Contracts Specialist, P-3, TA (6 months), #137585, Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo - WCAR

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 our mission, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth in a passionate and inclusive culture. Our work is driven by a strong sense of purpose, serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Purpose

The Contracts Specialist will lead the contracting and service procurement function for the Bunia field office, specifically supporting the Ebola emergency response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective and efficient procurement of necessary goods and services to combat the ongoing outbreak. The specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing contracting strategies, managing tendering processes, negotiating contracts, and overseeing contract awards and administration. This includes establishing Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and institutional contracts, as well as managing supplier performance. The position requires strict adherence to UNICEF's rules and regulations, maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and value for money in all procurement activities. The role also involves supervising and developing contracting staff, collaborating with programme teams to align contracting with programmatic goals, and providing expert advice to government counterparts and implementing partners on contracting and supply chain management.

Responsibilities

Manage the field office’s contracting operations, including the development and implementation of contracting and sourcing strategies, tendering processes, contract negotiation, contract award and administration, the establishment of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and institutional contracts, and supplier performance management. Ensure full compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and value for money. Supervise and support the professional development of contracting and supply staff. Work closely with programme teams to define contracting interventions that contribute to achieving results for children. Provide strategic technical and advisory support to government counterparts, national systems, and implementing partners on service contracting and supply chain management. Support the Ebola emergency response by ensuring timely and effective procurement of essential services and supplies. Contribute to the overall supply chain management strategy for the emergency response. Monitor contract performance and identify areas for improvement. Maintain accurate records of all contracting activities. Foster strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Adapt procurement strategies to the evolving needs of the emergency response and the challenging operational context.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience, at the national and international levels, in supply, logistics, procurement, and/or contracting is required. Experience in procurement/contracting for high-value, high-risk, and complex services is required.

Skills

Contract negotiation and administration, Supply chain management, Procurement strategy development, Tendering processes, Supplier performance management, Compliance with regulations, Emergency response procurement, Team supervision and development, Stakeholder engagement, Analytical skills, SAP Materials Management module experience, Humanitarian/development work understanding

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