Procurement Associate

These jobs are located at Headquarters (HQ), Regional Offices (RBs) and Country Offices (COs) and report to a Head of Unit, Head or Procurement Manager.

Incumbents at this level demonstrate responsibility and initiative to independently respond to questions and problems with only general guidance. Judgment is required to deal with unforeseen problems on a daily basis. Position holders have a level of expertise and knowledge to adapt and contribute to the development of systems and processes to continually improve the level of support provided. Position holders supervise, provide technical advice, mentor and coordinate a team of support staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (non-exhaustive)

• Provide operational coordination and administrative services to support procurement projects and activities, following standard processes and contributing to the efficient purchasing of goods and services.
• Identify and recommend potential suppliers and compile data/documents to support supplier selection, ensuring standard processes are followed.
• Review, register and prioritize procurement requests and provide support to requesters, in order to support the procurement of appropriate goods and services, at the lowest possible cost to WFP.
• Contribute to negotiations with new suppliers on order conditions, alongside a senior manager, to obtain the best conditions and lowest costs for WFP.
• Prepare purchase orders, contracts and any supporting documentation for approval by appropriate interested parties and approve purchases made within delegated authorities to enable the timely procurement of goods and services.
• Resolve issues relating to delivered goods, using initiative, liaising with all parties and following standard processes, to ensure timely and accurate resolution of issues.
• Research, collect and analyze data to produce reports allowing purchasing managers to make clear decisions and ensure consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Manage updates and develop databases and records to ensure information is accurate, organized and accessible to others, and supports reporting requirements.
• Maintain relationships with internal counterparts, support alignment of procurement activities with broader programs and ensure a consistent approach to meeting food assistance needs.
• Supervise the work of support staff, providing practical guidance, to ensure individual and team objectives are delivered to agreed standards and deadlines.
• Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to help WFP respond quickly and deploy necessary food and resources to affected areas early in the crisis.

SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide coordination, administration and research services to support efficient and effective procurement services.

MINIMUM STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Experience:

• High school diploma. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area. A diploma in Administration, management, Logistics or any other relevant field is an asset
• At least 6 years of professional experience in the field of purchasing and supply chain management

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written communication in the UN language used in the duty station and in the language of the duty station, if different.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THIS ROLE

• Demonstrated knowledge of locally purchased products/goods/services (e.g. cash donations).
• Experience in sourcing and coordinating with retailers, wholesalers and traders.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes and linkages to other operations (e.g., Logistics).

Source: https://career5.successfactors.eu//career?career_ns=job_listing&company=C0000168410P&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&rcm_site_locale=en_GB&career_job_req_id=833166