Chief (Procurement)
Organizational Context
This position is within the Procurement Unit of the General Support Section, Division for Management, at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). The role reports to the Chief of the General Support Section and is based in Vienna, Austria. UNOV is a key UN entity supporting global efforts.
Job Purpose
The Chief, Procurement Unit, serves as a senior procurement and contracting expert, leading a team in worldwide procurement of complex supplies and services. This role ensures adherence to UN procurement procedures and financial regulations. Responsibilities include planning and leading procurement activities for UNOV and UNODC, providing policy guidance, analyzing procurement requests, managing complex contracts, developing strategic approaches, supervising supplier qualification, conducting negotiations, and supporting supply chain development. The position also involves managing unit staff, contributing to reporting, engaging with oversight bodies, and fostering staff development to ensure efficient and effective procurement operations.
Responsibilities
Lead and supervise a team in worldwide procurement of complex supplies and services, adhering to UN procedures and regulations. Plan and direct procurement activities for UNOV and UNODC. Provide expert policy and technical guidance on procurement strategies and activities. Analyze, evaluate, and process procurement requests, ensuring appropriate evaluation criteria and best value for money. Oversee the development and management of complex contracts, including tender processes, evaluation, and award recommendations. Develop and implement new strategic approaches to contracting based on market research. Supervise the implementation of procurement policies, standards, and supplier qualification processes. Establish negotiation strategies and coordinate negotiations. Support the development of an agile supply chain and manage a delegation of authority framework. Conduct capacity building missions and manage unit staff, including performance monitoring and recruitment. Contribute to reporting, engage with oversight bodies, and participate in relevant meetings.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, or administration is required. Experience with an ERP system is mandatory. Desirable experience includes working with UN financial regulations, SAP (Umoja), implementing procurement frameworks, developing training, managing teams, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Empowering Others, Procurement Standards, Contract Law, Negotiation, Data Analysis, Team Management, Strategic Planning, Change Management.