Procurement Associate, G-6, Fixed Term, Kabul, Afghanistan #22641

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkJiMmvKqk

Purpose for the role:

Under the direct supervision of the Contracts Specialist, the Supply and Procurement Associate performs highly skilled work on UNICEF supply chains, and manages complex service contracting and client requests, which frequently requires the evaluation of difficult situations and adaptation of L3 SSOP and emergency procurement procedures and processes to resolve such cases. This is the senior GS level for specialized supply chain work and requires advanced specialized knowledge acquired through formal training and experience.

The function is characterized as highly independent and provides opportunities for Associates to share the best practice, provide hands-on training and carry out responsibility for end-to-end supply chain management from the beginning to the end of the process and provide input into the design and development of improved supply chain services and delivery mechanisms.

1.  Key functions/accountabilities:

• In consultation with the supervisor, provide input to the Country Programme Action Planning and advise on Supply requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans. Participate in the forecasting, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the supply chain operations, including the establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of products and services.
• Support supply emergency preparedness and response activities including the establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) for essential service delivery
• Provide input to and advice on the annual supply plan. Conduct data review and analysis for category management and development of procurement strategies. Conduct market research in relevant areas for UNICEF and advice on the best approaches to obtain the best value for money and sustainable procurement.
• Support product innovation and market-shaping initiatives for specific categories of supplies and services.
• Liaise with programme in planning procurement and contracting initiatives, supporting the development of appropriate specifications, terms of reference, and logistics arrangements and timelines. Take into account opportunities to strengthen the sustainability of supply chains.
• Ensure the establishment of Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) and act on specific procurement requisitions as might be required.
• Prepare and process Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as might be requested by the Supervisor.
• Organize bid openings and conduct a technical and financial analysis of offers as might be required.
• Conduct clarifications and negotiations with vendors. Maintain the highest level of integrity, ethical standards, and accountability in the procurement of goods, contracting of services, and construction work.
• Prepare requests for award including submissions to Contract Review Committee. Prepare purchase orders and contracts in vision and submit them for relevant approvals, ensuring completeness of documentation in UNICEF systems.
• Keep stakeholders/partners informed on the progress. Liaise with suppliers, ensuring timely follow-up on delivery schedules Implement appropriate vendor management practices e.g. supply performance reviews.
• Ensure appropriate filing of procurement cases and maintain up-to-date records for future reference including for audit.
• Any other duty as assigned by the supervisor

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to supply chain, business administration, contract/commercial law, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management or a commercial context is required. Understanding of development and humanitarian work is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.