Procurement Officer at United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS)

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of Chief of Section, Procurement, the Procurement Officer will be responsible for the following duties:  

• 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.
• Provides direction and guidance to more junior staff.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

• 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.  

COMMUNICATION:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.  

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.  

MANAGING PERFORMANCE:

• Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

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 additional two years of qualifying experience  may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration or logistics, of which the latest two years should be in procurement and contract management, is required.    
• Experience in undertaking and managing procurement teams for complex international procurement actions within the UN Common System or similar international organizations is desirable.    
• Experience in capacity building, organizing and delivering procurement outreach to Government Officials is desirable.    
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or similar system systems in the area of procurement modules is desirable.