Regional Procurement and Contracting Officer

Post Number : 6CMADM0002RP

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)

Duty Station: Yaounde  

Job Family: Administration

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable with possibility of extension

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 12-AUG-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the direct supervision of the Finance and Administrative Officer, and in close collaboration with the Regional Programme Teams as well as the Headquarters Chief of Procurement and Contracting and Section staff, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for responsive, economical, effective, efficient, risk managed and high quality procurement and contracting services and advice for UNESCO Regional Office and Field Offices and programmes within the region. This includes collaboration with Programme Teams in defining procurement and contracting strategies to meet programmatic needs, support in capacity building and assessment of implementation partners. The incumbent will ensure best value for money and fairness, integrity and transparency of processes in accordance with Organization’s regulations, rules and procedures as well as international standards and best practices and participate in the UN procurement initiatives.

Long Description

Operational Support and Advice

• Collaborate with regional and national program teams to develop procurement and contracting strategies that enhance operational capabilities, compliance, and monitoring.
• Develop and manage procurement plans to support the complex procurement and contractual requirements of programmes at regional and national levels.
• Provide expert support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle.
• Prepare/oversee invitations to tender, bid evaluations, and promote e-tendering platforms for efficiency and transparency.
• Analyze and evaluate vendor offers based on cost, technical specifications, reliability, after-sales/completion implications and value for money.
• Conduct risk assessments on matters related to procurement and contracting.
• Participate in the implementation of audit recommendations related to procurement.

Contract Management

• Review contractual documents and submissions for approval by the relevant UNESCO authorities, including Legal Affairs and/or Headquarters Contracts Committee. Sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit.  
• Put in place tools to ensuring proper monitoring of ongoing/past procurement files and the proper archiving of procurement and contracting related documents.
• Assess and establish the work programme and schedule for ongoing and new contracts. Ensure the completeness, correctness and adequacy of new requests to guarantee fair and transparent competition and comparison processes, value for money, delivery of required outcomes, and compliance with appropriate internal controls and governance throughout the process.
• Transparently manage waivers, contract amendments, and vendor performance assessments.
• Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, manage pricing reviews and contract renegotiation, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
• Oversee and assist in verification missions and internal/external audits of procurement & contracting activities, ensuring timely implementation of the recommendations.

Long Description

Collaboration with Programme and Implementation Partners 

• Collaborate closely with program teams during programme design, planning, procurement preparation and monitoring & evaluation.
• Support in identification and assessment of implementing partners, including civil society organizations, and establish related agreements under the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).
• Conduct orientation sessions and organize training for potential implementation partners, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and adherence to UNESCO Procurement and Contracting Policies.

Supervision and Capacity Building

• Provide expert advice, guidance and technical support to strengthen capacity, expertise, standards of integrity and compliance throughout the Office and at national level throughout the region. Organize and ensure the delivery of in-house training on procurement and contracting, focusing on the areas for improvement or as new needs emerge.

Representation, Partnerships and Networking

• Represent the Office in the Procurement Working Group of Organizational Management Team (OMT) and Regional OMT set by the UN Country Team (UNCT) to advise on procurement, contracting and supply chain matters.
• Participate in other events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with Government, UN organizations and bilateral counterparts.
• Act as the UNESCO focal point for common UN procurement at the country and regional level.
• Elaborate annual statistical procurement reports and compile data for UN reporting purposes.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in procurement and supply change management, business administration, finance, law, engineering, sciences or other fields closely related to the position. 
• A professional certification such as CIPS (Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional) or equivalent.  If no CIPS certification is available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year after appointment.
• A first-level university degree with specialized courses or certificates in procurement & supply chain (CIPS or equivalent), in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience 

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in procurement, supply chain/project management, contract administration or logistics, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in procurement and contracting, in a UN agency or similar international organizations.

Skills and competencies

• Ability to analyze and assess needs, apply strategies, develop plans, mitigate risk and ensure value for money, transparency, integrity and fairness in the area of regional and national office procurement and contracting.
• Ability to analyze the complex procurement and contractual requirements of programmes at regional and national levels as well as supply chain considerations.
• Ability to identify potential collaborations for future activities in line with developments or trends.
• Ability to interpret and strictly apply a wide range of available procurement and contracting regulations, processes, guidelines, frameworks, standards and other governance directives.
• Ability to work independently and provide supportive leadership.
• Ability to build constructive internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to influence decision-making.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of French or English and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience 

• Experience in support of field operations in the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization.
• Experience in the use of SAP.

Languages

• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Russian).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate starting annual salary for this position is USD 96 694.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.