Only nationals of Afghanistan may apply to this position
Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall delegated authority of the Director/Head of the Office and the direct supervision of the Senior Finance and Administrative Officer, the incumbent provides dedicated procurement services to coordinate the procurement, importation, distribution, and delivery of all required infrastructural needs, equipment, materials, and other related goods for the UNESCO Kabul, Afghanistan Office. The incumbent will ensure the best value for money and fairness, integrity, and transparency of processes in accordance with the Organization’s regulations, rules, and procedures, as well as international standards and best practices.
The Procurement and Contracting Officer works in close collaboration with Operations and Programme teams in the Country Office to successfully deliver procurement services.
Long Description
Under the general supervision of the Senior Finance and Administrative Officer with functional guidance from the OPS/PRO at HQ, on matters related to the Contracts Committee and procurement and contractual arrangements in general, the incumbent will carry out the following roles and responsibilities:
- Support and coordinate procurement planning, quality assurance, effective coordination, monitoring of compliance with rules and regulations for contracts-related procedures, assess the procurement proposals, and support, as needed, the overall administration of the Programme;
- Monitor budget implementation, track resource allocation, and ensure compliance with financial rules and regulations;
- Participate in developing and implementing a Procurement Plan and design, maintain, and monitor work plans and schedules for ongoing and new procurement requirements and contracts;
- Establishment and implementation of proper monitoring system and control procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB, RFP, EOI, and IPA. Receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids proposals or applications; negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNESCO rules and regulations;
- Verify the procurement needs and support the delivery and monitoring of restoration materials, supplies, and equipment;
- Contribute to conceptualization, elaboration, and implementation of Strategic and Sustainable Procurement in the field office (FO), including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, and performance measurement;
Contribute to managing all aspects of the bid/proposal process, including the identification of requirements, preparation of announcements, and participating in the selection of and negotiations with suppliers/vendors;
- Participate in coordinating the evaluation team, analyze and evaluate vendors’ offers considering various factors affecting cost, technical specifications, implementation schedules, reliability, and after-sales/completion implications, ensuring value for money;
- Review procurement and other new contract requests prepared by Programme staff to ensure completeness, correctness, and adequacy to assure fair and transparent competition or comparison process, assisting in market research and providing advice where required;
- Contribute to policy, guidance, training, and technical assistance to staff in planning, developing, and managing contracts (including the identification of requirements, estimation of budgets, appropriate procurement or contracting methods, etc.) with a special focus on high-value/high-risk contracts;
Long Description
- Prepare a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, etc.;
- Provide support and advice on the selection of appropriate contractual modalities for engagement with Vendors, Consultants, and Partners in various programmes and project contexts;
- Review the ongoing procurement and contracting practices undertaken by the projects for continuous identification, assessment, prioritization, and monitoring of risks;
- Provide substantive support and guidance on activities related to Enterprise Risk Management, project risk assessments, and project evaluation for the FO.
Maintain a tracking system and database to monitor adherence to contractual agreements, performance requirements, and respect of delivery schedules; recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, as necessary; advise parties on contractual rights and obligations; and generate necessary periodic and ad-hoc reports as required, documenting lessons learned and recommendations.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Supply Chain Management, Public Procurement, Business Administration, Management, Economics, Finance, Contract/Commercial Law, International Development, or related fields. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields with an additional 2 years of qualifying professional experience could be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
- Professional certification in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain (e.g., CIPS or equivalent) is an asset.
Work Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in finance, administration, project management/operations, including supply chain management, procurement and/or contracting.
- Experience in procurement and contracting in a UN agency or similar international organizations.
Skills and Competencies
- Knowledge of commercial supply sources and common business and industry practices.
- Ability to coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
- Ability to provide quality and timely support and services.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with external and internal partners.
- Ability to interpret and strictly apply a wide range of available procurement and contracting regulations, processes, guidelines, frameworks, standards, and other governance directives.
- Ability to work independently and provide supportive leadership.
- Promote Accountability, Results-Based Management, and Enterprise Risk Management.
- Ability to build constructive internal and external working relationships.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of local languages, Pashto/Dari.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 48 680 US $.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.