In 2021, the BARMM region achieved a remarkable 7.5% economic growth and a double-digit decline in poverty incidence, from 54.2% in 2018 to 29.8%. The region has positioned itself as the second-fastest growing region in the Philippines, overcoming significant obstacles posed by the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, bureaucratic challenges encountered by the interim regional government, and persistent security concerns. 

However, despite the improving economic performance in the region, BARMM still holds the highest poverty incidence in the country. Sulu and Basilan continue to be included in the poorest clusters in 2018 and 2021, with poverty incidence among families recorded at 51.0% and 42.5%, respectively. The BARMM region also has the highest prevalence of food insecurity in the country at 84% with majority of its populations being farmers and fisherfolk, which are traditionally among the poorest and most vulnerable sectors in the country. Despite BARMM registering the highest growth in the value of production in agriculture and fisheries at 7.2% in 2021, and BARMM holding the title as the leading fish producer region nationwide with a 23.8% share to the country’s 4.25 million metric ton fisheries production – in which Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi produce most of the region’s harvest –, the economic benefits have yet to trickle down to the household and individual level. According to the 2021 Philippine Fisheries Profile report of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, fisherfolk from the BARMM region holds the lowest annual income compared to those from other regions, with an income of PHP 142,056 annually, or a monthly average of only PHP 11,838. Worse yet, field anecdotes gathered from leaders of fishing associations in Basilan revealed that most fishers and boat workers can barely earn more than PHP 3,000 per month, driving the fragility of these critical communities.

To support vulnerable, conflict-affected, and underserved Bangsamoro communities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as well as Bangsamoro communities outside the core territory of the BARMM, the UNDP designed the project on Modelling Livelihood Solutions For Coastal Communities In Basilan (MLSCCB). This project is centered on developing a model of fishery based communities with resilient and profitable fisheries-based livelihoods and enterprises within an enabling environment that promotes sustainable resource utilization and risk-informed, adaptive management and governance. Through this project, UNDP seeks to ensure the enduring vitality of coastal communities depending on fisheries while promoting environmental stewardship. Furthermore, through the provision of support for economic development and resilience building against multiple risks, UNDP seeks to contribute to durable peace and sustainable development in the region.

To ensure that the interventions are appropriate to the target areas, the project is seeking an Procurement Associate who is based in Zamboanga City. He/She will support the Project Manager and Peace and Stabilization Programme Team through providing administrative, logistics and financial management support for the day-to-day operations of the programme. The Procurement Associate is tasked to assist in the administrative and financial management aspect of the implementation of project activities, while ensuring high quality, accuracy, and consistency of work. The Procurement Associate is expected to report daily to the Project Manager. The position holder also demonstrates a client-oriented approach, tact, and ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, the Procurement Associate works in close collaboration with the UNDP Peace and Stabilization Programme Team, as well as with other UN Agencies, and civil society to successfully implement the activities and is expected to travel to various areas in Mindanao and BARMM.

• Administration and implementation of operational strategies
• Organization of procurement processes
• Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
• Control of CO Assets
• Organization of logistical services
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures administration and implementation of the operational strategies, primarily for ASPIRE, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system.
• CO Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement and Logistics, control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit.
• Elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultation with office management.
• Provision of researched information for formulation and implementation of contract strategy and strategic procurement in the CO including tendering processes and evaluation, managing the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, e-procurement introduction.

2. Organizes procurement processes for CO, and NIM/DIM projects, primarily for ASPIRE, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation of procurement plans for the office and projects and their implementation monitoring.
• Organization of procurement processes including preparation and conduct of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Preparation of Purchase orders and contracts in and outside Quantum, preparation of Recurring Purchase orders for contracting of services, vendors’ creation in Quantum. Buyers profile in Quantum.
• Review of procurement processes conducted by projects; submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP).
• Implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase orders are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.
• Presentation of researched information on procurement in the CO.
• Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Quantum for the procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.
• Organization of joint procurement processes for the UN Agencies in line with the UN reform.

3 . Ensures implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

•   Development and update of the rosters of suppliers, implementation of supplier selection and evaluation.

4.  Ensures proper control of CO Assets focusing on achievement of the following results:

•  Preparation of inventory reports.
• Implementation of Inventory and physical verification control in the CO and projects.

5.   Ensures organization of logistical services focusing on achievement of the following results:

•  Organization of travel including purchase of tickets, DSA calculation, PO preparation; arrangement of shipments; vehicle maintenance; conference facilities arrangements.
• Timely conducted DSA, Travel Agencies, vehicle maintenance hotel and conference facilities surveys.

6. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Procurement.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Procurement.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements