Location:

Mombasa, Kenya
Salary:

$2,272,760 - $3,409,136 / YEAR
Job type:

FULL_TIME
Posted:

2 weeks ago
Category:

Procurement, Supply and Logistics
Deadline:

17/12/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background and Organizational Context

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP/UNCDF: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP/UNCDF including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP/UNCDF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.

UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.

As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on six priority areas, including:

Sub-national and local infrastructure financing
Women owned enterprise financing
Nature and climate financing
Energy and decarbonization finance
Sustainable food systems financing
Inclusive digital finance

Following a recent restructuring, UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by the Executive Board of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and performs the function of the Executive Board of UNCDF.

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the UNCDF Operations Assurance Specialist and overall guidance of the Procurement Specialist, the Procurement Associate provides support in the execution of procurement services ensuring their effectiveness, transparency and integrity.

The Procurement Associate promotes a client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit. The Procurement Associate works in close collaboration with other members of the Operational Effectiveness and Assurance Unit at HQ and in Regional Hubs to support the programme and project teams in UNCDF with procurement requests and resolving complex procurement-related issues and information delivery.

UNCDF adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across

interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNCDF personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1.) Implement sustainable procurement strategies and policies that are in alignment with principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency to achieve best value for money.

Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UNDP/UNCDF rules, regulations, policies, through implementation of effective internal controls.
Elaborate the contents of internal procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and map regional procurement business processes in consultation with direct supervisor and office management.

2.) Organize procurement processes for UNCDF projects and programmes.

Provide guidance and inputs to the project/programme teams on procurement plans for the region.
Prepare and conduct RFQ, ITB or RFP, and receive and evaluate quotations, bids, or proposals in full compliance with UNDP/UNCDF rules and regulations.
Prepare purchase orders and contracts in and outside e-procurement, prepare recurring purchase orders for contracting services, and create vendors and buyer profiles in e-procurement.
Prepare submissions for internal procurement review committees (CAP, RACP, and ACP).
Prepare reports on procurements for the region.
Implement o joint procurement processes for the projects/programmes.
Backstops other Procurement Associates at HQ or Regional Hubs as necessary.

3.) Implement sourcing strategies to find best values in the marketplace and align purchasing strategy to project and UNCDF goals.

Develop and update rosters of suppliers.
Implement supplier selection and evaluation.

4.) Facilitate procurement knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Support procurement training for project/programme staff.
Organize procurement training for vendors on e-procurement modules.
Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in procurement.
Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results – LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively – LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously – LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination – LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner – LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition

Procurement – Sourcing

Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services.

Procurement – Financial Analysis

Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability.

Procurement – Procurement Management

The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.

Procurement – Stakeholder Management

Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders.

Business Management – Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and understand the real customers’ needs.
Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests.
Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Management – Risk Management

Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.

Business Management – Communication

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Keywords

Public Sector Procurement and Sourcing
Stakeholder management
Purchase order and contract monitoring.
Supplier evaluation
Best value for money

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary education is required.
A university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
CIPS level 2 is a requirement for this position. If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year.

Experience:

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative experience is required at the national and international level.
Experience in public sector procurement of goods and services would be an advantage.
Experience in procurement management in field offices (i.e. any UN country office or regional offices) is desirable.
Advanced knowledge of automated procurement systems is desirable.
Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.

Language requirements

Fluency in English and the national language of the duty station is required.
Knowledge of another UN languages, particularly French, is highly desired.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP/UNCDF, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP/UNCDF advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP/UNCDF is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP/UNCDF rosters

Note: UNDP/UNCDF reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP/UNCDF at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP/UNCDF has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP/UNCDF is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements

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