Advisor, Strategic Procurement Management

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Qualifications

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Procurement and Supply Management (PRO) provides technical, managerial and strategic guidance for the purchasing and contracting actions of Headquarters, PWRs, and Centers. PRO is responsible for sourcing, vendor relationship management, and procure-to-pay cycle on behalf of PAHO Member States in coordination with and in support of PAHO’s technical programs. PRO specifically manages procurement operations for vaccines and other essential health-related products on behalf of Member States constituting a significant share of the overall operations of the Organization. PRO also develops and oversees implementation of the Organization’s procurement policies and procedures in order to promote the effective use of the Organization’s resources ensuring transparent, ethical and cost-effective procurement in compliance with PAHO rules and regulations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director of Administration (AM), and the direct supervision of the Director, Procurement and Supply Management (PRO), the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, the following assigned duties:

1.    Manage the development of procurement goals and strategies, in collaboration with technical units country offices and relevant stakeholders, to ensure competitive but feasible procurement strategies leveraging market dynamics and category management principles; 

2.    Lead the development and execution of strategic procurement plans based on clear tactical actions, aligned with organizational goals;

3.    Ensure the quality and accuracy of work of  strategic buyers, especially by guaranteeing an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of relevant suppliers, market dynamics and category- specific requirements;

4.    Define negotiation strategies and lead negotiations with single- source suppliers and vendors of high-cost commodities ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and the PAHO Strategic Plan’s objectives to increase access to health technologies;

5.    Conduct negotiations with strategic suppliers and/or critical contracts directly, ensuring continuity of supply and price throughout the year;

6.    Support supplier management with a focus on quality assurance, availability of the item for delivery, price competitiveness, innovation, and partnership fostering;

7.    Identify and establish partnerships across the Organization, WHO-HQ, Ministries of Health, UN agencies, and other partners. Promote and maintain these partnerships to maximize programmatic integration, efficiency and effectiveness of the Strategic Fund;

8.    Foster partnerships with strategic suppliers and develop joint business plans to develop and implement innovative approaches to impact health outcomes of Member States and the region;

9.    Lead the Regional Revolving Fund procurement operations, including planning, sourcing, tendering, and negotiating with vendors, to respond effectively and efficiently to Member States’ needs for pharmaceuticals, kits and reagents, insecticides, laboratory and hospital equipment, and additional items purchased through the Fund;

10. Implement and monitor the transactional and operational workload for all purchasing under the Strategic Fund and the Reimbursable Procurement mechanism, anticipating procurement needs as well as potential bottlenecks and proactively maintaining supplies of essential medicines;

11. Oversee compliance of procurement quality management systems (e.g. sourcing, response times, purchase order volumes, costs, and delivery performance); identify performance gaps and advise on remediation efforts including corrective actions and process improvements;  

12. Manage procurement activities in accordance with the Organization's rules, regulations, policies and strategies, including supporting the development of effective internal controls and the proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system;

13. Supervise the SF team by setting clear work objectives, ensuring timely and effective use of performance reviews and feedback, engaging in regular communications, and solving interpersonal or technical conflicts; establish and support a learning environment, to include staff development and technical expertise; advise on personnel selection, training and development;

14. Manage the Strategic PRO team aiming to develop people, careers, and organizational climate;

15. Lead and/or participate in country missions to provide technical cooperation to Country Offices, Centers and government authorities and other parties involved in supply management;

16. Monitor with the client area the quality of the products/services purchased through the analysis of quality indicators, technical reports and other relevant documentation to ensure compliance with established standards;

17. Provide advisory support to Country Offices and Centers on procurement strategic planning and quality management of the Strategic Fund. Ensure effective communication and integration of SF operational activities across PRO and with Country Offices and Centers;

18. Provide technical guidance and support to countries and technical departments in  procuring  health commodities during declared emergency situations.   Ensure timely delivery of supplies and  goods to countries in need, operating within the Organization’s emergency framework;

19. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration, economics, public administration, or a field related to the functions of the post, from a recognized university.

Desirable: Supply Chain Management and or Procurement Professional Certification would be an asset.

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.  PAHO, only considers official degrees 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/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in strategic procurement with expertise in category management, negotiation, supplier relationship management and/or partnership development.   Experience in supervising and leading teams, with a proven track record of managing and developing staff.

Desirable: Experience working within a public health context and or the international pharmaceutical market would be an asset.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

·         Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts. 

·         Respecting and valuing individual differences: - Treats everyone with dignity and respect, fostering positive relationships with everyone. Reflects on personal behavior to avoid stereotypes and considers situations from the perspective of others.  

·         Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings. 

·         Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge - Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization. 

·         Producing Results