Procurement Manager

Nairobi

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Procurement
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2025-08-01

Job categories Procurement
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5303/30377
Level ICS-10
Department/office AFR, ESAMCO, East and Southern Africa MCO
Duty station Nairobi, Kenya
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-2
Duration One year renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
Application period 11-Jul-2025 to 01-Aug-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected:
  1. Development and Implementation of  procurement strategies 
  2. Management of procurement processes
  3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
  4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
  5. Team Management 
1. Leads the development and implementation of procurement and contracting strategies for goods, services and works, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Appropriate application of UNOPS procurement governance framework (rules, regulations, policies and tools) in Business Unit and project operations.
  • Provision of supply-market intelligence and analysis. 
  • Procurement strategies, approaches and plans designed and implemented according to cost reduction and saving strategies, applying: (i) Expertise in market intelligence matched to business requirements; (ii) Optimal stakeholder management principles; (iii) Sustainability criteria; and (iv) Appropriate work processes to individual cases
  • Oversight and supervision of the implementation and results of strategic and routine procurement work plans in Business Unit, covering Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.
2. Manage and guide  procurement processes for the acquisition of goods, services and the  construction of works for the Business Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results, in compliance with the official procurement policies, rules, regulations and procedures:
  • Sustainability embedded in the procurement process.
  • Appropriate procurement modalities and instruments applied (e-sourcing, procurement and Rosters of Suppliers) based on individual case requirements, utilizing expert knowledge of procurement policies and instruments. Creation, implementation and oversight of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes in Business Unit and projects 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 Procurement rules and regulations. Review and pre-clearance of solicitation documents, requests for awards and submissions to Contract and Property Committees (CPCs) in the role as Procurement Reviewer (in OneUNOPS or Enterprise system).
  • Procurement contracts and contractors optimally managed through supplier and contract performance management against agreed benchmarks and through agreed reporting mechanisms. 
  • Implementation of internal control system.
  • Elaboration of comments regarding project audit reports of the Business Units, when necessary.
3. Ensure introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Creation, development and management of rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms.
  • Ensures that the e-sourcing tools are used in accordance with PG goals and standards in this area.
4. Team Management:
  • Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
  • Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing:
  • Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on procurement-related topics.
  • Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for procurement personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
  • Oversee team’s contributions to procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement management.
  • Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively. 
  • Participation in Common UN agency procurement groups to support establishment and implementation of harmonized procurement services and elaboration of proposals on common services expansion and management of joint procurement for UN Agencies in line with UN reform. 
Impact of Results: 
The effective and successful achievement of results by the role directly affects the overall efficiency of the region and specific project initiatives, in regards to procurement management, impacting the timely and effective implementation of the respective programmes and the business unit’s operations. Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of services, ensures business unit performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and business unit as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the given geographical area.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:
  • Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field is required.
  • A first University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in the above mentioned fields with a combination of two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • For those who do not have a degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management, Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) Level 4, or similar international certification, is a distinct advantage. 
Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant professional procurement experience in advising on, implementing policies and procedures to deliver a range of complex procurement programmes and services is required. 

  • A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in managing complex high value procurement cases and managing teams consisting of both locals and internationals is required.

  • Knowledge of UN/ /UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations, including Emergency Procurement Processes, is a distinct advantage.

  • Experience working in hardship locations is a distinct advantage.

  • Experience working in infrastructure procurement is desirable.

  • Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders on procurement in developing or developed countries is an asset. Prior experience within UN system organizations, particularly in a developing country context, is highly desirable.

  •  Proficiency in computer use and office software packages, along with experience in handling web-based management systems, is an asset. Familiarity with enterprise systems, particularly OneUNOPS, is desirable.


Language:

  • Fluency in written and oral English is required

  • Knowledge of any other UN language will be an asset.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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