Job Description

Responsibilities

• Serves as a senior procurement and contracting expert with responsibility for the world-wide procurement of a wide variety of supplies and services associated with highly complex (technically and legally) contracts and procurement activities; may lead procurement work for a segment of a central or large peace-keeping program.


• Provides technical advice on procurement activities to officials of substantive units during all phases of the procurement cycle.


• Analyzes and evaluates procurement requests and ensures appropriateness of technical specifications.


• Develops and prepares highly complex contracts for procurement of non-routine and technologically advanced commodities or long-range services; issues international tender invitations; evaluates responses to tender, and makes recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts; signs procurement orders up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepares submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.


• Develops new tactical approaches to contracts, as well as new methods for their application, based on market research.


• Contributes to development of institutional procurement policies and procedures; develops standards and criteria for the evaluation of goods, services, supplier capacity, etc.


• Maintains under constant examination production patterns in exporting countries; evaluates the productive capacities and performance of manufacturers to identify supply sources.


• Establishes approaches for negotiations and conducts or coordinates all phases of negotiations with all concerned parties, including the negotiation of disputes arising from contracts.


• May carry out consultancy missions to the field.


• Provides direction and guidance to more junior staff and perform other work-related duties as required.


• Perform other relevant duties as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and professional practice of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations in planning and managing procurement of highly complex goods and services as well as capital improvement and infrastructure projects. Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for highly complex and technologically advanced goods and services. Knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and contract issues. Knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing. Ability to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors. Ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of complex and/or sensitive issues/problems. Ability to develop procurement policies, procedures and new programmes. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.


• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.


• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field is required.


• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Level 4 or equivalent certification is required.


• Supplementary courses or additional training in procurement, contract administration, contract management and/or construction management functions is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, administration or related area is required.


• Experience in handling procurement of construction services for building, facilities and capital improvement /infrastructure projects or related scope is desirable.


• Direct experience in supervising a procurement team that manages the acquisition of goods/services is desirable.


• Experience working with a Systems, Application and Products (SAP) system or another Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is desirable

Languages : English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.