Procurement Assistant

Organizational Context

This Procurement Assistant position is based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, within the Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The role operates under the broad authority of the Regional Representative and the direct supervision of the Procurement Officer, contributing to the division's operational support.

Job Purpose

The Procurement Assistant provides essential support to the UNODC Regional Office's operations by managing standard procurement and logistics processes with a focus on quality and accuracy. This role ensures adherence to UN rules and regulations, promoting a client-oriented, results-driven approach. The incumbent collaborates closely with operations, programme, and project personnel to ensure consistent service delivery. Key functions include assisting in acquisition planning, reviewing purchase requests, preparing tender documents, supporting bid evaluations, finalizing purchase orders and contracts, maintaining procurement databases, and contributing to sourcing strategies. The role also involves administrative and logistics support, including asset management, customs clearance, and fleet coordination, all aimed at facilitating efficient office operations and project execution.

Responsibilities

The Procurement Assistant is responsible for supporting office operations through the execution of standard procurement and logistics processes. Key duties include contributing to acquisition plan preparation, reviewing and prioritizing purchasing requests, and assisting requisitioners with specifications. The role involves producing tender documents (e.g., ITBs, RFPs, RFQs), supporting bid evaluations, and participating in negotiations under supervision. Finalizing purchase orders and contracts, maintaining procurement databases, and tracking contractual agreements are also core responsibilities. The assistant will contribute to sourcing strategies, research suppliers, and provide input for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in procurement and logistics. Additionally, the role supports asset management, customs clearance, project equipment disposal, fleet coordination, and monthly billing reconciliations for operational services. Data analysis, report preparation, and drafting correspondence are also part of the duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in procurement, including planning, tendering, vendor management, and contract administration, is required. This is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Three years of experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and three years of experience with computer software (MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and web-based management systems are mandatory. Experience in asset management, logistics, customs clearance, or fleet management is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Procurement policies and procedures, Purchasing and accounting techniques, Financial rules and regulations, Data analysis and interpretation, Computer proficiency (MS Office, ERP systems), Vendor management, Contract administration, Logistics, Asset management, Communication.

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