UNOPS Vacancy: Procurement Officer, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Vacancy code VA/2016/B5308/9790

Position title Procurement Officer

Department/office AFR, ETOH, Ethiopia

Duty station Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Application period 21-Mar-2016 to 04-Apr-2016

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information – Job-specific

Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Office has been providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies such as WHO, UNHCR and WFP, and other international organizations. In 2014, the UNOPS Executive Director decided to establish the UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub (ETOH), which manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, as well as Sudan and Djibouti.

UNOPS ETOH activities range from tailor-made administration, operations, human resources and logistics support for implementation of development and humanitarian projects; infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services to partners to facilitate effective procurement, supply and financial management.

Under the guidance and supervision of the OH Head of Support Services, the Procurement Officer will work to provide various internal and external clients with procurement and logistics management services. These services will include the management of infrastructure works and construction for various internal UNOPS, as well as external clients. In addition, the Procurement Officer will work to lead and manage the procurement of a variety of goods and services required for the UNOPS office, and successful implementation of its projects.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the OH Head of Support Services, the incumbent shall perform duties including, but not limited to: Ensures elaboration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; including implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system.
Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for the office and projects, and monitoring of their implementation.
Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, and control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit.
Analysis of requirements, and synthesis of proposals for cost-saving and reduction strategies.
Synthesis of proposals and implementation of contract strategy, including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, managing the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment.
Provision of quarterly reports and updates for management and various clients, including cost-recovery requirements from various projects and clients.
Performs any other relevant tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Manages and guides procurement processes of the UNOPS office, as well as its internal and external clients, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Completion of procurement of all required goods, works and services on a timely basis and in an accurate manner.
Elaboration and implementation of proper needs assessments and requirement definition approaches to assist with identification of projects’ procurement needs.
Implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations, including (i) organization of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs, (ii) receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, (iii) their opening and evaluation, (iv) negotiation of conditions of contracts with suppliers, and (v) contract management.
Coordination of submissions to the Contracts and Procurement Committee and Advisory Committee on Procurement.
Management of various procurement contracts, including resolution of issues and their timely evaluation.
Implementation of the internal control system, which ensures that contracts and Purchase Orders are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.
Monitor the progress of shipments for UNOPS and its clients, and coordinate deliveries.

Ensures introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and strategic procurement, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Conduct of market research, surveys and other relevant procurement duties in Addis Ababa as well as various regions of the country.
Development and management of the rosters of pre-qualified suppliers, and elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, and quality and performance measurement mechanisms.
Implementation of strategic procurement, including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, and performance measurement.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the office, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Represent UNOPS in relevant meetings and discussions, including meetings with various clients, partners and stakeholders.
Inform supervisor of bottlenecks regarding procurement and logistics issues, including issues relating to LTAs and warehousing, and propose solutions.
Coach, mentor and provide advice to other UNOPS personnel on a range of procurement issues.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

A first-level university degree in procurement, construction management, project management or related fields from a reputable university is required. Advanced degree (master’s degree or equivalent) Professional certifications (procurement and/or supply chain management related) is highly desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement management with master’s degree, and 7 years of relevant experience with bachelor’s/undergraduate degree.
At least 2 years of experience in the area of procurement of infrastructure works and/or construction management services required.
Experience with developing long-term agreements, rosters and other strategic sourcing approaches is highly desired.
Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage. Knowledge of UN procurement and financial rules and regulations is an asset.
Computer skills with word processing, spread sheets, email and internet are required.
Experience with an ERP system such as SAP is required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in written and oral English, and Amharic required. Working knowledge of French would be considered an asset.

Competencies

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

Integrity
Professionalism
Respect for diversity
Creativity and innovation
Commitment to continuous learning
Accountability
Planning and organization skills
Results orientation
Strong oral and written communication skills
Teamwork skills
Client orientation
Technological awareness

Functional Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
In-depth knowledge on development issues
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to analyze procurement service requirements
Ability to lead procurement processes using specific procurement methods (RFQ, ITB, and RFP).
Ability to apply organizational policies and procedures
Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
Strong analytical skills

Management and Leadership

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Works in teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Contract type, level and duration

This is a local position and therefore it is open to only Nationals of Ethiopia.

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor

Contract level: LICA 10

Contract duration: 1 year with possibility of extension ( Subject to satisfactory performance and funds availability)