UNOPS New Vacancies

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

Job Descroption

Job Title: Procurement Officer

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is looking for an experienced procurement professional to lead our team across West Africa.

Whether it’s fighting Ebola by securing works contracts for new isolation wards, procuring life-saving medical equipment for the most vulnerable or helping establish West Africa’s largest renewable energy micro-grids, the work you do at UNOPS is about building a future we all can believe in.

If you have experience leading teams, are excited to expand our sustainable procurement initiatives, are great at facilitating technical teams to develop specifications, are always ready to get hands on with the work and can lead partners through best practice public procurement planning at a CIPS certified Gold level, then this is your opportunity.

Things happen quickly at UNOPS and we are looking for enthusiastic team players who are ready to not only keep up but blaze a path forward. The sub-regional office based in Accra, Ghana is UNOPS newest and covers the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. As a central resource for the United Nations and its member governments, UNOPS is a global organization that is focused on making a local difference with some of the world’s top services in Project Management, Infrastructure and Procurement.

What drives us is a passion to fight inequalities and to provide opportunities to those most vulnerable. Come help us build the foundations for communities to function and people to live with dignity and respect.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Officer is responsible for effective delivery of procurement services in order to obtain the best value for money. He/she analyzes and interprets the policies, rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement management. The Procurement Officer promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Implementation of operational strategies
• Management of procurement processes
• Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures elaboration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UNOPS Rules, Regulations, Procurement Manual and Organization Directives; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system.
• Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals for cost-saving and reduction strategies.
• Synthesis of proposals and implementation of contract strategy in the Business Unit, including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, managing the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment.
• Implementation of strategic procurement management in the Business Unit, including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, performance measurement

2. Manages and guides procurement processes for Business Unit, and at the request of other Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results

• Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for the office and projects and monitoring of their implementation.
• Implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulation.
• Review and certification of submissions to the Contracts and Property Committees (CPC).
• Management of procurement contracts.
• Implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase orders are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.

3. Ensures introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms.
• Management of e-procurement module.

4. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Business Unit focusing on achievement of the following results

• Organization of trainings for the Business Unit personnel on Procurement Management.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Procurement Management.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for diversity
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Planning and organization skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Client orientation

Functional Competencies

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
• In-depth knowledge on development issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more
• Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Ability to analyze procurement service requirements
• Ability to lead procurement processes using specific procurement methods (RFQ, ITB, and RFP).
• Ability to apply organizational policies and procedure
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
• Strong analytical skills
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management or Business Administration, or related field.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in procurement related area and 4 years of working experience may be considered and applicants with a relevant Diploma with with 6 years of relevant working experience may also be considered.
• Professional certification in CIPS is considered an asset.

Experience

• 2 years of progressively responsible experience of successful implementation of procurement management in various situations.
• Prior experience within the UNOPS or UN agency is desirable.
• Field based experience and demonstrated delivery of procurement management services in conflict and/or post conflict situations is an added advantage..
• Procurement and Supply chain management experience in Public or developmental organization can be added advantage.

Language

Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA

Contract level: LICA-9

Contract duration: 1 year

Additional Considerations

• This is a local position, therefore only nationals of the duty station or applicants who are legally entitled to be employed in the duty station will be considered.
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS