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Procurement Advisor

Kabul

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Kabul
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Procurement
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Project, the Procurement Advisor leads a team of procurement specialists responsible for the procurement component of the project. The Procurement Advisor is responsible for procurement planning and preparation, and for managing all stages of procurement processes. They are responsible for the development and implementation of strategic and effective procurement reflecting international public procurement best practices, compliance with UNOPS procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money for the acquisition of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and supplies.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions  


  1. Implementation of procurement processes

  2. Procurement and supply chain management

  3. Contract administration and management 

  4. Personnel management

  5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing


1. Implementation of  procurement strategies

Oversight and supervision of the planning, implementation and results of strategic and routine procurement work plans for the Project, including:

  • Acting as the procurement focal point for the office. In this regard, provide interpretation of procurement policies and guide the project team on the appropriate application of procurement policies and procedures in their daily work.

  • Ensure full compliance of the procurement activities with UNOPS policies and strategies by designing and operationalizing a client-oriented procurement management system to monitor and control the implementation of procurement plans and procurement processes conducted by the project team.

  • Manage the process of periodic (annual, semi-annual and quarterly) procurement planning for the projects and oversee their implementation ensuring effectively-functioning processes to avoid costly delays and lost opportunities for the project and AUMCO.

  • Provide technical support on all procurement related matters, including management and guidance: 

  • in identification of procurement needs at the project development stage; 

  • in preparation of realistic procurement plans and development of appropriate procurement strategies;

  • in preparation of technical specifications, terms of references, scope of works;

  • in cost estimations for the required goods/services/works;

  • in drafting solicitation documents;

  • in proper monitoring and control of procurement processes pertinent to the solicitation, evaluation and submission for award processes whenever required and in full compliance with the UNOPS procurement rules and regulations;

  • in contract management and dispute resolution issues;

  • in establishment of the procurement process monitoring systems and mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in the project’s procurement activities.

  • Quality assurance of procurement actions and documentation requiring a PA approval (solicitation documents, shortlists, requests for awards, submissions to LCPC and HQCPC, contracts, agreements, etc.) and obtaining, in a timely manner, of the necessary approvals and clearances from the relevant PA.

  • Ensure effective lines of communication between management and the procurement team to ensure priority requirements, timely delivery of goods, works and services using the most appropriate procurement procedures.

  • Provide inputs to the project’s administrative business process mapping and development for streamlining the various procurement related process-flows.


2. Procurement and Supply Chain Management:

  • Organize and implement the required strategic procurement activities under the project: establish Long Term Agreements and Blanket Purchase Agreements for common user items and services, develop sourcing strategies specific to local context (supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, performance measurement, etc.), etc.

  • Organize and implement project specific procurement processes, including formulation of strategy for obtaining best results, developing criteria for evaluation, preparation and conducting of ITBs and RFPs, evaluation of bids and proposals, pre-award negotiation of contract conditions with winning bidder(s), submissions for review and award to UNOPS Contract Committees, prepare Purchase Orders and Contracts in and outside of oneUNOPS.

3. Contract Administration and Management 

  • Provide oversight over various contract management processes and ensure transparency.

  • Monitor and analyze contract performance against agreed benchmarks through agreed reporting mechanisms and advise the Senior Project Manager on potential issues and recommend remedial actions.

  • Negotiate, within the terms and conditions of the contract, solutions to conflicts/problems arising in case of poor performance or non-compliance with contractual obligations and convene meetings with contractors to allow ample opportunity for the identification and early resolution of potential disputes in the best manner achieving the best interest of UNOPS, its clients and beneficiaries.


4. Personnel Management

  • Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the procurement team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

  • Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

  • Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrassment, sexual harrassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.


5. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing 

  • Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for project personnel on Procurement-related topics.

  • Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for project and procurement personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.

  • Oversee team’s contributions to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement management.

  • Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively. 

  • Keep abreast of and be adept in contemporary procurement techniques and industry practices as they impact UNOPS to implement projects.



3. Impact of Results


The effective and successful achievement of results by the Procurement Advisor directly impacts on the development and consequently the implementation and performance of the project. It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS  in the global humanitarian context. 


Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment. 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Qualifications and Experience


a. Education

  • An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Finance, Business/Public Administration, Public Policy, Accounting or other is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

  • An Accredited Level III Certificate in Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing or equivalent is an asset.


b. Work experience 

  • A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional procurement experience including implementation of complex procurement projects is required.

  • Experience in a leading local or global provider of management advisory or consulting services to the public sector is an asset.

  • Experience working at leadership level in or with government or international financial institutions or other international development organizations is highly valued.

  • Experience with Enterprise systems including OneUNOPS is desirable.

  • Experience in developing countries or a post-conflict context is an advantage.

  • Knowledge of procurement within the context of Afghanistan is highly valued.


c. Languages

  • Proficiency in English is required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance 

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is now closed.
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