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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind.
The Procurement Service provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations and the Letter of Agreement Quality Assurance function both at headquarters and in FAO Decentralized Offices; it provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on "Best Value for Money" principles.
The post is located in the Procurement Service (CSLP) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Procurement Officer reports to Chief, Procurement Service.
Technical Focus
Planning, organizing, coordinating and reporting to the Chief, Procurement Service, on strategy, policy and office management, and management and overview of procurement activities and the Letter of Agreement Quality Assurance, at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
Key Results
As delegated and required, plans and manages major procurement service areas to support the effective management of FAO resources and safeguard the Organization's assets/services/goods in accordance with internal policies, UN procurement guidelines and International Standards.
Key Functions
• Acts as deputy to the Chief, Procurement Service, represents the Procurement Service and liaises with internal and external stakeholders including UN agencies, donors and Members.
• Provides strategic guidance and leadership on procurement matters for headquarters and Decentralized Offices
• As delegated, leads and guides the formulation of procurement and Letter of Agreement strategies, policies and procedures.
• Plans and manages Procurement Service teams, provides leadership/secretariat services to the ad hoc committees, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff.
• Develops operational/work plans and oversees and/or coordinates procurement/contractual service areas and related activities, monitors risks and procurement/contractual controls, and ensures compliance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Directs the development and updating of the supporting operational, policy, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised procurement/contractual policies, and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Directs the preparation/review/analysis of statutory and/or management reports, procurement/contractual statements, reports to donors as well as specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
•Analyses complex procurement/contractual and risk related issues and provides advice and assistance to managers at headquarters, Decentralized Offices, ad hoc committees and/or Governing Bodies, etc.
• Represents FAO and develops consensus on procurement/contractual matters with external providers, donors, partners, and UN procurement executives and provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices and leads and/or participates in related training.
Specific Functions
• Supports and advises the Service Chief in the strategic management of the procurement function globally;
• Supports the strengthening of the procurement monitoring functions and tools;
• Provides technical guidance and advice to International Procurement Officers (IPOs) in the Decentralized Offices;
• Ensures proper animation and capacity building of the global procurement network of IPOs and other procurement support personnel;
• Leads corporate procurement planning process for both development and emergency portfolios;
• Reviews, advises and authorizes, as delegated, cases of exceptions to established rules, procedures and practices;
• Participates in and contributes to interagency meetings, for enhanced collaboration, efficiency, harmonization of common contracting practices (e.g. UN Efficiency Agenda, Sustainable Procurement, etc.);
• Leads process of revisions to procurement procedures related to contractual instruments and tender process (i.e. use of Long Term Agreement, Value for Money, Service Order, etc.).
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in business administration, law, finance or a related field;
• Ten years of experience in procurement activities in an international organization including a proven record of managing and delivering complex procurement programmes and record of relevant field experience;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential.
• Extent and relevance of experience in procurement activities in an international setting which include a proven record of managing and delivering complex procurement programmes.
• Extent and relevance of experience in assessing critical linkages between procurement and business functions, and the ability to deal effectively with internal clients within a multicultural environment and with external clients within a country specific framework.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting reports and other communication material clearly and concisely in English.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the UN system is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in managing and supervising staff.