Contracts Specialist, P-3, Fixed Term Position, Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan, #00125937

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, everywhere, through our programs, advocacy, and operations, with a focus on equity for the most disadvantaged.

Job Purpose

The Contracts Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Contracts Manager, is responsible for planning, developing, and executing effective and efficient procurement of institutional services for the Afghanistan Country Office. This role ensures that contracting activities comply with UNICEF's procurement and contract procedures, rules, and regulations, aiming to deliver affordable, quality outputs that significantly impact program delivery. The specialist collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders on project design, needs assessment, work plans, procurement execution, and contract management. This position offers a high degree of independence, with opportunities to act as Officer-in-Charge of the Contracts Manager role, supervise the team, and contribute to the improvement of supply chain services and delivery mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Ensures all contracting activities strictly adhere to UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, the Supply Division (SD) Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures. Collaborates closely with program sections and partners to refine project designs, Terms of Reference (TOR), and work plans, while also addressing long-term forecasting of service needs and funding availability. Administers and manages contracts effectively in conjunction with all stakeholders, including programs, partners, suppliers, and finance. This involves developing specifications, participating in bid openings and post-bid evaluation meetings, reviewing bid documents, analyzing Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for construction projects, evaluating technical and financial proposals, and compiling/analyzing submitted bid data. Advises management on contractual rights and obligations, compiles and analyzes relevant data, and maintains historical contract information. Ensures that solicitations for service contracting are conducted in the most competitive and transparent manner, actively working to expand the local and international vendor database. Provides technical advice to the Contract Review Committee (CRC).

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of professional experience in procurement, contract management, or a related field is required. Experience in a developing country context or with international organizations is an asset.

Skills

Procurement and contract management, UNICEF procurement procedures, Financial rules and regulations, Stakeholder engagement, Project design and needs assessment, Work plan development, Bid analysis and evaluation, Vendor database management, Technical proposal evaluation, Financial proposal evaluation, Contract administration, Supply chain management

Explore related opportunities