Background Information - Job-specific
On 24 February 2022, the military of the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with strikes across the territory of Ukraine. Since then, Russiaโs invasion imposes a severe humanitarian and socio-economic toll, global energy and food crisis, large-scale destruction of the country's infrastructure, and disruptions in the provision of critical services and degradation of social fabrics and communitiesโ ties, triggering one of the worldโs most significant forced displacements.
Severe attacks on energy and critical infrastructure facilities leave millions of people without electricity, water or heating supply, struggling to access water, food, health services, materials to repair homes, among others. The continued attacks cause substantial damage to the countryโs economy and agricultural production, and also affect the poorest countries worldwide.
UNOPS support to partners spans the humanitarian-development nexus from emergency response to building back better, across the housing, health, education, transport, energy and mine action sectors, through infrastructure, procurement and technical assistance / project management interventions, with the ultimate aim of supporting the country on its EU accession and in its achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Procurement Advisor reports directly to the Head of Support Services, ensuring alignment with strategic procurement goals. S/he is responsible for the management and oversight of all Procurement services and support to the portfolio of Procurement Projects in UAMCO (70%), and strategic ECR regional oversight and advisory (30%). The Procurement Advisor ensures the proactive and timely planning and securing of resources to ensure that the team has the required and adequate personnel and capabilities to deliver responsive, compliant, efficient and quality Procurement services to the functions and client projects within UAMCO as well as to other UNOPS entities that receive support from the UAMCO Support Services Unit (SSU).
S/he ensures consistency in the delivery of Procurement services in all countries under UAMCO and to all recipients of UAMCO Procurement support, ensuring development and implementation of strategic and effective procurement services reflecting international public procurement best practices and compliance with UNOPS procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedures which enable appropriate risk management and obtain the best value for money for the acquisition of goods, services and the contracting of works.
S/he analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides advice and solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The role requires a deep understanding of procurement policy and processes, including their application to the appropriate situations. Leveraging such deep understanding and expertise, the Procurement Advisor anticipates challenges, systematically identifies risks, understands the operating context and the contexts of requests received, and leads the identification and implementation of effective solutions.
In addition to responsibility for the deliverables of the work team, the incumbentโs work is focused on strategic relationship building and demand management, mainly referred to aggregation and dealing with complex organizational structures, preparation of business cases and understanding of the supply market, as well as sharing knowledge with projects in order to achieve reductions of costs and savings.
The Procurement Advisor also contributes to the (a) strategic procurement advisory, oversight, tailored solutions and effective risk management, and (b) business development efforts of the UAMCO and ECR by providing briefing materials and participating in business development meetings including meetings with potential clients.
Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Advisor contributes to a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in UAMCO and the wider ECR.
The Procurement Advisor works in close collaboration with the key internal stakeholder groups and functions across UAMCO, ECR, Global Portfolios Office (GPO) and HQ, including the Procurement Group (PG) to successfully deliver procurement services,, particularly with the Procurement Group (PG) to successfully deliver procurement services.
S/he is based in Chisinau, Moldova, with frequent travel to Ukraine and Poland, supporting the Regional Office and ensuring procurement oversight and advisory services are effectively implemented across the region, particularly UAMCO.
Functional Responsibilities
Functions and Key Results Expected:
1. Procurement support and strategic services
Support UAMCO, and where necessary, other country offices within the ECR, , on opportunities for expanding UNOPS's procurement portfolio as well as maximizing value for clients by providing institutional and industry knowledge of procurement services with clients. Provide high-level advisory support to project teams, government counterparts, and donor agencies to ensure adherence to procurement best practices, compliance with international standards, and value-for-money principles Contribute towards the development and delivery of Procurement Advisory services. Provide expert support to business developers in UAMCO and ECR in the formulation of new initiatives and projects related to procurement Contribute towards the assessments of country Procurement capacity gaps, including specific focus on gender, diversity and inclusion Review, analyze, and streamline locally prescribed processes, procedures, and tools to ensure high efficiency and cost-effectiveness Review and improve synergies between UAMCO and Peace & Security Cluster (PSC) procurement teams and services2. Procurement Portfolio Planning, Delivery and Performance
3. Procurement Process Management and Service Provision
