Procurement Specialist

Org. Setting and Reporting

UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Procurement Specialist reports to the Chief, Central Support Services Division (CSSD).

Responsibilities

Participates in the planning process and contributes to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation and operationalization of the Agency procurement plan. Plans, develops and manages procurement and contractual activities related to procurement of diverse services and goods related to, information technology and electronic equipment. The incumbent may be requested to help with contracts related to building maintenance, construction, etc. taking into account local economic and other conditions; prepares solicitation documents, identifies method of solicitation, conducts and ensures that the solicitation process follows relevant rules and regulations; ensures that the source selection process is fair, objective and transparent and that it follows the general principles as set forth in the UNRWA Procurement Framework; advises requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle. Contributes to the development and implementation of sourcing strategies mainly for Information and communication Technology (ICT) services and equipment in consultation with programs at headquarters and field offices. Proposes strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects; establishes and maintains work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly planned ones. Establishes negotiation strategies, conducts all phases of negotiations with suppliers and other concerned parties, including disputes arising from contracts; signs procurement orders up to the authorized limit; quality assures submissions from both field offices and HQs to the Headquarters Committee on Procurement (HCP), and submits cases exceeding signature authority for review and approval. Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments and procurement best practices; researches and analyzes market reports, production patterns and availability of goods and services; identifies new technologies and products/services; evaluates and recommends potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program. Oversees adherence to contractual agreements; recommends amendments or extensions; advises on contractual rights and obligations, and prepares procurement-related documents, including contracts, communications, reports, and guidelines. Manages the ICT procurement team ensuring that workload is distributed equitably and that the team does meticulous filing; closes Purchase Orders (Pos) that are open past expiry date; monitors bank guarantees and records savings made. In coordination with Chief, Central Support Services Division (CCSSD): – Contributes to enhancing vendor’s performance management and developing partnerships with suppliers to support UNRWA’s programs. Enhances supplier performance evaluation processes by developing and implementing metrics, conducting regular assessments, and working with vendors to address deficiencies. Builds strong relationships with suppliers to ensure they consistently meet contractual obligations and align with the organization’s strategic goals. – Supports emergency field procurement by executing rapid and efficient processes under high-pressure conditions to meet urgent needs. Assesses immediate requirements, sourcing critical supplies, negotiating contracts on tight deadlines, and overcoming logistical challenges in remote or volatile regions, all while ensuring compliance with operational standards. Provides immediate support to the fields through rapid deployment to ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian aid. Works closely with field offices procurement teams and other stakeholders to develop and execute response plans, including managing logistics, distribution of resources, and monitoring supplies.

Competencies

UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply. i. Applying Technical Expertise ii. Deciding and Initiating Action iii. Relating and Networking iv. Coping with Pressure and Setbacks v. Planning and Organizing vi. Thorough understanding of emergency procurement and the ability to perform under stress are essential. For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

Education

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in business administration, public administration, procurement, supply chain management, commerce, engineering, contract law, Information and communication Technology (ICT) or a related field. A first-level degree from an accredited educational institution in one of the aforementioned disciplines, combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration and logistics and supply chain management is required. Two years of work experience directly related to first-hand procurement or contracting is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country(s) of citizenship is required. Experience in conducting procurement at the international level for an intergovernmental organization, governmental organization, or a large multi-national organization is desirable. Experience in the procurement of ICT goods and services. Experience in Procurement for infrastructure projects and consultancy services is desirable. Experience in providing support services to Field Offices under humanitarian, development, or conflict context is desirable. Experience in the supply chain modules in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is desirable. Proficiency in Arabic is desirable. Experience in all phases of procurement in a high-volume procurement operation is desirable.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA’s online e-recruitment system inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post. Join our eco-friendly organization dedicated to environment sustainability and targeting to be plastic free by 2025. NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org

United Nations Considerations

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups. At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. UNRWA Considerations UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA) DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE OR REQUEST MONEY FROM CANDIDATES AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING, ONBOARDING). UNRWA DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.