Procurement Specialist, P-3, FT, Post # 94865, UNICEF Supply Division, New York, United States

Procurement Specialist

UNICEF (New York Supply Centre) is currently undergoing organizational changes; therefore, the exact location of the post has yet to be determined. Selected candidates may be required to commence duties remotely until the location is confirmed. If reassigned or relocated to New York, candidates may be expected to relocate to a new location again during the initial contract or assignment period.

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 fulfil 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.

For every child, an Education

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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 favouritism. 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.

Strategic office context:

The position will lead a portfolio of Service Categories in the New York Supply Centre in support of all contracting activities carried out by Head Quarters Divisions/Offices and provide support to ROs and COs on implementation of existing LTAS as well as overall expertise in the various categories of services managed by the team.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Contracts Manger, the Contracts Specialist will be responsible for planning all Service Contracting needs with Head Quarters Divisions/Offices as well as developing and executing procurement strategies for a portfolio of Service Categories, to secure an uninterrupted, sustainable supply of affordable, quality services.

You will be accountable for: 

• Contracting services, within a portfolio of Service Categories including Learning and Development, Operational as well as Financial Services.
• Establishing work plans and priorities, monitor achievements and coordinate work of support staff.
• Coordinating, monitoring, and executing annual procurement plans from Head Quarters Divisions/Offices including all relevant Service Contracting requirements.
• Reviewing Terms of Reference for specific requirements and consult with Business Owner and other relevant stakeholders to achieve clear objectives in the contracting of services.
• Identifying relevant supply strategies and procurement modalities for specific contracting activities.
• Exploring and implementing collaborative procurement with other United Nations Agencies for selected Service Categories to achieve efficiencies and meet objectives. 
• Managing tender processes, issue, review and approve contracts and LTAs in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, Supply Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
• Negotiating terms and conditions with UNICEF Business Owners and suppliers, including legal terms, prices, conditions etc.
• Providing advice/guidance to requisitioning Head Quarters Divisions/Offices as well as CO/RO concerning service contracting, contractual conditions and contracting processes in general.
• Evaluating supplier’s performance with respect to agreed contractual deliverables and document and implement required corrective action.
• Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor including OIC, Contract Manager.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education

• A completed Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) in business administration, commerce or law or technical field required.

Work Experience

• Minimum five year of progressively responsible professional experience including at least three at the international level.  Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.   
• Solid experience in service contracting, service category management, and contract management. Experience from analytical work and negotiations.  
• Experience and ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and material resources. 
• Experience in use of computer applications, including internet navigation and various office applications. 

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

The core competencies required for this post are;

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and
• ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Works collaboratively with others
• Nurtures, leads and manages people

The technical knowledge required for this post are;

• Knowledge of worldwide procurement, strong contract negotiations and administration especially ICT products. 
• Good analytical skill and strong negotiating skills. 
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form. 
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and material resources. 
• Ability to establish harmonious work-relationships with colleagues in an international and multicultural environment. 
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of support staff. 
• Good knowledge of computer applications. 

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

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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at: http://www.whed.net/

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.