Oversight, technical supervision, guidance, and mentoring of the procurement business streamโs operations and personnel; Provide interpretation of procurement policies and guide personnel on the appropriate application of procurement policies and procedures in their daily work; Ensure full compliance of UAMCOโs procurement activities with UNOPS policies and strategies by designing and operationalizing a client-oriented procurement management system for UAMCO to monitor and control the implementation of procurement plans and procurement processes conducted by UAMCO procurement personnel; Manage the process of periodic (annual, semi-annual, and quarterly) procurement planning for the projects and oversee their implementation ensuring effectively-functioning processes to avoid costly delays and lost opportunities for the projects. Contribute to the preparation of realistic procurement plans and the development of appropriate procurement strategies Contribute to the identification of procurement needs and timelines at the project development stage Assist in the preparation of technical specifications, terms of references, and scope of works; Assist in the provision of cost estimations for required goods/services/works Responsible for the quality of solicitation documents Guide personnel throughout the solicitation, evaluation, and submission for award processes whenever required Provide oversight over various contract management processesand take a lead in dispute resolution issues if any Review and clear procurement documentation requiring Procurement Authority (PA) approval, including solicitation documents, shortlists, requests for award, submissions to the HQCPC, contracts, and agreements, ensuring compliance with UNOPS procurement policies and procedures. Ensure timely coordination and follow-up with the designated PA to obtain all required clearances and approvals. Provide quality assurance oversight to ensure all procurement actions submitted for approval are complete, compliant, and ready for endorsement by the appropriate level of authority. Pursue and obtain designation as a UNOPS Procurement Reviewer in line with organizational requirements, to enable effective support in reviewing and clearing procurement processes.4. Procurement & Contracting Strategies for Goods, Services and Works
Engage with key stakeholders to assess procurement risks, develop mitigation measures, and ensure procurement processes are transparent, competitive, and aligned with UNOPS goals. Coordinate with relevant personnel, including relevant project/programme managers and clients of the procurement business stream, to understand their needs and plans. Conduct reviews of current procurement processes and provide reports and briefs on relevant issues, as well as project and work plans to remedy identified issues and bring forth improvements. Support the implementation of required strategic procurement activities in UAMCO: establish Long Term Agreements and Blanket Purchase Agreements for common user items and services in the MCO and develop sourcing strategies specific to local context for the countries under UAMCO (supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, performance measurement, etc.); Provide procurement strategy advice to Infrastructure Project Managers on the packaging of construction tenders, and oversee the construction tendering process to ensure that processes are completed within reasonable time within the project timelines; Oversee and support the execution of project-specific procurement processes, including: formulation of procurement strategies tailored to project objectives; preparation of solicitation documents (ITBs, RFPs, RFQs), including defining appropriate evaluation criteria; coordination of bid/proposal evaluations in accordance with UNOPS procurement rules; facilitation of pre-award negotiations with recommended suppliers or contractors; preparation and submission of procurement cases to relevant UNOPS review bodies (e.g., CPC); issuance of Purchase Orders and Contracts within oneUNOPS and, where required, through offline processes. Review unsuccessful procurement processes conducted by procurement personnel. Undertake remedial actions when and where possible to positively conclude the process. Work on integrating sustainable procurement and innovation within the procurement strategy.5. Implementation of sourcing strategy, Quality Assurance, and e-procurement tools
Provide expert support on quality assurance for procurement-related documentation, processes and actions Provide expert support on quality assurance of products being procured. Create, develop and manage rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, and quality and performance measurement mechanisms. Ensure that e-sourcing tools are used in accordance with PG goals and standards.6. Team Management
Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the procurement 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. Create, foster, and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards, and commitments.7. Knowledge Management and Innovation
Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results. Operationalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building. Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environments. Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Procurement Advisor directly affects the overall efficiency of the region and specific project initiatives, in regard to procurement management, impacting the timely and effective implementation of the respective programmes and the business unitโs operations.
Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of services, ensures business unit performance, efficiency, and client satisfaction, which promotes the image and credibility of the team and business unit as an effective service provider in project services and management.
This enhances UNOPSโ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the given geographical area.
CompetenciesDevelops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
a. Education:
An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Finance, Business/Public Administration, Public Policy, Accounting or other is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Equivalent certification in Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Supply, Logistics or similar field in combination of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. An Accredited Level III Certificate in Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing or equivalent is an asset.b. Work Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, supply chain management, or contract management, including at least: Experience leading or advising on large-scale, complex procurement operations, ideally in post-conflict or fragile settings. Experience working with international procurement frameworks, including UN/UNOPS policies, World Bank, EU, or other public procurement regulations. Experience in training, mentoring, and capacity-building for national staff and partners is an asset. Experience in procurement for infrastructure projects is required Knowledge of procurement within the context of ECR is highly valued Experience managing a large team (over 5 people) in multiple locations is desired Experience working with ERP systems and Google Suite applications is desirablec. Language Requirements:
Full working knowledge of English is essential. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset. Contract type, level and durationContract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA-3/ ICS11 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.