Associate National Procurement Project Officer

Post Number : 2UAADM1000PA

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)

Duty Station: Ukraine

Job Family: Administration

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05-JUL-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall delegated authority of the Head of the Desk for Ukraine and the direct supervision of the Finance & Administrative Project Officer and functional guidance by Headquarters sector for Administration and Management (ADM), the incumbent provides dedicated procurement services to coordinate the procurement, importation, distribution, and delivery of all required infrastructural needs, equipment, materials and other related goods for the UNESCO  Desk in Ukraine. The incumbent will ensure best value for money and fairness, integrity and transparency of processes in accordance with the Organization’s regulations, rules and procedures as well as international standards and best practices.
The Associate National Procurement Officer works in close collaboration with the Desk´s programme and administrative staff and UNESCO central services to successfully deliver procurement services.
 

Long Description

•    Coordinate procurement planning, quality assurance, effective coordination, monitoring of compliance with rules and regulations for contracts-related procedures, assess the procurement proposals and support, as needed, the overall administration of the programme;
•    Ensure compliance to financial rules and regulations;
•    Develop and implement a Procurement Plan and design, maintain and monitor work plans and schedules for ongoing and new procurement requirements and contracts;
•    Establish and implement proper monitoring system and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB, RFP, EOI, and IPA. Receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals or applications, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNESCO rules and regulations;
•    Verify the procurement needs and support the delivery and monitoring of restoration materials, supplies and equipment;
•    Conceptualize, elaborate and implement  Strategic and Sustainable Procurement in the Desk including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, and performance measurement;
•    Manage all aspects of the bid/proposal process, including the identification of requirements, preparation of announcements and participating in the selection of and negotiations with suppliers/vendors;

•    Coordinate the evaluation team, analyze and evaluate vendors’ offers considering various factors affecting cost, technical specifications, implementation schedules, reliability, and after-sales/completion implications, ensuring value for money;
•    Review procurement and other new contract requests prepared by Programme staff to ensure completeness, correctness and adequacy to assure fair and transparent competition or comparison process, assisting in market research and providing advice where required;
•    Provide policy, guidance, training and technical assistance to staff in planning, developing and managing contracts (including the identification of requirements, estimation of budgets, appropriate procurement or contracting methods, etc.) with a special focus on high value/high-risk contracts;
•    Ensure that approved projects are registered, when required, under International Technical Assistance (ITA), in line with national requirements and procedures (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 153, “On the creation of a unified system of involvement, using and monitoring of international technical assistance,” dated February 15, 2022).
•    Provide advice on the selection of appropriate contractual modalities for engagement with Vendor, Consultants and Partners in various programmes and project contexts.
•    Analyze and review existing internal office practices and policies with respect to partnership with NGOs and CBOs and proposes ways and means to ensure more effective partnership with these organizations.
•    Review the ongoing procurement and contracting practices undertaken by the projects for continuous identification, assessment, prioritization, and monitoring of risks.
•    Negotiate the settlement of disputes arising from contractual relationships between contract holders and the FO. If in the course of negotiation, it becomes apparent that no amicable solution will be possible, and that formal legal proceedings are likely to be initiated against UNESCO, the she/he shall promptly notify and liaise with the OPS/PRO/LA on the appropriate next steps.
•    Provide substantive support and guidance on activities related Enterprise Risk Management and project risk assessments for the FO.

Long Description
Long Description
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)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

•    An Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the relevant field in public procurement, business administration, finance, law, or other fields closely related to the position 
•    A first-level university degree with specialized courses or certificates (e.g. CIPS) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

•    A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, administration, project management/operations, including supply chain management, procurement and/or contracting.
•    Experience in administrative work, preferably with wide experience in procurement in an UN agency or other international organization.
•    Professional experience required application of knowledge of commercial supply sources and of common business and industry practices.
  

Skills and competencies

•    Strong practical and theoretical background in all phases of international procurement operations and in contracting for a diverse range of goods, works and services. 
•    Understanding of institutional UNESCO mandates in the country and Region.
•    Ability to analyze the procurement and contractual requirements of programmes, as well as supply chain considerations
•    Good computer skills, including practical knowledge of ERP systems related to finance and/or procurement.
•    Ability to apply independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major procurement and contracting issues and problems. 
•    Ability to plan and organize the work by developing clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies.
•    Ability to communicate clearly and effectively – both orally and in writing – with diverse audiences on procurement and contracting related matters. 
•    Demonstrated integrity and transparency. 
•    Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in international organizations or United Nations agencies.
• Experience working in hardship duty stations.

Languages

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

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 annual starting salary for this post is 38 776 US $.

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.