Openings at United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS)

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority the Procurement Officer P-3 will be responsible for the following duties:

• Plans, develops and manages all procurement and contractual aspects of projects of significant complexity related to worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities (e.g. information technology, electronic equipment and instruments, vehicles, medicines, foodstuffs, building maintenance materials, office supplies, construction, furniture, etc.), taking into account local economic and other conditions.
• Advises requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle.
• Prepares/oversees preparation and distribution of invitations to tender and manages/conducts all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations.
• Formulates strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects.
• Establishes and maintains work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly-planned ones.
• Participates in negotiations with senior supplier representatives; signs procurement orders up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepares submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.
• Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments; researches and analyzes statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of good and services.
• Identifies new technologies, and products/services, evaluates and recommends potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program.
• Oversees adherence to contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
• Prepares a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, etc.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex contract issues. 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.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Professional certification such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, or a closely related field is required.
• At least two (2) of those years must be direct procurement or contracting in an international setting, is required.
• Experience in supervising teams is required.

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Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Contracts Management Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Plans and manages all contractual aspects of a procurement project; establishes and maintains work programme and schedules for on-going contracts and newly planned ones.
• Tracks and monitors contractor database and works with technical sections to create and submit bid documents and contract amendments to procurement on time.
• Supports the development and implementation of operational plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), initiatives and projects relating to contract compliance and performance management.
• Supports the procurement process including providing input to statement of works/requirements (including articulation of performance standards and Key Performance Indicators, assists in the development of technical evaluation criteria, provides guidance during contract drafting.
• Develops a quality assurance plan to provide a systematic method to monitor contract performance.
• Participates in the development of contract risk assessments and risk management plans, including mitigating measures.
• Develops contract compliance checklists and implementation plans.
• Participates in the assessment of contractor performance, including advice and action to address instances of poor performance and/or non-compliance with contractual obligations.
• Initiates contract close outs including identifying, documenting and disseminating best practices and lessons learned and securing the final contractor performance assessment.
• Ensures the enforcement of UN contracts in consultation with the Mission, Procurement and UN Headquarters stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Liaises with other departments, including the Procurement, in relation to claims and disputes, demanding specific performance, claiming against warranties, and other contractual remedies.
• Within the terms and conditions of the contract, works towards resolution of conflicts or performance issues arising in cases of poor performance and/or non-compliance with contractual obligations.
• Drafts relevant audit responses on contract management related issues, as required.
• Drafts formal communications as required.
• Maintains electronic and hard-copy files and records to ensure proper accountability.
• Supervises and monitors performance indicators for UN personnel within the Section, as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of logistics operations and practices. Knowledge of fiscal policies and procedures and ability to apply them in the UN environment. 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.
• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, engineering, law or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• At minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in supply chain, project/contract management, logistics support and/or procurement of global service contracts is required.
• Experience in managing support services in support of or in a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.
• Contracts Management experience working in a United Nations Common System field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping missions, Agencies, Funds and Programmes) or similar international organizations or non-governmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.