Summary of Key Functions
Implementation of procurement processes
Procurement and supply chain management
Contract administration and management
Personnel management
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
1. Implementation of procurement strategies
Oversight and supervision of the planning, implementation and results of strategic and routine procurement work plans for the Project, including:
Acting as the procurement focal point for the office. In this regard, provide interpretation of procurement policies and guide the project team on the appropriate application of procurement policies and procedures in their daily work.
Ensure full compliance of the procurement activities with UNOPS policies and strategies by designing and operationalizing a client-oriented procurement management system to monitor and control the implementation of procurement plans and procurement processes conducted by the project team.
Manage the process of periodic (annual, semi-annual and quarterly) procurement planning for the projects and oversee their implementation ensuring effectively-functioning processes to avoid costly delays and lost opportunities for the project and AUMCO.
Provide technical support on all procurement related matters, including management and guidance:
in identification of procurement needs at the project development stage;
in preparation of realistic procurement plans and development of appropriate procurement strategies;
in preparation of technical specifications, terms of references, scope of works;
in cost estimations for the required goods/services/works;
in drafting solicitation documents;
in proper monitoring and control of procurement processes pertinent to the solicitation, evaluation and submission for award processes whenever required and in full compliance with the UNOPS procurement rules and regulations;
in contract management and dispute resolution issues;
in establishment of the procurement process monitoring systems and mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in the project’s procurement activities.
Quality assurance of procurement actions and documentation requiring a PA approval (solicitation documents, shortlists, requests for awards, submissions to LCPC and HQCPC, contracts, agreements, etc.) and obtaining, in a timely manner, of the necessary approvals and clearances from the relevant PA.
Ensure effective lines of communication between management and the procurement team to ensure priority requirements, timely delivery of goods, works and services using the most appropriate procurement procedures.
Provide inputs to the project’s administrative business process mapping and development for streamlining the various procurement related process-flows.
2. Procurement and Supply Chain Management:
Organize and implement the required strategic procurement activities under the project: establish Long Term Agreements and Blanket Purchase Agreements for common user items and services, develop sourcing strategies specific to local context (supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, performance measurement, etc.), etc.
Organize and implement project specific procurement processes, including formulation of strategy for obtaining best results, developing criteria for evaluation, preparation and conducting of ITBs and RFPs, evaluation of bids and proposals, pre-award negotiation of contract conditions with winning bidder(s), submissions for review and award to UNOPS Contract Committees, prepare Purchase Orders and Contracts in and outside of oneUNOPS.
3. Contract Administration and Management
Provide oversight over various contract management processes and ensure transparency.
Monitor and analyze contract performance against agreed benchmarks through agreed reporting mechanisms and advise the Senior Project Manager on potential issues and recommend remedial actions.
Negotiate, within the terms and conditions of the contract, solutions to conflicts/problems arising in case of poor performance or non-compliance with contractual obligations and convene meetings with contractors to allow ample opportunity for the identification and early resolution of potential disputes in the best manner achieving the best interest of UNOPS, its clients and beneficiaries.
4. Personnel Management
Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the procurement team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrassment, sexual harrassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
5. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing
Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for project personnel on Procurement-related topics.
Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for project and procurement personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
Oversee team’s contributions to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement management.
Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
Keep abreast of and be adept in contemporary procurement techniques and industry practices as they impact UNOPS to implement projects.
3. Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Procurement Advisor directly impacts on the development and consequently the implementation and performance of the project. It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS in the global humanitarian context.
Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsQualifications and Experience
a. Education
An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Finance, Business/Public Administration, Public Policy, Accounting or other is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
An Accredited Level III Certificate in Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing or equivalent is an asset.
b. Work experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional procurement experience including implementation of complex procurement projects is required.
Experience in a leading local or global provider of management advisory or consulting services to the public sector is an asset.
Experience working at leadership level in or with government or international financial institutions or other international development organizations is highly valued.
Experience with Enterprise systems including OneUNOPS is desirable.
Experience in developing countries or a post-conflict context is an advantage.
Knowledge of procurement within the context of Afghanistan is highly valued.
c. Languages
Proficiency in English is required.
Background Information UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background Information Afghanistan
With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s national priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads, bridges, justice and security, health, and water supply) development, procurement services, HR services, capacity building, and humanitarian protection, amongst others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, the international donor community, and other UN agencies.
The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to the achievement of the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the reconstruction and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO’s services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve significantly the lives of all Afghans in need
