Procurement Senior Associate
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, supports over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) in Dakar delivers project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries, aligning with UNOPS' mission to support peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development through various key sectors.
Job Purpose
The Procurement Senior Associate provides efficient and timely procurement and contract administration support to UNOPS programs managed by the office. This role emphasizes a quality, client, and results-oriented approach to ensure compliance with UNOPS procurement rules, regulations, policies, and strategies. The associate works with minimal supervision, liaising with program support staff, technical advisors, and portfolio managers to facilitate procurement processes and ensure effective project delivery across West Africa and the Sahel.
Responsibilities
The role involves supporting procurement transactions by integrating sustainable development measures, ensuring complete documentation for contract committees, and conducting regular market surveys using UN Global Marketplace and other sources. Responsibilities include maintaining and updating local supplier databases, generating status reports, and ensuring all supporting documents are available for audits. The associate also plans procurements, manages purchase requisitions, and sources goods, works, and services, preparing specifications for RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs. They liaise with suppliers for timely delivery, resolve post-order issues, and provide responses to inquiries. Contract administration includes tracking signatures, engaging funds in the ERP system, disseminating contract awards, and maintaining contract databases. Additionally, the role contributes to knowledge sharing by organizing training and disseminating best practices in procurement.
Work Experience
Required experience includes working in procurement or related fields, and proficiency with collaboration tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems. Experience in multicultural environments, UN system organizations in developing countries, or in development/humanitarian aid is desirable.
Skills
Contract Management, Electronic Procurement, Logistics Management, Market Analysis, Procurement, Regulations, Risk Management