Procurement Assistant

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development.

UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe.

In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Code: MASOM1112_ 233

Post Title: Procurement Assistant

Post Level: LICA 3 Equivalent to G5

Org Unit: Mine Action Programme - Somalia

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: 12 Months (Renewable - subject to availability of funds)

Closing Date: 17th February, 2012

Organisational Context

The UN Somalia Mine Action Programme (UNSOMA) is operating e under the responsibility of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), executed by UNOPS.

The Mine Action Programme in Somalia started in Somaliland (1992-1993, 1997-1998 and 1999-present), and Puntland (2003-2005), and has implemented capacity building projects, provided technical assistance for the national Somaliland and Puntland Mine Action centres and the Police Explosive Ordnance disposal teams.

In South Central, UNSOMA is expanding the activities in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). In complement to the provision of capacity building and support for the AMISOM forces to undertake EOD (Explosive Ordnance) activities in Mogadishu to reduce the large amounts of ERW (Explosive Remnants of War) and stockpiles throughout the city, Police EOD teams are deployed in Mogadishu in concert with an emergency Mine Risk Education initiatives to reach the large numbers of returnees for provision of humanitarian assistance. Other regional offices will be established during the current year.

UNSOMA has an office in Nairobi to provide managerial and support functions for the Regional Offices in Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Support Services, and daily reporting to the Procurement Specialist, the incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Key functions:

Carry out procurement for the Mine Action Program including

• Prepare bidding documents (Request for quotations, requests for Proposals and Invitations to Bid) FQ, for goods and services.
• Prepare evaluations and awards for appropriate approval authority.
• Issue contracts and purchase orders upon approval.
• Ensure proper filing and archiving of finalised procurement processes as per procurement manual requirements.
• Assist with preparation of bid analysis and pass these on for technical evaluation or advice before orders are placed or presented to the purchasing committee.
• Respond to queries from projects, clients, companies, etc. regarding procurement related matters.

Education and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education level is mandatory. A University degree in the area of procurement or any related field would be an asset;
• Professional certification in the field of procurement (from Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or elsewhere) a plus;
• At least 4 to5 years progressively responsible experience is required, preferably including at least 2 years in specialized areas of procurement. Work experience in an international organization is an asset;
• Ability to translate and apply business acumen and technical expertise into UNOPS operations
• Competent level of computer literacy - MS Office as a minimum;
• Experience directly relevant to establishment and development of new tools for improvement of support services;
• Must be able to meet timeline for delivery of products and services to clients.
• Any other duties as may be given by the Procurement Specialist.

Professionalism:

• Good interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to interact readily with UN staff members at all levels.
• Must have keen sense of ethics and integrity in dealing with clients and service providers.
• Ability to work under strict deadlines and under stressful conditions.
• A sound knowledge of UNOPS/UN financial rules is an added advantage.
• Sound Computer skills, in particular MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Atlas and Imprest.
• Ability to work in a multi-national/multi-cultural environment.
• Ready to travel for short missions to Somalia

Language

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Other requirements

• Experience with a UN Mine Action Centre or Demining NGO will be an advantage.
• Good written communication and report writing skills.

Submission of Applications

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via e-mail to somaliamineaction@unops.org.

Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Additional Considerations

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website atwww.unops.org.