Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Country Office in Pakistan (COPAK) with duty station in Islamabad, Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Associate Procurement Officer will report to the UNODC Representative in Pakistan and work under the policy guidance of the Chief, Procurement Unit (PU) of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) located in Vienna. For more information on UNODC, please visit the website www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Associate Procurement Officer will assist in the implementation of the COPAK operational strategies related to administration and procurement. S/he will supervise and guide the procurement unit of the Country Office and thematic pillars. S/he will maintain regular working relationships with UNODC headquarters at Vienna, regional communication managers and teams. Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Ensure compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNODC rules, regulations, policies and strategies; ensure correct implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. • Assist in planning and implementing strategic procurement functionalities in the COPAK, including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management. • Assist with the planning and implementation of harmonized procurement services, analysis of requirements, and seek out joint procurement opportunities for the UN Agencies in line with the UN reform. • Assist in timely and duly preparing procurement plans for the country office which typically involve the procurement of technically complex commodities or services, or for a variety of goods and services of a general/technical nature. • Provide support in analysing requirements and cost saving and reduction strategies. • Review and analyze technical specifications to ensure completeness, accuracy and competitive qualities. • Contribute to implementing proper monitoring and control of procurement processes, including receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNODC rules and regulations. • Assist staff in matters regarding procurement policies and procedures, technical specifications, pricing and product/service availability, as well as appropriate substitutes or alternative options to reduce costs. • Develop vendor pre-qualifying criteria, identify product sources and evaluate vendor performance as regards quality, prices, delivery, equipment, etc. • Coordinate timely delivery of goods and services. • Participate in the market and supplier research. • Prepare a variety of reports, correspondence, and documents (e.g. purchase orders, contracts and amendments) on procurement-related matters. • Support the management of the CO’s administrative requirements and the development/implementation of the strategic administrative plan. Assist in ensuring the timely and duly completion of administrative and building maintenance work for the office are adhered to. • Contribute to implementing harmonized administrative services, analysing requirements and prioritizing administrative tasks as per the structure decided by the senior management of the CO. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Document requirements and background information used for data analysis. • Maintain periodic reporting and effective coordination on payments of vendor’s invoices. • Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of procurement policies, practices and procedures and ability to apply them in an organizational setting. Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the delivery of technical assistance in post-conflict settings. Has knowledge of the relevant mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and very good research and analytical skills. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has good analytical, planning, and organizational skills. Has the ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in finance, economics, commerce, business administration, public administration, political or social sciences, or similar fields is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Diploma or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, administration, supply chain management or related area, is required. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or similar system, or working with e-tendering/e-procurement systems in UMOJA or a similar system is desirable. Experience in conducting international tender exercises to award contracts for procurement of complex goods and services is desirable. Experience of direct dealing with procurement procedures within the UN Common System or comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nation Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.