implementation of proactive contract management, timely follow-up on the purchase orders fulfilment, communication with suppliers and resolving issues which may arise along the supply process;
• Liaise as necessary with the stakeholders of procurement processes which may include but not be limited to, international and national suppliers, service providers, external bodies and end users as needed along the procurement and supply process;
• Preparation of Purchase orders (POs) and contracts in the corporate management system Quantum (ERP platform), performance management of procurement contracts. Implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase orders are duly prepared and approved. Ensuring timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems. Buyer profile in Quantum;
• Support the project management on physical assets disposal. Review of assets and recommendation of physical assets for disposal. Preparation of documentation for submission to Contract Review Committees; follow up on request and liaise with requesting unit and maintenance for disposal action and entry in ERP system (Quantum) of all the requisite details for recording disposals. Oversight of disposal of items and accuracy of inventory data;
• Maintenance of the adequate filing and documentary evidence of all procurement and contract management processes as required by UNDP policies and procedures;
• Ensuring that all project’s needs are met through the timely provision of appropriate supplies and other logistical support to all areas of operation;
• Assist in problem-solving, bottlenecks prevention, risk analysis of the procurement processes within the project;
• Perform other duties as required by UNDP management.
3) Ensures implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Development and update of the rosters of suppliers/consultants, implementation of supplier selection and evaluation and launching procurement process based on the sourcing strategies;
• Use and implementation of e-procurement and other online modules being used and tested by CO Procurement unit.
4) Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievements of the following results:
• Providing trainings on procurement-related processes to the project staff, if needed,
• Participating in the procurement related trainings organized by CO Procurement unit or UN HQ.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the
efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the direct supervision of the Project Operations Officer and in close cooperation with other Project staff members, the Procurement Associate will be responsible for procurement issues. S/he will ensure administration, transparent and efficient provision of procurement services and processes for the Project.
Competencies
| Core | |
| Achieve Results: | LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline |
| Think Innovatively: | LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements |
| Learn Continuously: | LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback |
| Adapt with Agility: | LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible |
| Act with Determination: | LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident |
| Engage and Partner: | LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion: | LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination |
| Thematic Area | Name | Definition |
| Business Management | Customer Satisfaction/Client Management |
Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. |
| Business Management | Communication |
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. |
| Procurement | Data analysis |
Ability to extract, analyzeand visualize procurement data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making. |
| Procurement | Data management | Knowledge of processing, storing, and validating procurement data. |
| Procurement | Procurement management | The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source. |
| Procurement | Contract management | Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations. |
| 2030 Agenda: People | Gender | Gender and Crisis |
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary Education is required. OR
- A University degree in the field of procurement/supply chain, logistics, or other relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
- CIPS-3 procurement certification is a requirement for this position. If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year.
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years (with Secondary Education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement/supply chain, logistics, or related areas.
Required skills:
- Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel).
- Knowledge of automated procurement systems.
- Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages and experience in handling web-based management systems.
Desirable Criteria:
- Prior experience of working at UN Agency, international organizations, or projects in the field of procurement will be considered an advantage.
- Familiarity and experience with ERP systems would be an asset.
- Working experience with UN procurement procedures will be considered an advantage.
Required Language(s):
- Fluency in English, the UN language of the duty station, is required.
- Fluency in the national language of the duty station is required for local personnel.
Professional Certificates: CIPS 2 at the time of recruitment.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
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