Procurement Specialist at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Procurement Specialist at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Description:
UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code
VA/2010/NAO/MAC/SOM/PS/12-03
Title : Procurement Specialist
Level : International Individual Contractor (I-ICA) Level 2
Org Unit : NAO/Mine Action Programme – Somalia
Duty Station :Nairobi, Kenya – with frequent missions to Somalia (and with possibility of transfer to Somalia, if and when operations require)
Duration : Until 30 June 2011 (with possibility of extension – subject to funding and performance)
Closing Date :17 December 2010

Background
The UN Mine Action Programme in Somalia had been implemented by UNDP since 2002. The programme started in Somaliland (1992-1993, 1997-1998 and 1999-present), and Puntland (2003-2005), and has implemented capacity building projects, provided technical assistance for the national Somaliland and Puntland Mine Action centres and the Police Explosive Ordnance disposal teams. Mine Action operations in South Central Somalia were launched in 2007 with the primary objective of establishing a national Mine Action Coordination Center to cover the remaining regions of south central Somalia.
From early 2010, responsibility for the UN Mine Action Programme in Somalia (UNSOMA) transitioned to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), executed by UNOPS. In South Central Somalia, UNSOMA will expand activities, requiring additional Operations and Quality Assurance support. This will involve activities in all five pillars of mine action, as well as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) activities in Mogadishu to reduce the large amounts of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and stockpiles throughout the city.
The Mine Action programme has an office in Nairobi to provide managerial and support functions for the Regional Offices in Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Support Services, the Procurement Specialist is responsible for the following:
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, Procurement Specialist will be responsible for the management of the procurement process for the supply of goods and services for the UN Somalia Mine Action Programme, following UNOPS procedures to meet clients’ requirements. The specific tasks include; Establish procedures for the procurement of goods, services and works as per the UNOPS standards.
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Prepare Invitation to Bid (ITB), Request for Quotations (RFQ), Request for Proposals (RFP) and other bidding documents calling for the supply of goods and services on competetive basis. Establish the supplier database and continous evaluation of suplier performances, including the management of pre-qualification process. Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies. Manage of the bidding process, bid evaluation, supplier selections and prepare submissions seeking approval for the Contract award. Prepare contract award including NAO awards and HQCPC submissions, raise purchase orders, contract administration, prepare payment certificates for the goods and services received, and preparation of necessary documents including close-out reports. Provide procurment advice and support to the field staff for efficient delivery of services to the clients, while maininting high level of compliance with the UNOPS procedures. Engage in providing necessary logistic support to the suppliers, including facilitating the clearances for the incoming goods. Provide logistic support in receiving goods in Juba and distributing them to the State capitals and handing over to the clients. Knowledge sharing with the team, and day to day supervision of the procurement and logistic staff.
And any other tasks as requested by the Programme

Required Selection Criteria
Competencies Professionalism – Professionalism: sound knowledge of, and exposure to, administrative and financial management issues. Personal interest, commitment, flexibility and willingness to work in a highly motivated team of professionals. Problem Solving – Strong analytical and problem solving skills and ability to handle a range of management and coordination issues. Planning & Organization – Ability to manage, organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. Judgment – Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment and decision making skills. Teamwork- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity to achieve the team goals. Communications – Strong spoken and written communication skills. Keen sense of ethics and integrity in dealing with clients and service providers.

Education and Experience
A university degree (Masters Degree) in Business Administration, Project Management, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Science, or related field or senior staff qualification; or a first level university degree or military/police college or junior command and staff course combined with relevant experience may be accepted, in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and logistics, preferably in an international organization. Knowledge of UN rules and regulations and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is highly desirable Proven working experience with UN procurement is a distinct advantage. Field work will be considered as an asset. Experience with Atlas or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is desirable. Knowledge of the technical aspects of Mine Action and the equipment used in mine action
operations an advantage.
Language
Excellent spoken and written English is required.
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Other requirements Experience with a UN Mine Action Centre or Demining NGO an advantage. Excellent computer literacy is essential, with solid experience of working with MS Office programs. Excellent written communication report writing skills. Experience in the region is advantageous. Knowledge and experience in Somalia is desirable. The ability to operate in a multi-national environment and in a foreign country. Ability to travel and work in remote areas of Somalia with limited facilities and difficult working conditions. Ability to work long hours in fast-paced, often stressful environment. Knowledge of UN core values, rules and regulations. Internationally recognized driving license.

Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via e-mail to maujobs@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Additional Considerations
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. – Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. – Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. – UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.