Strategic Office Context and Purpose for the Job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Strategic office context

The Service Contracting Centre is part of Supply Division and centralizes the service contracting for all Head Quarters Divisions and Offices and leads the Service Contracting Strategy focusing on optimizing institutional contracting of services globally. SCC teams are based in three locations, Budapest, Valencia and New York. Established in 2017 to bring efficiencies and improve compliance by leading the procurement of services for diverse category of services across various Headquarters Divisions/Offices & becoming a source of expert knowledge and resources in the various categories of services.  Under the supervision of the Contracts Manager, the Contracts Specialist will be in charge of the procurement and contracting needs of a diverse portfolio of complex Programme service categories and a wide range of other services as may be determined. The role will be providing effective services to customers, ensuring accurate and timely finalization of contracts/LTAs, with the overall goal of meeting the needs and requirements of the Divisions.

How can you make a difference?

The purpose for the job 

Under the general guidance of the Contracts Manager (Programme Service), the Contracts Specialist will be responsible for planning all Service Contracting needs with Head Quarters Divisions/Offices as well as developing and executing procurement strategies for a portfolio of Service Categories, to secure an uninterrupted, sustainable supply of affordable, quality services. The position will supervise support staff. This post holder must be someone who can work independently to allow the Contracts Manager to focus on other strategic work. The Contracts Specialist will support contract management, monitoring suppliers’ performance, market research and long- term procurement planning in conjunction with the HQ Divisions / Offices and other field and regional offices in order to achieve value, the most cost-effective means of procurement. This will be executed through an effective and strategic procurement process in compliance with UNICEFs Financial Rules and Regulations, guided by public procurement principles and pursuing Value for Money for the organization.  The Contracts Specialist will plan and conduct day to day procurement activities for the team. The incumbent will directly supervise support staff (GS5 & P2 level) and should be able to back up the Contracts Manager when required.

Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks

1. Manage the development and coordination of procurement workplans and implement strategic procurement decisions and effective vendor relations management, keeping abreast of the developments in supply and procurement area. Undertake market research to develop a pool of healthy vendors and maintain updated vendor list.
2. Support the Divisions/Offices in developing statement of works (SOWs)/ Terms of References (TORs) i.e. review material specifications and service requisitions with the relevant Divisions to ensure completeness and appropriateness. Seek optimal value in service from vendors in consultation with Headquarters Divisions /Offices.
3. Issue tender invitations to be published through the e-tendering portal, evaluates offers and negotiates with suppliers in accordance with UNICEF procedures. Adjudicates offers in coordination with the requisitioning Divisions / Offices as applicable. Prepares and defends submissions to Contracts Review Committee, drafts and negotiate contracts including long term agreements. Ensure performance and financial risk evaluation of vendors before recommendation for awards.
4. Undertake services procurement activities in compliance with the UNICEF Financial rules and regulations, Supply procedures and guidance, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
5. Negotiating terms and conditions with UNICEF Divisions /Offices and suppliers, including legal terms, prices, conditions etc.
6. Providing advice/guidance to requisitioning Head Quarters Divisions/Offices as well as Country Office/Regional Office concerning service contracting, contractual conditions and contracting processes in general.
7. Support collaboration/partnership initiatives on procurement activities with UN Agencies and other international organizations in areas that will bring value for money to UNICEF.
8. Evaluating supplier’s performance with respect to agreed contractual deliverables and document and implement required corrective action. Undertake risk assessments where necessary and advice on appropriate risk mitigation strategies/measures to deal with the risks.
9. Participates in procurement workshops and business seminars organized by UNICEF and/or external partners, including presentation of data and representation of Supply Division.
10. Guide and identify training needs of staff under supervision.
11. Establishes work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and evaluates performance of support staff.
12. Any other duties that may be assigned by the Contracts Manager and/or Chief of Service Contracting Centre.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

A completed Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Contracts / Commercial law or technical field required.

*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and 7 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement/supply chain/ contracting, administration and operations.  Three years of experience with international organizations or at the international level is an asset.  Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.
• Extensive experience in service contracting, service category management, and contract management. Experience from analytical work and negotiations.
• Experience with worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration.

• Understanding of the principles of public procurement.
• Experience in use of computer applications, including internet navigation and various office applications. Minimum five year of progressively responsible professional experience including at least three at the international level.  Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

Desirable:

Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.