ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.

JOB SUMMARY

Organizational Setting
The Procurement Service (CSLP) provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations and the Letter of Agreement Quality Assurance function, both at headquarters and in FAO’s Decentralized Offices (DOs); it establishes the overall procurement strategy and provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on “Best Value for Money” principles.
The post is located in the Procurement Service (CSLP) in the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Senior Procurement Officer (Category Management and Risk-Based Management) reports to the Chief, Procurement Services.

Technical Focus
Oversight, monitoring and evaluation of management of procurement related risks, as well as implementation of new strategies for field operations.

Key Results
As delegated and required, plans and manages major procurement service areas to support the effective management of FAO resources and safeguard the Organization’s assets/services/goods in accordance with internal policies, UN procurement guidelines and International Standards.

Key Functions
• Represents the Procurement Service and liaises with internal and external stakeholders including UN agencies, donors and Members.
• Provides strategic guidance and leadership on procurement matters for headquarters and DOs.
• As delegated, leads and guides the formulation of procurement and Letter of Agreement strategies, policies and procedures.
• Plans and manages procurement-service teams, provides leadership/secretariat services to the ad hoc committees, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide committees or working groups and/or supervises staff.
• Develops operational/work plans and oversees and/or coordinates procurement/contractual service areas and related activities, monitors risks, procurement/contractual controls and ensures compliance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Directs the development and updating of the supporting operational, policy, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised procurement/contractual policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Directs the preparation/review/analysis of statutory and/or management reports, procurement/contractual statements, reports to donors, as well as specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Analyses complex procurement/contractual and risk related issues and provides advice and assistance to managers at headquarters, DOs, ad hoc committees and/or Governing Bodies, etc.
• Represents FAO and develops consensus on procurement/contractual matters with external providers, donors, partners and UN procurement executives and provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Ensures and promotes initiatives under the Organization’s work on Corporate Environmental Responsibility to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability into the Organization’s daily operations, in accordance with the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Policy and with the Strategy for Sustainability Management in the UN System 2020-2030.
• Promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and DOs and leads and/or participates in related training.

Specific Functions
• Develops a clear strategy for the implementation of category management, aligning it with the overall goals and objectives of CSLP and FAO, considering industry trends, emerging technologies, market dynamics and client needs.
• Develops effective and efficient procurement strategies for high value and critical goods and services.
• Establishes performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of category strategies and initiatives; regularly analyses performance data to identify areas for improvement and makes data-driven adjustments.
• Develops, disseminates and monitors compliance with FAO’s policies and guidance related to category management and standards.
• Effectively engages stakeholders to understand their needs and incorporate their insights into category strategies.
• Maintains open and proactive communication with internal stakeholders, such as senior management and business units, keeping them informed about category strategies, performance and any significant developments or challenges.
• Fosters strong collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams in headquarters, Regional, Subregional and Country Offices.
• Cultivates strong relationships with suppliers based on trust, transparency and mutual benefit; collaborates closely with suppliers to optimize costs, drive innovation and ensures a reliable supply chain.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement; encourages innovation, strives for sustainability, explores new market opportunities and seeks efficiencies in processes and operations.
• Leads the development and implementation of risk-based management of procurement decentralization, ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency and compliance of procurement operations across FAO.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive risk-based methodology for conducting assessment of procurement operations in DOs and identifying capacity gaps, areas for improvement and potential risks within procurement practices.
• Provides evidence-based recommendations to either retain (with conditions, if necessary) or lower the Delegation of Authority (DOA) for DOs based on risk assessments.
• Collaborates with DOs to develop action plans aimed at mitigating risks and enhancing procurement capacity.
• Leads and manages a specialized team tasked with conducting risk assessments of procurement operations in DOs, including overseeing on-site missions as necessary.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness within the procurement function.
• Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field and ten years of experience in procurement activities in an international Organization, including proven record of managing and delivering complex procurement problems, and records of relevant field experience; OR
• A first-level degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field, twelve years of work experience in procurement activities in an international Organization, including proven record of managing and delivering complex procurement problems, and records of relevant field experience; and completion of professional qualification from an internationally recognized body such as CIPS4, MCIPS, FCIPS or other UN-wide recognized certifications.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
• Extent and relevance of experience in procurement activities in an international setting which includes a proven record of managing and delivering complex procurement programmes.
• Extent and relevance of experience in assessing critical linkages between procurement and business functions and the ability to deal effectively with internal clients within a multicultural environment and a large range of external stakeholders.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting reports and other communication material clearly and concisely in English.
• Management and procurement experience in the UN system is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in managing and supervising staff is required.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of a second FAO official language is desirable.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: Bachelor Degree

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 60