Procurement Officer

Organizational Context

The UNESCO Office in Doha supports the implementation of UNESCO's programme priorities across the Gulf States and Yemen, covering Education, Culture, Communication and Information, Natural Sciences, and Social and Human Sciences. The Office undertakes regular programme activities and extra-budgetary projects requiring timely, compliant, transparent, and value-for-money procurement support. The Procurement Officer will provide technical and operational procurement support to the Office, including for donor-funded projects and other operational requirements.

Job Purpose

The Procurement Officer will provide dedicated technical and operational procurement support to the UNESCO Doha Office. This role involves contributing to procurement planning, solicitation, contract administration, vendor management, quality assurance, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring full compliance with UNESCO rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent will offer expert support for the procurement and contracting processes of extra-budgetary projects, particularly those funded by the European Union. The position requires managing procurement processes for goods and services, including planning, solicitation, evaluation support, contract follow-up, delivery coordination, vendor liaison, and documentation management under the supervision of the Finance and Administrative Officer.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain procurement plans for projects and office requirements in accordance with approved budgets and UNESCO procedures. Review procurement requests for completeness, accuracy, specification appropriateness, budget availability, and compliance. Coordinate solicitation processes, including preparing requests for quotations, invitations to bid, and proposals. Support bid receipt, evaluation, and selection, ensuring transparency and proper documentation. Maintain and update the vendor database and liaise with vendors on quotations, deliveries, and invoices. Monitor procurement implementation against workplans and budgets, maintaining accurate records. Provide technical guidance to colleagues on UNESCO procurement policies and contract management. Prepare and review procurement-related documents, including contracts, purchase orders, and reports. Maintain an effective tracking and filing system for contractual obligations and supplier performance. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely procurement service delivery.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, logistics, supply chain management, or a closely related field is required. Experience in public procurement and working with the United Nations system or international development partners is desirable.

Skills

Sound knowledge of international procurement standards and all stages of procurement for goods and services. Strong understanding of contract management, supplier performance monitoring, and documentation requirements. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization skills with attention to detail. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders. Excellent communication and drafting skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel); knowledge of ERP systems like SAP is an advantage.

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