Procurement Associate
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global leader in fighting poverty, inequality, and climate change, working with partners in 170 countries. The organization emphasizes strategic procurement to enhance its competitive advantage, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and value for money. This role operates within the Country Office, supporting its procurement functions.
Job Purpose
The Procurement Associate ensures the effective, efficient, and transparent execution of procurement services and processes within the UNDP Country Office. This role promotes a client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach, aligning procurement strategies with UNDP's sustainable development goals and best value principles. The Associate supports the Deputy Resident Representative, Operations Manager, or Procurement Analyst in managing procurement activities, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations, and contributing to the overall success of development projects through strategic sourcing and efficient acquisition of goods and services.
Responsibilities
Manage and execute procurement processes for the Country Office, projects, and other UN Agencies, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations. This includes preparing and conducting RFQs, ITBs, and RFPs, and evaluating bids and proposals. The role involves developing and updating supplier rosters, implementing supplier selection and evaluation, and providing training on e-procurement systems. Additionally, the Procurement Associate will monitor open Purchase Orders, collaborate with end-users to review and consolidate procurement plans for economies of scale, and prepare submissions for internal procurement review committees. Facilitating knowledge sharing on procurement best practices and organizing training for staff and vendors are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative experience is required with a high school diploma, or 3 years with a bachelor's degree. Experience in public sector procurement, supporting procurement processes (RFQs, ITBs, RFPs), using ERP and e-procurement tools, and managing vendor databases is desired.
Skills
Proficiency in computer and office software packages (MS Word, Excel), data management, and web-based management systems (ERP). Experience in public sector procurement, supporting RFQs/ITBs/RFPs, using ERP/e-procurement tools, managing supplier databases, and providing administrative/logistics support. Strong communication, stakeholder management, risk management, and customer satisfaction skills are essential.