Chief Procurement and Contracting Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : OPS 649

Grade : P-5

Parent Sector : Division of  Operations (OPS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Administration

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 18-DEC-2020

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Chief Procurement and Contracting Officer, under the direct supervision of the Director, Operations Division and the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management, is responsible for the following key functions and core results:  

 

• Acts as a Chief, Procurement and Contracting Section for UNESCO's procurement and contracting policy and processes. He/she is responsible for elaborating policy, guidance, training and technical assistance for all high risk and high value contracts, not only for the procurement of goods, works and services, but also for implementation partnership agreements, financing activities contracts and other forms of contractual agreements. 
• Defines and implements the monitoring framework for high risk and high value contracts, other elements within the contracting portfolio and other key financial processes.
• Serves as a center of expertise for whole UNESCO in the area of procurement & contracting.
• Acts as a resource person (ex officio) and advisor to the Contracts Committee.
• Contributes to the knowledge sharing and creation of the procurement and contracting community of practice.
• Acts as UNESCO representative in related inter-agency networks and working groups and multi-agency business seminars.

Long Description

Furthermore, the incumbent is responsible for the following:

 

Policy Development and Advice

• Develop and implement policies on improved procurement procedures and methods for the efficient conduct of procurement operations; carry out continuous analysis of the working methods and systems, identify problem areas and introduce improvements.
• Issues guidelines, recommends policies and basically serve as a Center of expertise for whole UNESCO in the area of procurement & contracting.
• Contributes to informed decision-making by building capacity for financial management.
• Provides specialized advice on procurement and contracting to internal and external colleagues, peers and stakeholders.
• Advises peers, colleagues and partners on new developments and best practices and emerging trends in area(s) of assignment.
• Manages and coordinates activities related to procurement tools and instruments including UNESCO portfolio of the United Nation's Global Marketplace for vendor registration and procurement notices, procurement portal on UNESCO Internet & Intranet sites and model documents on procurement and contracting.
• Represents the organization at high level meetings of international and national experts related to worldwide and national procurement activities including participation in the HLCM procurement network meetings.

Long Description

Training, coaching and capacity building

• Contribute to informed decision-making by building capacity for financial management.
• Organize consultations and events and ensure regular contributions and updates to online and knowledge management systems with regards to contracting and procurement policies.
• Develop and maintain contracting/procurement training material.
• Deliver training to various levels of staff on contracting and procurement.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity and develop systems for detection and prevention of fraud and corruption within the contracting/procurement process including keeping up-to-date the standards of conduct expected from vendors and staff.

Long Description

Quality Assurance & Monitoring of procurement and contracting activities  

• Responsible for setting and inspecting standards for all procurement/ contracting processes;
• Conducts analysis and tracks key procurement & contracting metrics;
• Position the" Planning Process" for both commodities and services as a key Project Management tool; provides advice upfront to Sectors and Field Offices on key high risks projects

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Leading and empowering others (M) Managing performance (M) Building partnerships (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Contract/Commercial Law or specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, purchasing or contracting.
• Equivalent educational qualifications in relevant areas such as contract management or supply chain management.

 

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in supply, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related fields. 
• Relevant experience acquired at the international level.
• Experience in contracting for complex services.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of all facets of international procurement, including state-of-the-art knowledge of procurement and contract principles, techniques, practices, regulations, as well as current knowledge of broader economic and market perspective. 
• Knowledge of and experience in cost analysis evaluation techniques, combined with knowledge of administrative and management principles relevant to the direction of procurement operations of significant complexity, volume and financial and/or operational impact. 
• Ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives.
• Ability to apply independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major procurement issues and problems. 
• Ability to negotiate, persuade and influence others to reach agreement on complex and sensitive issues. 
• Ability to manage, supervise and motivate staff and teams.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other.

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

• Relevant experience in the United Nations or any other International Organization.

 

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

 

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

 

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.