Procurement Officer (Service Contracts)

Organizational Context

The Procurement Service (CSLP) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, provides essential policy and operational support. Its primary function is to ensure that all procurements of goods, works, and services adhere to the "Best Value for Money" principles. The Procurement Officer plays a key role in managing procurement activities, including the preparation of tender documents and the finalization of contracts and Purchase Orders for FAO Decentralized Offices.

Job Purpose

The core purpose of this role is to manage the procurement of goods and services in strict adherence to FAO's established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices in public procurement. The incumbent will support monitoring through report analysis, identify compliance issues, and propose solutions. Responsibilities include contributing to improved work methods, developing training materials, drafting tender documents and contracts, reviewing technical and financial offers, and providing guidance on procurement processes. The role also involves supporting corporate initiatives related to environmental responsibility and sustainability, conducting market research, and performing other related duties as required.

Responsibilities

The Procurement Officer is responsible for reviewing and analyzing procurement requests to ensure completeness and conformity with FAO rules and procedures, liaising with requesters to determine optimal strategies. This includes assisting in the preparation of evaluation criteria for complex procurements and guiding the preparation of tender documents and contracts. The role involves utilizing FAO's ERP system and other applications for procurement actions, issuing tenders, evaluating bids, and following up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery. The officer will conduct commercial evaluations, recommend award proposals, and provide guidance on IT applications and e-tendering tools. Additionally, responsibilities include producing reports for contract monitoring, reviewing invoices, coordinating with technical teams on issues like liquidated damages, facilitating vendor payments, and maintaining procurement filing systems for audit trails.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience in procurement-related activities is required for candidates with an advanced university degree. For those with a first-level degree, five years of work experience in procurement-related activities is necessary. Experience in public procurement is desirable. Work experience in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions, is also considered an asset.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in procurement and contract-related issues, including reviewing, preparing, and drafting contractual instruments, are essential. Experience in public procurement is desirable. Strong skills in drafting technical documents and reports in English are a significant asset. Familiarity with FAO's ERP system and e-tendering tools is beneficial. Experience related to Corporate Environmental Responsibility is also relevant.

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