Chief Procurement Officer Jobs at UN- Ugandans can apply

Chief Procurement Officer, P-5
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 Sep 2010
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 31 Aug 2010
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Field Missions Administered by DPKO
DUTY STATION: Multiple D/S
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 10-PRO-PMSS-424799-R-MULTIPLE D/S

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Responsibilities
If you are a passionate and committed professional, capable of working in an intense, high tempo operational environment under hardship conditions and want to make a lasting difference for people emerging from conflict, we would like to hear from you. In a Field Mission, the Procurement Section is responsible for worldwide and regional acquisition of a broad range of goods and services involving multi-million dollar expenditure in support of the mission’s peacekeeping and peace-building operations. In carrying out this role, procurement staff work closely with program managers and clients/recipient sections and entities to ensure the timely acquisition and delivery of such goods and services. Within the limits of the delegated authority, the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) is responsible for all matters relating to the timely purchase of goods and services for the mission. Specifically, the incumbent will: Direct, plan, develop and manage the procurement activities of a section involving multi-million dollar expenditure for worldwide procurement of a broad range of goods and services (e.g. electronic and information technology equipment and services, vehicles, fuel, medicines, foodstuffs, building maintenance and construction materials, office supplies, furniture, etc.), some which will be associated with highly complex contracts; Serve as principal expert and advisor to senior managers and officials of substantive units, providing authoritative technical and policy advice and support on all aspects and phases of the procurement cycle; Develop and disseminate best practices and ensure the highest levels of quality and accuracy of the section’s work; Ensure Acquisition Plans are in place in advance of the procurement cycle and ensure that the Plans are properly laid out in order to carry out successful procurement activities in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with all financial and procurement guidelines; Lead and direct a procurement work team; Plan and allocate work assignments; Coach, mentor, and evaluate staff; Participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs; Analyse unusually complex and/or critical procurement proposals of significant financial or operational impact, determine appropriate strategy/approach to best serve institutional interests and ensure implementation, including the authorisation of exceptions to established rules, practices and procedures, as necessary; Direct, manage and conduct planning, solicitation, negotiation, and, if necessary, termination of contractual and procurement action; Authorise up to approved limit, or recommend authorisation of procurement contracts/purchase orders to the Contracts Committees; Develop and recommend strategy for the effective implementation of procurement policies, reforms and internal controls; Develop proposals on revisions to procurement policies and procedures; Represent the organization in key meetings with senior officials and government officials, and in negotiations with senior executives of commercial organisations for the purpose of concluding major contracts; Carry out programmatic/managerial tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit/Section including budget preparation and staffing actions; Perform other duties as required.

Competencies
Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be assessed against the following competencies: Professionalism - In-depth knowledge of all facets of international procurement and contract principles and practice and ability to address broader issues of procurement in terms of impact at the program and institutional level; good working knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and contracting of a diverse range of goods and services; ability to develop procurement policies, procedures and new programs; ability to integrate technical knowledge with broader strategic and policy objectives; good working knowledge of INCOTERMS and international business practices; clear understanding of the best value for money concept and methodology; strong analytical skills; knowledge of and experience in cost analysis and evaluation techniques; good knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity; ability to conduct market research (including market trends and pricing), excellent negotiating skills and ability to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors; ability to apply technical expertise, independent judgment and discretion to resolve complex and/or sensitive issues; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations. Leadership - Strong managerial/leadership skills; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff with sensitivity and respect for diversity; demonstrated ability to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work; commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing. Vision – Demonstrated ability to develop, articulate and share strategic vision in managing procurement and contracting portfolios. Planning and Organizing - Demonstrated ability to coordinate and supervise the work of others, work to tight deadlines, juggle competing demands, handle multiple concurrent activities and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. Communication - Excellent communication (oral and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations to staff at all levels, both orally and in writing, and prepare a variety of written documents, contracts, reports, etc. in a clear, concise style. Accountability - Demonstrated ability and willingness to take ownership of specified and implied responsibilities; demonstrated mature and positive attitude toward duties, composure and ability to make timely and sound decisions under pressure.


QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Law or related fields. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Additional study or training in accounting, law, or a recognised qualification in procurement is desirable.

Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in high volume Procurement operations is required including at least three years of supervisory experience. Proven experience of planning, managing and delivering complex procurement programs and services is required. Experience of working in public sector bodies and/or international organizations is desirable. Experience of peacekeeping or military logistics operations is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the advertised post, fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Other Skills

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.

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UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reports to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.

E-mail: staffing@un.org,

Fax: 1-212-963-2800