National Professional Officer (Procurement)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health-related risks. The Country Office contributes to providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and activities in the area of health systems strengthening including, (i) advocating for Universal Health Coverage and building up national capacity in UHC-related matters; (ii) facilitating the adoption of the evidence-based public health interventions as well as appropriate reforms/changes with a view to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards universal health coverage. Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO: All the Member States of WHO South-East Asia Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019-2025) is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages: achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations. WHO's mandate revolves around six (6) core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends. The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India's population of 1.4 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO's mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable development goals; (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. Mission of the WHO Country Office for India: Within the framework of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy, the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the Administrative Officer, and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer (Administrative Services), the incumbent will be required to perform the following responsibilities:

1. Plan and organize the work of the Procurement unit through identifying priorities, allocating tasks; evaluate performance of staff and ensure their strict adherence to procedures.
2. Review procurement requests received from the programme teams and field offices to ensure coherent application of WHO-related rules, SOPs and consistent implementation of delegated authorities and responsibilities; prepare correspondence and Contract Review Committee (CRC) submissions and maintain follow-ups.
3. Monitor the preparation and issuance of Invitation to Bid (ITB), Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) to qualified suppliers. Review offers and provide inputs on contract awards, in compliance with the WHO standards, policies and procedures.
4. Work closely with the Regional Office and Global Service Center (GSC) / HQ Procurement Teams to follow up on shipments & provide updates on delivery status/delays; resolve any outstanding issues.
5. Oversees adherence to procuring goods and services, within the approved workplans, as per the threshold limits on contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
6. Perform market research to establish pre-qualified suppliers for routine goods and services and establish Long Term Agreements with suppliers to ensure Best Value for Money; review suppliers' performance evaluations submitted by the users.
7. Formulates strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects.
8. Identifies new technologies, and products/services, evaluates and recommends potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement programme.
9. Liaise with Programme units for annual procurement plans, analyze and forecast the requirement and manage procurement for the WCO and field offices to improve planning process.
10. Draft audit responses, review and follow- up on any outstanding audit recommendations related to the procurement of goods or services.
11. Support WCO for policies and procedures for risk management, compliance and contingency planning, enhancement of tools to systematically monitor and report on procurement related risks.
12. Training and capacity building of WCO staff on procurement policies and procedures and disseminate information to WCO with the overall aim of enhancing and improving compliance and manage risk.
13. Review current procurement processes, identify internal constraints which undermine compliance and propose corrective measures and internal controls.
14. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in business administration or related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, commerce, supply chain. A university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

Essential: At least one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in programme operations, procurement and contracting operations.
Desirable: Experience in procurement procedures within the UN Common System and/or other international organizations providing relevant administrative and supply chain management support.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge and skills in supply operations and procurement services.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to coordinate activities and multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate with and convince officials with tact and diplomacy.
• Good knowledge of the administrative functioning of government institutions and related departments/agencies, and of the other partners in India.
• Knowledge of WHO/UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 2,164,119 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates