Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations.  With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it.  By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.
This vacancy announcement is for rostering purposes. There are multiple duty stations in the Africa Region, as such, the selected candidate(s) will be based in the KEMCO portfolio countries Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda and any other country within the region subject to the need and funds availability.


Position Specific

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Procurement Manager who reports to the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of procurement services reflecting best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS procurement rules and regulations, appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.  He/she analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide range of issues related to procurement. 

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Analyst maintains a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

Functional Responsibilities

  1. Implementation of operational procurement strategies

  2. Management of procurement processes

  3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools

  4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

  5. Team Management 

1. Implements key aspects of operational procurement strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. 

  • Implementation of, or support to, the different steps of the procurement processes, including Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.

2. Provides technical support and guidance to procurement processes of the Business Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Timely and duly prepared elements of procurement plans and monitoring of their implementation

  • Guidelines followed on embedding sustainability along the procurement process.

  • Organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulation. 

  • Preparation of submissions to the Contract and Property Committees (CPCs). 

  • Monitoring of contractor performance and certification of completed work for compliance with contractual terms and payment.

  • Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Project Managers on procurement issues.

  • Drafting of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures. 

3.  Implementation  of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Development and management of the rosters of suppliers. 

  • Utilization of-sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Group’s goals and standards in this area. 
4. Team Management

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

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

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

  • Contribute to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources management.

  • Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively. 
Impact of Results

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit/s and project activities in procurement management, impacting the timely availability of effective goods and services for UNOPS’ programmes.  Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of goods and services, contribute to office performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management.  This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

  • Education: 
  • Bachelor university degree in combination with two (2) years’ experience at the international level in Procurement Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced university degree; 
  • Procurement of Supply Chain Management, Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) or similar international Certification is a distinct advantage;
  • Knowledge of UN/UNDP/UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations is distinct advantage; 
Experience: 
  • A minimum of two (2) year’s  experience in Procurement of Supply Chain Management is required;
  • Experience in working in high intensity work environments is desirable
  • A minimum of one (1) year’s experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) is required;
  • Experience in the use of Google Suite packages is desirable;
  • Knowledge of UNOPS procurement and financial rules and regulations is desirable;
  • Work experience in developing / post conflict countries is an added advantage;
Language requirements:

  • For this job opening, fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required; 

  • Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Competencies

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.

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 announcement is for rostering purposes. There are multiple duty stations in the Africa Region, as such, the selected candidate(s) will be based in the KEMCO portfolio countries Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda and any other country within the region subject to the need and funds availability.

Contract type, level and duration

  1. Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement ( IICA)
  2. Contract level: IICA1/ ICS 8
  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 

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.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.