Procurement Assistant - Tenders Global

Procurement Assistant

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

tendersglobal.net

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Job Purpose and Organizational Context:
UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.
With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.
UNDP India’s current Country Programme, 2018-2022, is in its final year of implementation. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027), which comes into effect in 2023, builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:
  • Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs
  • Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized
  • Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability
South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.
UNDP is striving to ensure its procurement function and practices are an integral part of UNDP’s competitive advantage as a development partner of choice. This requires placing more attention on strategically integrating procurement at the project design stage, stimulating innovation in specifications and technologies, and adopting more sustainable production and consumption practices that align with UNDPs sustainable development goals. Sustainable procurement means making sure products, services, and purchases are as sustainable as possible with the lowest environmental impact and most positive social results. In implementing UNDP strategic procurement priorities, Country offices will strive to use flexible methods for high-value/low-risk and timely delivery that meet the needs of its clients and key stakeholders.
Position Purpose:
Under the guidance and supervision of the Procurement Analyst (Head of Procurement Unit), the Procurement Assistant provides procurement services ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. S/he promotes a client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach in the Unit.
The Procurement Assistant works in close collaboration with Operations, Programme and project teams in the Country Office and UNDP HQ and with vendors to exchange information and ensure consistent delivery of procurement services.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1.) Implement sustainable procurement strategies and policies that are in alignment with principles of fairness, integrity and transparency to achieve best value for money.
  • Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
  • Provide inputs to mapping CO procurement business processes and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in consultation with direct supervisor and office management.
2.) Support procurement processes for Country Office (CO), projects (National Implementation (NIM) and Direct Implementation (DIM), and other UN Agencies upon request.
  • Provide inputs for preparation of procurement plans for the country office and projects.
  • Support in organizing end-to-end procurement processes including support in preparation of RFQ, ITB or RFP documents, and receive and conduct preliminary evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals.
  • Support in receipt of quotations, bids or proposals for Individual Consultants (ICs), provide assistance in their evaluation and negotiation of certain conditions of contracts.
  • Prepare Purchase Orders and contracts in Quantum (ERP system) and outside of e-procurement, prepare recurring purchase orders for contracting services, create vendors and buyer profiles in e-procurement; and maintain the filing system in the Procurement unit.
  • Prepare submissions for internal procurement review committees (CAP, RACP and ACP).
  • Support implementation of the internal control system to ensure that Purchase orders (POs) are duly prepared and dispatched.
  • Ensure timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors or any other issues.
  • Manage two key categories i.e. Hotels and Events.in consultation with direct supervisor.
  • Provide information for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for the procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.
  • Support in Implementation of joint procurement processes for the UN Agencies in line with UN reform.
3.) Contribute to implementation of sourcing strategies to find best values in the marketplace through use e-procurement tools.
  • Update rosters of suppliers.
  • Assist in compiling of information for different types of procurement including for travel services.
  • Assist in preparation of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) for UNDP and on behalf of other UN Agencies, if required.
4.) Support procurement knowledge building and knowledge sharing in CO
  • Participate in procurement training for operations, programme and project staff.
  • Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Procurement.
  • Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None
Competencies:
Core Competencies:

Achieve Results LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 1: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.

Cross Functional and Technical Competencies:

Thematic Area Name Definition
Procurement Sourcing
  • Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services
Procurement   Financial Analysis
  • Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability
Procurement   Data Management
  • Knowledge of processing, storing and validating procurement data.
Procurement   Procurement Management
  • The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.
Business Direction & Strategy Negotiation and Influence
  • Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations
Business Management  Customer

Satisfaction/Client Management

  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and understand the real customers’ needs.
  • Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy
  • Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests.
  • Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns
Business Management Communication
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Secondary education is required.
  • A University (Bachelor’s) degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
  • CIPS level 2 is a requirement for this position.

If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year.

Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years (with Secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant core procurement experience is required at the national and international level.  Experience in public procurement with the government/Non-Profit Sector is desirable.
  • Experience in the use of computers, office software (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required.  Experience of advanced automated procurement systems, database packages, and web- based management systems such as ERP is an asset.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Fluency in Hindi is required.

Keywords: 

  • Public Sector Procurement and Sourcing
  • Contract monitoring
  • Data management
  • Financial analysis
  • Best value for money

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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