Contracts Officer, P2, FT, HTC, post#116977, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, Denmark

Under the guidance and supervision of the Contracts Manager, the Contracts Officer will be engaged in the procurement of medical equipment, devices, consumables and any associated services with a focus on oxygen therapy and related products in accordance with the UNICEF Rules and Regulations, and monitor and report on supplier performance, market development and procurement history for a segment of products.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, hope

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

SD’s key priorities are providing timely and effective service delivery, including for emergencies, programmes and procurement services partners, creating healthy markets and sustainable national supply chain systems, and providing supply financing solutions. 

The position is located within the Health Technology Centre (HTC) in Supply Division. Through applied technical, contractual and operational expertise, the Centre supports UNICEF country programmes and procurement services partners.  This position is part of the Oxygen Equipment Unit.

How can you make a difference?

Under the guidance and supervision of the Contracts Manager, the Contracts Officer will be engaged in the procurement of medical equipment, devices, consumables and any associated services with a focus on oxygen therapy and related products in accordance with the UNICEF Rules and Regulations, and monitor and report on supplier performance, market development and procurement history for a segment of products.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1.  Ensure all procurement activities are in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, SD Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.

2. Review requirements; identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; develops clear goals and resources for completing work.

3. Solicit and evaluate bids/proposals/quotations to ensure overall competitiveness, quality, and conformity to specified requirements, clarifies offers and negotiates with suppliers, as appropriate.

4. Coordinate contracting and managing complex projects and procurement of specialized medical equipment, devices and consumable products for use in UNICEF Country Programs including emergency response products and components of health kits.

5. Compile, analyze and present procurement data, prepare all relevant supporting documents and recommend approval of the Long-Term Arrangements (LTA) or purchase order; may authorize purchases in line with delegated authority, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepare submissions to the Contract Review Committee (CRC) for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.

6. Review workload and coordinates placement of Purchase Orders to ensure quick response to requests received from Country Offices and Procurement Services partners. Coordinate timely delivery of consignment.

7. Oversee adherence to LTA terms and conditions; contribute to dispute resolution proceedings when required.

8. Review and provides recommendations to Team Leader or assigned supervisor on Local Procurement Authorization (LPA) from Country Offices/Regional Offices. Advise CO/RO on the full range of contractual/procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle; Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts.

9. Work and engage proactively and constructively with immediate team in Health Technology Centre, Medical Devices Unit as well as other Business Centers in Supply Division i.e. Procurement Services, Warehouse and Logistics Centre, Quality Assurance Centre and Finance, as well as Programme Division and EMOPS to ensure successful implementation of the procurement cycle.

10. In partnership with QA and Shipping, evaluates suppliers with respect to delivery performance, product acceptability and commercial acceptability.

11. Monitors market trends (supply/demand) and prepares forecast.

12. Foster Product Innovation by promoting Target Product Profiles, specifically for oxygen products, developed to stimulate industry to develop improved products that meet the challenging environments that UNICEF operates.

13. Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

The following minimum requirements:

• Education: A first University degree (equivalent to a Bachelor’s) from an accredited institution is required in business administration, commerce or law or related technical field.

• Work Experience:

-Minimum two years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably at the international level.   

-Knowledge of worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration. 

-Experience in procurement of medical equipment and devices as well as knowledge of the medical device markets. 

-Good knowledge of computer applications, including internet navigation and various office applications along with advanced Excel skills. 

-Experience in working in emergencies would be of interest 

• Skills: Knowledge of worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration. Good analytical skill and negotiating skills. Ability to make timely and quality judgements and decisions. Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and material resources. Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions. Ability to establish harmonious work-relationships with colleagues in an international and multicultural environment. Good knowledge of computer applications, including internet navigation and various office applications along with advanced Excel skills required.

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others [add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.