OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4UZED 0009PA

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Tashkent

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 24-OCT-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals of Uzbekistan may apply to this position.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Education Unit of UNESCO Tashkent is leading several key initiatives aimed at advancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in Uzbekistan. These projects focus on addressing crucial gaps in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening the Educational Management Information System (EMIS), and leveraging ICT and digital learning to uplift educational outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as girls and children with disabilities.

Among these initiatives is the “Empowering Education in Uzbekistan: Leveraging ICT and Digital Learning for High-Quality and Inclusive Education Results” project, which aims to close the digital divide by expanding access to technology, enhancing teachers’ digital skills, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Simultaneously, UNESCO is collaborating with national stakeholders to promote TVET reforms and bolster EMIS to support more effective, data-driven decision-making.

In addition, within UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector (CI), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a project is being implemented on strengthening access to information, accountability of institutions and media competence.

These projects aim to address critical gaps in educational infrastructure, improve access to digital learning, and foster alignment between vocational education and labor market needs. To ensure the smooth and efficient procurement of goods and services necessary for the success of these initiatives, the Education and CI Units require the expertise of a National Procurement Officer to handle large procurement-related tasks and ensure compliance with UNESCO’s procurement guidelines.

Under the overall authority of the Head of Office of UNESCO Office in Tashkent and direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer, in close collaboration with the National Administrative Officer the incumbent shall perform the functions indicated in the Terms of References below:

Procurement Planning and Strategy

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive procurement plan that outlines the strategy for acquiring goods and services essential for the smooth implementation of education-related projects.
• Conduct market research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on suppliers, pricing trends, and procurement best practices relevant to education sector needs.

Bid Management and Supplier Evaluation

• Prepare and issue invitations to bid, requests for proposals, and requests for quotations, ensuring adherence to UNESCO’s procurement policies.
• Analyze and evaluate bids, proposals, and quotations from suppliers, taking into account price, quality, delivery schedules, and compliance with procurement guidelines.
• Summarize offers and provide recommendations based on supplier evaluations to ensure the selection of the most suitable vendor.

Negotiation and Contract Management

• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers, ensuring favorable outcomes for UNESCO.
• Draft and review contracts for the procurement of goods and services, ensuring clarity and alignment with project requirements and UNESCO’s procurement regulations.
• Oversee/monitor the timely delivery of goods and services, resolving any discrepancies or issues that arise during the procurement process.

Procurement Oversight and Compliance

• Ensure that all procurement activities comply with UNESCO’s procurement rules, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Liaise with UNESCO HQs Procurement Unit (OPS/PRO) on procurement-related matters and submit documentation to the Contracts Committee for approval, as required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and provide procurement data for audits and evaluations as needed.

Capacity Building and Support

• Provide technical guidance to project teams and other staff members on procurement policies and procedures.
• Assist in building the procurement capacity of national counterparts and partners to ensure sustainable procurement practices.

Budget Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and report on procurement-related budgets, ensuring that expenditures are within approved limits and that funds are used efficiently.
• Provide regular updates to the Senior Project Officer and other stakeholders on procurement activities, progress, and any challenges encountered.

Collaboration with National and International Partners

• Work closely with the national government, international donors, and private sector partners to ensure that procurement activities align with project goals and foster strong partnerships.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by contributing to procurement planning and budgeting in the development of new project proposals.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Public Procurement, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Law, Engineering or other relevant fields. A first level university degree in the aforementioned fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A professional certification in procurement from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or equivalent.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of procurement, contract management, logistics or supply chain management.
• Experience in procurement for education-related projects within the International Organizations (UN or similar) system or similar international organizations.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent program procurement skills and ability to work in complex programs.
• Knowledge of commercial supply sources and of common business and industry practices.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization.
• Ability to interpret and strictly apply a wide range of procurement and contracting regulations, processes, guidelines, frameworks, standards, and other governance directives.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Excellent IT skills.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Good knowledge (spoken and written) of Uzbek.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience within the UN system, multilateral agencies or international corporations.
• Experience with UNESCO internal processes and procedures

Skills and competencies

• Ability to use procurement information systems.
• Knowledge of UN rules and regulations for procurement.

• Working knowledge of Russian.