Procurement Officer

Closing Date: 14 of October 2024 

Post Title: Procurement Officer, NOA (East Jerusalem)

Category:Fixed Term.

Position #:21107

Duty Station: East Jerusalem, State of Palestine

Duration: One Year with Possibility for extension.

The Position:

Under the overall guidance of the Humanitarian Supplies & Logistics Specialist, the Procurement Officer ensures the execution of transparent and efficient procurement and logistics services and processes in the Country Office.

You will report directly to the Humanitarian Supplies & Logistics Specialist.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire, and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

You would be responsible for:

Operational Strategy and Compliance:

• Provide analytical inputs to the development and execution of operational strategies, ensuring full compliance with UNFPA's procurement rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.
• Strengthen control mechanisms within the Fast Track Procedures for emergency procurement, ensuring that all urgent purchases adhere to UNFPA's guidelines while maintaining the speed and efficiency required in emergency situations.
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls, analyzing key parameters to support the design and functionality of a client-oriented procurement management system.
• Develop and propose strategies for cost savings and reductions within the Country Office (CO).
• Analyze and propose contract strategies, sourcing strategies, and quality management improvements, focusing on optimizing supplier selection and procurement processes within the CO.
• Implement additional checks and balances, such as pre-approval protocols and post-procurement audits, to minimize risks and ensure transparency and accountability in the emergency procurement process.

Procurement Process Management:

• Support the management of procurement processes by analyzing information for the preparation and implementation of procurement plans for both office operations and project needs.
• Oversee the proper monitoring and control of procurement processes, including the organization of Requests for Quotations (RFQ), Invitations to Bid (ITB), and Requests for Proposals (RFP), as well as the evaluation and negotiation of contracts in full compliance with UNFPA regulations.
• Implement and monitor the internal control system to ensure the timely preparation, dispatch, and correction of Purchase Orders (POs), addressing any budget check errors or other issues promptly.
• Develop and implement monitoring systems to identify and eliminate deficiencies in procurement processes.
• Facilitate harmonized procurement services by contributing to the expansion of common services within the UN House and leading joint procurement initiatives in alignment with UN reform.
• Establish a robust reporting system to track and report on Requisitions (REQs) and Purchase Orders (POs) on a monthly basis. This includes the regular analysis of procurement data to control expenditures, identify trends, and ensure budgetary compliance. 
• Provide detailed monthly reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics, potential risks, and areas for cost optimization, while also ensuring that all procurement activities are aligned with UNFPA’s financial and operational strategies.

Contract and Supply Chain Management:

• Develop and implement a strategy to ensure that 70% of frequent procurement activities for UNFPA are conducted through established Long-Term Agreements (LTAs). This includes identifying opportunities for new LTAs, negotiating terms with suppliers, and monitoring procurement activities to align with this target. Manage local procurement contracts under the delegation of authority, ensuring efficient and compliant execution.
• Prepare cost-recovery bills for procurement services provided to other UN agencies by UNFPA.
• Manage and supervise supply chain and logistical operations both within the office and in the field, ensuring effective inventory management, including stock checks, physical inventories, and disposal of old items according to UNFPA policies and procedures.
• Regularly review and update LTAs to reflect the changing needs of the organization and ensure compliance with UNFPA’s procurement policies.

Sourcing and E-Procurement:

• Ensure the effective implementation of the sourcing strategy, developing and managing supplier rosters, and establishing criteria for supplier selection, evaluation, and performance measurement.
• Oversee the implementation and compliance of the e-procurement module, promoting its usage and monitoring performance metrics.
• Represent UNFPA in the Common Procurement Team (CPT) in collaboration with the Humanitarian Supply Unit Officer, implementing the CPT action plan and recommendations.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Provide advisory services on procurement-related and contract-related issues, developing innovative solutions as needed, including situations where procurement actions were taken by implementing partners (IPs).
• Participate in organizing and delivering training for operations and program staff on procurement processes and UNFPA policies.
• Address procurement-related queries and conduct presentations, briefings, and training sessions for program units, IPs, and business partners on relevant UNFPA policies and procedures.
• Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in procurement, contributing to the continuous improvement of procurement processes.
• Develop, update, and evaluate supplier rosters, ensuring supplier performance meets key performance indicators.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, sharing expertise and fostering the exchange of best practices in procurement.

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Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced Degree in Supply-Chain Management; Procurement and Logistics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 2 years progressively responsible experience in Supply Chain management/ procurement operations in a multi-cultural environment namely international organizations is an asset.
• Experience or training in emergency procurement.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• CIPS certification is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of UN procurement policies /procedures is an advantage.

Languages: 

• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic (knowledge of Hebrew is a merit).

Required Competencies: 

Values:

EExemplifying integrity, 

• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

•   Advocacy/ Advancing a Policy-oriented agenda
•  Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-oriented programmes
•   Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

Interested and qualified candidates can apply online through Apply Now-button below