Senior Procurement Assistant G7/1

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa seeks a Procurement Assistant. This role supports requisitioning units across the entire procurement cycle, from initial request to final payment. The position operates within the Secretariat's framework, contributing to efficient and effective procurement operations.

Job Purpose

The Procurement Assistant's purpose is to provide comprehensive support and guidance to requisitioning units throughout all stages of the procurement cycle. This includes managing solicitations, overseeing the procurement process until case closure, and ensuring timely payments for goods and services. The role is crucial for facilitating the acquisition of necessary resources, contributing to the operational efficiency of the ECA. By ensuring compliance with procurement policies and best practices, the incumbent helps achieve cost savings and secure optimal terms for the organization, directly supporting its mandate and programmatic activities.

Responsibilities

The Procurement Assistant is responsible for reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete, and assisting requisitioners with scope of work and specifications. They will identify and vet potential suppliers, prepare solicitation documents (e.g., RFPs, RFQs), and analyze bids to determine the best value. The role involves negotiating terms and conditions, preparing draft contracts in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and raising Purchase Orders while ensuring fund availability. Maintaining procurement databases, tracking contractual agreements, and resolving issues related to delivered goods are also key duties. Additionally, the incumbent will research market sources, draft correspondence, and perform other assigned procurement-related tasks.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in procurement administration or related fields is required. Preferably, three of these years should be within the UN common system or an international public organization. At least two years of direct procurement experience is essential. Experience in Contract Management/Administration and with ERP systems for purchasing/supply chain is desirable.

Skills

Procurement support, solicitation management, supplier vetting, bid analysis, contract negotiation, purchase order processing, database maintenance, market research, correspondence drafting, issue resolution, ERP systems proficiency, IPSAS & Umoja knowledge (advantageous), excellent English writing ability.

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