Procurement Officer – FAO
Job Description
| Organization | The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |
| Organizational Unit | Logistics Services Division (CSL) |
| Duration | Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension |
| Grade Level | P-4 |
| Duty Station | Khartoum, Sudan |
| Deadline for Applications | 22/Jun/2023, 10:59:00 PM |
• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Organizational Setting
The Procurement Service (CSLP) provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations and the Letter of Agreement Quality Assurance function both at headquarters and in FAO Decentralized Offices; it provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on “Best Value for Money” principles.
The post is located in the FAO Representation in Khartoum, the Sudan.
Reporting Lines
The Procurement Officer reports to the Senior Procurement Officer or the Chief, Procurement Service (CSLP) for functional and policy guidance, and administratively to the highest-ranking Officer in the duty station.
Technical Focus
Timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods and services and Quality Assurance for Letters of Agreement in compliance with the relevant FAO Rules and Regulations.
Key Results
The planning and delivery of procurement services in accordance with internal policies, UN procurement guidelines and International Standards.
Key Functions
• Leads and/or participates in teams and provides expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff.
• Supervises, oversees and/or contributes to the delivery of procurement/contractual reporting and activities/services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Develops and updates the supporting operational, policy, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the implementation of the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised procurement policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
• Analyses procurement information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, procurement statements, and/or reports to donors as well as other specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners.
• Responds to requests for assistance and provides procurement and regulatory advice and assistance to managers at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
• Coordinates and ensures initiatives under the Organization’s work on the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability into the Organization’s daily operations.
• Develops effective working relationships including coaching, mentoring and evaluating staff in the local procurement unit and resolves problems with external providers, donors, partners, and UN procurement executives as well as provides information/clarification to auditors.
• Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
Specific Functions
• Advises requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle including preparation of tender’s evaluation criteria, meeting objectives under tight deadline.
• Prepares solicitation process, identifies method of solicitation, prepares tendering documents, distributes invitations to tender and conducts all aspects of bid/proposals evaluations as well as ensures that the solicitation process is fair, objective, and transparent and that it follows the general principles, as set forth in the FAO Manual Section.
• Prepares and supports the submission of cases to the Local and Headquarters Procurement Committees as appropriate.
• Participates in and conducts site inspections, bidder conferences, and contract negotiations, as necessary.
• Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments, research and analyses statistical data and market reports on required goods and services, production patterns and availability of goods and services.
• Undertakes the buyer function in conformity with FAO’s rules and regulations.
• Identifies and makes initial determinations and recommendations concerning disputes or claims arising out of procurement actions.
• Organizes and participates in, as appropriate, local tender opening panels and the Local Procurement Committee (LPC).
• Coordinates with forwarding agents relating to custom clearance, packing, and shipment of goods and maintains logistics records of such procurement-related activities.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in procurement related activities including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationship
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services.
• Extent and relevance of experience in public sector procurement dealing with complex contractual issues, revise and draft contract, formulate options and propose recommendations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in identifying clients’ procurement-related needs and in providing support and guidance from clients’ point of view.
• Extent and relevance of experience in logistics operations is desirable.
• Knowledge of procurement-related IT tools and systems (i.e. enterprise resource planning, inventory management, procurement, database management applications, etc.). ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION•
FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:
http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protectionFAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills;
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;
• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;
• Incomplete applications will not be considered;
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
