Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Bureau for Management Services (BMS) is the central operations Bureau in UNDP that supports the Organization in the provision of management services. Drawing on client needs, user experience, sound analytics, and a risk-informed approach, BMS provides policy, oversight, advisory and transactional services, and solutions for UNDP to deliver fully integrated development solutions. In doing so, BMS keeps pace with the evolving needs and expectations of development partners and international best practice through strengthening and innovating business operations. In line with UNDPโs Strategic Plan, BMS aims to provide effective, improved and customer-focused procurement services to clients both internal and external to UNDP. UNDPโs corporate procurement functions lie within the Office of Procurement (OP). ย
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The Office of Procurement is responsible for the development of procurement policy, corporate procurement services, procurement advisory services, as well as strategic procurement services to Country Offices and Central Bureaus. In addition, OP provides capacity building to the UNDP global procurement function. ย OP supports UNDPโs programme delivery in line with UNDP's Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and follows best practices in public sustainable procurement and the rules and regulations of UNDP, the accountability framework, while ensuring appropriate risk management for UNDP. ย We are a global team based in New York (USA), Copenhagen (Denmark) and in Cyberjaya (Malaysia), with additional Regional Procurement Specialists located in each Bureau Hub (Panama, Addis Ababa, Amman, Istanbul and Bangkok).
The Central Procurement Team (CPT), of the Office of Procurement based in New York, provides procurement support services for UNDP business units by centrally coordinating all procurement transactions over $10K. It serves central bureaus within UNDP to ensure cost and time efficiency, required compliance and added value to clients. ย Those central bureaus identify procurement needs and make decisions, while CPT provides procurement services and guides the client through the process and decides on the best sourcing strategy. Routing procurement requests through CPT will lead to a quicker turn-around time, and a higher quality, cost-effective outcome.
ย Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall guidance and supervision of the Team Leader, CPT, the Procurement Specialist is responsible for management of procurement portfolio for CPT and effective delivery of required services assuring the best value for money. He/she acts as a โone-stop shopโ for all procurement requirements of CPT. He/she manages various procurement related projects and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. He/she promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.
The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with the other members of the CPT team, colleagues in Office of Procurement and BMS, and other external stakeholders on related functional matters. He/she is expected to be able to manage projects with a notorious level of autonomy, ensuring quality in the process and outcomes.
The key results have an impact on the overall Unitโs efficiency in procurement management and success in establishment and implementation of operational strategies. Strategic approach to procurement, establishment and implementation of the monitoring and control system, timely and appropriate delivery of services, introduction of e-procurement ensures client satisfaction and overall timely delivery of UNDP programmes and projects.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
1.ย ย ย Ensures elaboration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; elaboration of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit, harmonization of the workflows in the office. Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies. Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of contract strategy in the Unit including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, management of the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment. Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of strategic procurement in the Unit including sourcing strategy supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, performance measurement. Establishment of Long-Term Agreements for complex goods and services.ย Participate in periodic meetings of the office and of the Unit in order to provide prompt and timely advice in the planning of resources and activities.ย
2.ย ย ย Ensures efficient management of procurement processes for the clients focusing on achievement of theย
following results:
eliminate deficiencies in procurement. Establishment and implementation of harmonized procurement services and elaboration of proposals on common services, introduction and management of joint procurement for the UN Agencies in line with the UN reform. Development and management of the rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms.ย Support in the different activities that are assigned by the Office of Procurement Director or the Chief of the Central Procurement Unit that relate to the procurement unit.
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3.ย ย ย Ensures introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
4.ย ย ย Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Unit focusing on achievement of
the following results:
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient ย functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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ย Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesย ย
ย Business Direction and Strategyย -ย System Thinking: ย ย ย ย
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.ย Business Management ย ย - Portfolio Management:
Ability to select, prioritize and control the organizationโs programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investmentEthics -ย UN policy knowledge - ethics:
Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity Procurementย -ย Procurement management:ย ย ย The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external sourceProcurement:
Procurement managementย -ย The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source Strategic Sourcingย -ย Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations Supplier/relationship managementย -ย Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations Contract Managementย -ย Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situationsย ย Required Skills and Experience
ย Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, procurement, logistics, supply chain management, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field is required or ย A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.ย Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification Level 4 is a requirement for this position. If this qualification has not been acquired at the time of application, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. For the purpose of this recruitment process, applicants are required to have a minimum of CIPS Level 3 qualification at the time of application.
ย Experience: A minimum of five (5) years ย (with masterโs degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelorโs degree) of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, logistics/supply chain management or related area is required.ย At least two (2) years of direct experience in procurement management is required. Relevant experience in international operations, international organizations specially working with developing countries is highly desirable. ย Experience in all phases of high-value procurement operations is desirable.ย Experience in UN/UNDP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is an added advantageย Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems including SharePoint, database and e-commerce is required At least 2 years supervisory role in managing procurement team is added advantage
Language:
Fluency in English is required. Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.ย Disclaimer
ย Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)ย
ย Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.ย
ย UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters
ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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