***Those who already applied for this position, need not re-apply.***

Job Purpose

The Procurement Associate ensures proper and effective use of UNFPA’s and external partners’ resources in terms of the following:

• Assists all relevant Country Offices in defining and costing their procurement and logistics needs in accordance with the approved Annual Work Plans on a yearly basis;
• Manages and safeguards the integrity of the UNFPA procurement policies, procedures and practices;
• Building capacity by advising programme staff in the country offices and external parties on all aspects of procurement and logistics management implementation and organization;
• Representing UNFPA in One-UN working groups on procurement and Long Term Agreements, and on Government and NGO Committees that deal with procurement using UNFPA core or co-financing funds.

The Procurement Associate delivers quality services in procurement to internal and external clients; mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes, and procedures.  He/She takes a client-oriented, results-focussed approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in service of the country programme; providing support and guidance to the Country Office and UNFPA supported programmes.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:   

• Completion of secondary education, preferably with a focus on business administration, economics, procurement and logistics or related fields.
• A university degree at Bachelor level in related field* is desirable.

* Business administration, international development studies, economics, auditing, engineering or logistics.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum 7 years’ related work experience.
• Experience in international, public procurement or contracts and supplier management is highly desirable.
• Experience with UN procurement, finance and contracting regulations and procedures will be a decided advantage.
• Certification in CIPS, procurement, forecasting, or similar preferred.
• Proven experience and track record in successfully managing complex bid processes for complex products and services; proven experience and track record in complex item and category management.
• Experience in working in teams and leading team projects is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of legal aspects of contract management is an asset.
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office (in particular, applications related to database and data analysis), Atlas (PeopleSoft or alternatively Oracle), E-filing system and other software applications is required.

Languages:

• Fluency in English.
• Knowledge of other UN languages an asset.