UNESCO Yaoundé Seeks Regional Procurement and Contracting Expert
Are you an experienced procurement specialist with a passion for delivering effective and compliant procurement and contracting solutions? If so, this opportunity may be for you.
POSITION DETAILS
Reference Number: 6CMADM0002RP
- Level: P-3
- Department: Administration and Management (ADM)
- Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Field: Administration
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term
- Contract Duration: 2 years, with potential for renewal and extension
- Applicant Pool: Open to both internal and external candidates
- Deadline for Applications: August 12, 2024 (Midnight, Paris Time)
Fundamental Principles at UNESCO: Dedication to the Organization, Uprightness, Inclusivity, Expertise
SUMMARY OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Working directly under the Finance and Administrative Officer, and collaborating closely with Regional Programme Teams, the Headquarters Chief of Procurement and Contracting, and Section staff, the individual in this role is responsible for delivering timely, cost-effective, impactful, efficient, risk-conscious, and superior procurement and contracting services and guidance to UNESCO’s Regional and Field Offices, along with programs within the region. This involves partnering with Programme Teams to establish procurement and contracting approaches aligned with program goals, providing support in capacity development, and evaluating implementation partners.
This position holder will uphold principles of optimal value for money, impartiality, ethical conduct, and transparency in all processes, adhering to the Organization’s regulations, rules, and procedures, as well as international standards and best practices. They will also take part in UN procurement initiatives.
Detailed Description
Operational Enhancement and Counsel
- Partner with regional and national program teams to formulate procurement and contracting approaches that bolster operational capabilities, adherence to regulations, and oversight.
- Develop and oversee procurement blueprints to address the intricate procurement and contractual needs of programs at both regional and national levels.
- Offer specialized support and guidance throughout all phases of the procurement process.
- Prepare or oversee invitations to tender, bid evaluations, and advocate for e-tendering platforms to enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Analyze and assess vendor proposals based on cost, technical specifications, dependability, post-sales/completion implications, and overall value.
- Conduct risk evaluations on issues related to procurement and contracting.
- Contribute to the implementation of audit recommendations concerning procurement.
Contract Administration
- Review contractual documents and submissions for approval by the appropriate UNESCO authorities, such as Legal Affairs and/or Headquarters Contracts Committee. Authorize procurement orders up to the designated limit.
- Implement tools to ensure proper monitoring of ongoing/past procurement files and the systematic archiving of procurement and contracting related documents.
- Evaluate and establish the work program and schedule for current and new contracts. Ensure the completeness, accuracy, and adequacy of new requests to guarantee fair and transparent competition and comparison processes, value for money, delivery of desired outcomes, and compliance with relevant internal controls and governance throughout the entire process.
- Transparently manage waivers, contract modifications, and vendor performance evaluations.
- Supervise adherence to contractual agreements, propose amendments and extensions of contracts, manage pricing reviews and contract renegotiation, and advise relevant parties on contractual rights and obligations.
- Oversee and assist in verification missions and internal/external audits of procurement & contracting activities, ensuring prompt implementation of the recommendations.
Collaboration with Program and Implementation Partners
- Work closely with program teams during program design, planning, procurement preparation, and monitoring & evaluation phases.
- Assist in identifying and evaluating implementing partners, including civil society organizations, and establish related agreements under the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).
- Conduct orientation sessions and organize training for potential implementation partners, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and adherence to UNESCO Procurement and Contracting Policies.
Oversight and Capability Enhancement
- Offer specialized guidance and technical assistance to elevate capabilities, knowledge, and adherence to ethical standards and regulations within the Office and across the region.
- Design and execute internal training on procurement and contracting, targeting areas needing improvement or addressing new requirements.
Collaboration, Alliances, and Outreach
- Act as the Office’s representative within the Procurement Working Group of the Organizational Management Team (OMT) and Regional OMT established by the UN Country Team (UNCT), offering counsel on procurement, contracting, and supply chain concerns.
- Engage in events and meetings that foster partnerships and cooperation with government bodies, UN entities, and bilateral partners.
- Serve as the UNESCO point of contact for shared UN procurement at both the country and regional levels.
- Prepare yearly procurement reports with statistics and gather data for UN reporting needs.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C)
For further details, please refer to the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as procurement, supply chain management, business administration, finance, law, engineering, or sciences.
- A professional certification like CIPS (Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional) or a similar credential. If not held at the time of hiring, it should be obtained within one year of appointment.
- Alternatively, a first-level university degree with specialized procurement and supply chain courses or certificates (CIPS or equivalent), combined with two extra years of relevant experience, may be considered.
Work Experience
- At least 4 years of experience in areas like procurement, supply chain/project management, contract administration, or logistics, with a preference for 2 years at the international level.
- Experience in procurement and contracting within a UN agency or similar international organization.
Skills and competencies
- Capacity to analyze requirements, devise strategies, formulate plans, manage risk, and guarantee value for money, transparency, integrity, and fairness in regional and national office procurement.
- Aptitude for analyzing complex procurement and contractual needs of programs, considering both regional and national levels, along with supply chain factors.
- Skill in identifying potential partnerships for future endeavors in line with emerging trends.
- Ability to interpret and rigorously apply a wide array of procurement and contracting regulations, processes, guidelines, frameworks, standards, and governance directives.
- Capacity to work autonomously and offer supportive leadership.
- Talent for building positive working relationships internally and externally.
- Ability to influence decision-making processes.
