Under the general framework of the United Nations Secretariat Procurement Reform, the Secretary-General recommended a number of measures for strengthening internal control measures and promoting ethics, integrity, fairness and transparency in the procurement process, including the establishment of an independent review mechanism for contact awards and strengthening of the Vendor Review Committee. For the purpose of implementing the Report of the Secretary-General adopted by General Assembly resolutions 61/246, paragraph 13 and 62/269 paragraph 16, an Award Review Board (ARB) was established. The purpose of the ARB is to offer unsuccessful bidders, who participated in tenders of the Organization, a process whereby they may file an award challenge on a post award basis against a contract awarded by the United Nations. The ARB renders independent advice on the merits of the case to the Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (USG/DMSPC). The Expert (i.e., the consultant) will be responsible for examining the legal, financial, administrative aspects and due process of procurement challenges and concerns in dealing with unethical vendors (suspension and reinstatement of vendors): -The output expected is issuance of findings and recommendations in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the ARB based on the case material provided by the ARB Secretariat (Financial Rules and Regulations, Procurement Manual, UN Supplier Code of Conduct, etc.); -The result will be a final administrative decision on the matter by the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) which is not subject to further appeal by any party. The duties of the Expert shall include, but are not limited to: a. Review of cases and consult with other UN selected experts and members of the ARB Secretariat; b. Prepare and draft recommendations; and c. Related assignments.

Requirements:

Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, law, procurement or related area is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in legal, public administration, procurement or related areas is required. Experience with public procurement procedures, preferably in the UN system or a public international organization or direct experience on vendor sanction procedures, debarment and bid protest is desirable. Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.