Associate Procurement Officer at United Nations (UN) WCESA

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Associate Procurement Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

• Plans procurement actions for assigned projects, which typically involve the procurement of a select group of technically complex commodities or services, or for a variety of goods and services of a general nature.
• Reviews and analyzes technical specifications to ensure completeness, accuracy and competitive qualities, and identifies optional courses of action.
• Assists staff in matters regarding procurement policies and procedures, technical specifications, pricing and product/service availability, as well as appropriate substitutes or alternative options to reduce costs.
• Coordinates timely delivery of goods and services.
• Participates in the market and supplier research.
• Prepares a variety of reports, correspondence, and documents (e.g. purchase orders, contracts and amendments) on procurement-related matters.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies

1) PROFESSIONALISM:

• Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and understanding of procurement techniques and practices used in the private sector.
• Knowledge of market trends and sources of supply and equipment and of procurement/contract execution and administration.
  Knowledge and understanding of internal procurement policies, practices and procedures.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data and information to develop recommendations on procurement contracts awards.
• Ability to clarify and agree on terms of contracts and/or specification requirements and to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

2) CLIENT ORIENTATION:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view;
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, administration or related area is required.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of French is desirable.
• Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.