Procurement Specialist – Policy and System

The Procurement Specialist will be part of the Policy and Standards team at PG which is mainly responsible for:  

• Developing UNOPS procurement policy, guidelines and templates and other knowledge products, assuring alignment with best practices and business needs; 

• Establishing UNOPS Procurement Training Strategy and developing and delivering training courses for UNOPS personnel;  

• Coordinating eProcurement initiatives, including the development and implementation of the UNOPS eSourcing system and ERP modules such as supplier performance evaluation and contract management;  

• Hosting the secretariat of the Vendor Review Committee (VRC);  

• Addressing and implementing procurement recommendations from internal and external audits, as well as for procurement assessments and certifications. 

Functional Responsibilities 

Working in the Procurement Group (PG), the successful incumbent will be expected to Supervise the Procurement Senior Analyst – systems colleague, and to be primarily responsible  for the following areas of work:

• .Coordinate the development, management and roll-out of eProcurement initiatives  

1. Coordinate the development of eProcurement initiatives and system enhancements (e.g eSourcing, Supplier Performance Evaluation module, contract management module, integration of vendor databases, ERP Procure to Pay modules, etc.) by contributing to system design and specification/requirement definitions, software testing, etc. in close collaboration with ICT and other key stakeholders.  

2. Lead the planning and execution of the rollout, integrating change management activities for the release of e-procurement initiatives across UNOPS. This involves conducting global webinars, enhancing user guides and training materials, facilitating the onboarding process for individual offices, and establishing a robust support system for users and vendors worldwide. Additionally, ensure a seamless alignment between the change policy and the system/process requirements, fostering a clear and effective channel for communication and collaboration in both directions. 

3. Maintain alignment between policy and system process .

4. Coordinate continuous systems, policy and process mapping and analysis, to ensure alignment, and to identify potential risks and related controls for implementation, contribute to the generation and use of data to provide oversight and improvement of procurement operations

5. Foster collaborative dialogue supported by a clear feedback mechanism across key stakeholders in the HQ and in the regions/ country offices to facilitate continuous improvements

6. Provide input on leading practices on e-procurement systems including the potential for incorporation of new technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence)

• Develop other policy and knowledge management products 

1. Support in the development of new and revised procurement policies

2. Develop and maintain procurement templates, and guidance documents.  

3. Supervise the management of e-tendering helpdesk function, and explore potential alternatives to ensure 24/7 coverage as a long-term ambition.

4. Contribute to other knowledge management products and initiatives including the Procurement Community of Practice (COP).

5. Support the implementation of audit recommendations as relevant and the response to  internal- and external audit queries

6. Coordinate with Procurement Assurance team in the creation of strategic reporting tools and dashboards leveraging procurement systems

7. Provide contribution to corporate and/or interagency working groups/task forces as required

• Develop and deliver procurement training  

1.  Design and develop content for procurement systems training courses (for internal and external users) as identified in the Procurement Training Strategy, in coordination with the Capacity Development and Training Specialist, Procurement Assurance team, ITG and, as relevant, other Subject Matter Experts.

2. Deliver specific, targeted procurement systems training in HQ and field locations as identified in collaboration with the Procurement Assurance team and ITG and based on prioritized requests from UNOPS Business Units.

3. Coordinate the systematic development, delivery and improvement of applicable user guides on e-procurement systems for internal and external users

4. Support PG in implementing training and professionalization initiatives, other than systems, as identified (e.g POT, … , etc)

Education 

• Master’s Degree or equivalent preferably in the supply chain, procurement, business, law, audit, economics, or other related disciplines.

• Applicants with Bachelor’s Degree in related fields with additional 2 years of relevant working experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Work Experience 

:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in procurement is required.

• Experience in the development and roll out of eProcurement initiatives is highly desirable.

• Experience working in organizations following public procurement rules and regulations would be an asset.

• Familiarity with UNOPS processes, policies, procedures, and use of UNOPS systems is an advantage.