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The Contracts Officer provides technical and operational support as per the Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) set-up and is responsible for Supporting the supply chains of the Programme Management Unit (PMU) for Cash Transfer Projects to individuals, households, and institutions.

While the overall responsibilities of the Contracts Officer include planning, procurement of goods, contracting of services, and monitoring of supplies and services, the main focus of the incumbent will be to provide contract management support, including sourcing, contracting, and contract administration.

The incumbent supports management collaboration with programmes in defining supply/contracting interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children and provides technical and advisory support to governments, national systems, and partners on supply chain and contracts management.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Supply chain service delivery:

• In consultation with the supervisor, conduct the contracting processes for assigned goods/services for the Programme Management Unit (PMU); handle and coordinate all aspects of the contracting processes including establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of products and services.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of any special contracting for goods/services or any other special project as may be necessary.
• Carry out market research through the expression of interest, internet, UNGM, networks, and other methods to broaden the contracting for services supplier base as and when necessary.
• Prepare and issue tenders, purchase orders, contracts, and amendments and maintain up-to-date files for the entire process.
• In consultation with the supervisor, conduct contract negotiations for new/amended contracts for all assigned goods/services and with all service providers, including resolution of performance issues, ensuring competitive pricing as per market conditions, and ensuring the best value for money for the organization.
• Make recommendations for the finalization of contracting processes and award of contracts when required. Prepare submissions to Contract Review Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.
• Monitor and review supply spend, and draft procurement strategies based on priorities in order to focus on strategic, essential supplies and services that contribute to results for children and support the establishment of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) where relevant. Maintain the highest level of integrity, ethical standards, and accountability in the procurement of goods, contracting of services, and construction work.
• Monitor progress of offshore, regional, and/or local procurement and contracts implementation and take action to ensure timely process Keep stakeholders/partners informed on the progress. Implement appropriate vendor management practices e.g. supply performance reviews.
• Analyze supply dashboards, implementation rates of key performance indicators, and supply information/data from various systems and conduct root cause analysis of supply chain bottlenecks and challenges, with a view to drive improvements and ensure efficient and effective supply chains for children.
• Participate in the development of a supply & logistics strategy based on risk assessment analysis and assumptions. Ensure a supply and logistics action plan for the CO is established in line with Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCC), and implemented (establishment of relevant LTAs and frame agreements)
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

2. Collaboration with programme and implementing partners:

• In collaboration with the supervisor, develop close collaboration with programme sections through involvement in programme design, planning, and preparation for the implementation of supply components as well as monitoring and evaluation. Establish an accountability framework with programs, for the delivery of results for children.
• Prepare supply/contracts documentation to facilitate input to donor dialogue, and support the development of supply/contract components of proposals to donors including budgeting and use of innovative financing mechanisms for supplies, services, and construction works.
• Support assessment of and collaboration with implementing partners including civil society and monitoring of supply or services components under Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).
• Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with the Government, UN organizations, and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities including harmonized and collaborative procurement of goods and services.

3. Technical and advisory support to government/national systems:

• Provide input to promoting supply chain strengthening and change management initiatives with governments and partners, to ensure efficient and effective supply chains for children.
• Provide input to capacity development initiatives related to supply chains for children, in close collaboration with supervisor and programme colleagues.
• Support supply/contract components of Cash Based Transfer Programme activities as might be relevant in the country context.
• Prepare relevant supply/contracts reports to facilitate advisory support to Governments/national systems/service providers in defining and determining supply/contracts solutions for children, such as the use of procurement services; supply financing solutions; local market development; private sector engagement.

4. Innovation, products, and markets:

• Contribute to pilot projects and support the actual roll-out of new products and services, in close collaboration with the supervisor and Supply Division.
• Support initiatives to promote critical thinking, innovative approaches, and good practices in supply chain management within the organization
• Further to the analysis of supply spend and related procurement strategies, support initiatives to ensure local market development where relevant.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A university degree in business administration, procurement, supply management, or technical field is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement and contracting.
• Experience in procurement/contracting for high-value, high-risk, and complex procurement /contracting of services is an advantage.
• Experience in SAP Materials Management Module
• Experience in analytical work and negotiations.
• Experience and ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and grants resources.
• Experience in the use of computer applications, including internet navigation and various office applications.
• Emergency experience is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is required – Oral and Written. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Eligible UNICEF International Professional (IP) Staff Members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to a Temporary Appointment, which is dedicated to L3 (or L2) Response, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and their current tour of duty, and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.