Procurement and Contracts Management Officer

1. Functional Responsibilities

The Procurement and Contract Management Officer is responsible for effective delivery and implementation of strategic and effective procurement services, for a select group of technically complex goods, services and works, within the specific geographical area and/or project.  These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money. 

The incumbent analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The work is focused in transactional procurement including all steps of the procurement process. Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement and Contract Management Officer  promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit. 

The Procurement and Contract Management Officer works in close collaboration with the Support Services, Programme and Project teams in the relevant geographical area or business unit, UNOPS HQs colleagues and Government officials, to successfully deliver procurement services.

Under the direct supervision of the Support Services Manager, the Procurement and Contract Management Officer shall perform the following duties including, but not limited to: 

1. Implementation of transactional procurement

2. Management of procurement processes

3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools

4. Team Management

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1.1.  In close cooperation with the Project Managers, under the guidance of a technical supervisor, and reporting to the management on central issues related to procurement activities, implements operational strategies and manages procurement, contract, and sourcing transactions, actions and processes for goods, services, and works, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; internal controls and client orientation.  

• Implementation of the different steps of the procurement processes, including 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.

• Implementation of strategic procurement for projects assigned in the Business Unit.

• Research undertaken and data provided for Business Unit’s supply market intelligence and analysis.
  

1.2. Manages and guides  procurement processes for a select group of technically complex goods, services within a given geographical area and/or Business Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Sustainability embedded along the procurement process.

• Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for projects and monitoring of their implementation.

• Establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures in compliance with the Procurement Policy.

• Implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes 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 rules and regulation. 

• Awards recommended based on UNOPS procurement rules and procedures. 

• Management of procurement contracts, analysis of contract performance against agreed benchmarks and pre-established reporting mechanisms. 

• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to the HPU on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.
  

1.3. Implements sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.

• Utilization of-sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Groups’ goals and standards in this area.

1.4.Team management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
  

1.5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Procurement-related topics.

• Contribute to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement.

• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively. 

 a. Education 

•  Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) or equivalent with 2 years of relevant experience
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) with  four (4) years of relevant experience
• CIPS level 2 or 3 is desired.

b. Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in international public procurement..

• Experience working on procurement activities involving specialized or sensitive goods such as weapons and ammunition is desired.

• Experience working with national authorities is desired. 

• Experience working in conflict and post conflict stabilisation environments is desired.

c. Language:

• Fluency in French (speaking, writing and reading) is required. 

• Fluency in English (speaking, writing and reading) is required.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.