Head Procurement Section (2 posts), P4, HQ Amman, Jordan

Org. Setting and Reporting

UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Head Procurement Section will report to the Chief, Central Support Services Division Responsibilities – Leads the development of the procurement strategy planning preview and reviews with different field operations and divisions to advise on procurement requirements. Conducts research on procurement initiatives with different stakeholders; identifies and recommends innovative approaches jointly with partners and other internal stakeholders. Evaluates data on local initiatives and overall performance (competitive pricing, product quality and timely delivery). Assesses procurement operations and control mechanisms and advises on appropriate actions; – Serves as a senior procurement and contracting expert with responsibility for the procurement of a wide variety of supplies and services associated with complex (technically and legally) contracts and procurement activities. Plans, develops and manages the various procurement and contractual aspects of projects of diverse services and commodities (e.g. medicines, health related equipment, food commodities, construction and maintenance services, insurance services, information technology, vehicles, etc.); – Establishes approaches for negotiation of contracts and conducts or coordinates all phases of negotiations with all concerned parties, including the negotiation of disputes arising from contracts. Develops new strategic approaches to contracts as well as new methods for their application based on market research and best practices. Formulates strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts arising from complex procurement projects; – Develops and prepares complex contracts, issues tender invitations, evaluates responses to tender and makes recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts; signs procurement orders up to the authorized limit and, in case the amount exceeds the authorized signature authority, prepares submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official; – Provides technical advice on procurement activities to headquarters and fields staff to ensure efficient use of resources throughout the phases of the procurement cycle. Organizes internal procurement training and provides technical direction and guidance to more junior Procurement staff; provides authoritative technical and policy advice on all aspects of procurement; develops and disseminates best practices; – Monitors adherence to contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned stakeholders on their contractual rights and obligations in consultation with the department of legal affairs. Ensures follow up to audit recommendations closure in a timely manner and ensures risk mitigation measures are in place and monitored. Ensures appropriate procedures and systems are in place to ensure efficiency of the procurement services; – Prepares a variety of complex procurement-related documents, correspondences and reports to internal and external stakeholders, including responses to audit observations; analyzes the existing procurement practices and procedures and contributes to the development of institutional procurement policies and procedures; – Controls and oversees the maintenance of contract management documentation, information and records, contracts, tenders and bids, suppliers and claims information ensuring their accuracy and confidentiality at all times. Liaises with relevant units and offices to implement new initiatives for vendor performance and contract management and align with good practices; – Provide support to UNRWA field offices, both regular and emergency, including undertake support missions to assist with the field procurement operations or set up of new projects, as needed or requested.

Competencies UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default Deciding and Initiating Action Planning and Organizing Applying Technical Expertise Delivering Results Managing Complexity and Change For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un. org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in business administration, public administration, supply chain, law or a related field.

Job Specific Qualifications Work Experience – A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible relevant experience in complex procurement, contract management, supply chain or administration in the public or private sector dealing with large size operations, is required. – At least five years should be directly related to first-hand procurement, strategic at the international level, is required. – Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have a minimum of two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number, is required. – Specialized procurement experience in the provision of medicines and/or food commodities and/or IT equipment and /or services and/or in construction projects, is required. – Knowledge of and skills in use of procurement related functions in ERP and other procurement related information management systems, is required. – Experience in providing support services to Field Offices under humanitarian, development, or conflict context, is desirable. – Experience in conducting procurement at the international level for an intergovernmental organization, governmental organization, or a large multi-national organization, is desirable.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for an appointment to the same post or a similar post. Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/