UNICEF Private Fundraising & Partnerships Division, Geneva

Temporary Appointment

3 months starting in January 2016

with the possibility to extend by 2 additional months

Procurement Manager (P4level)

Procurement Unit

Overview

UNICEF, the world’s leading organisation working for the rights of children, is seeking a Procurement Manager, at the P4 level, to be based in Geneva, Switzerland.

This temporary appointment is being established in the Procurement Unit in PFP in order to implement the procurement strategies and activities for PFP, EMOPS, CEE/CIS, PPD and Common Services (Operations and IT). This will involve planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and control, and guidance to staff in the procurement unit. The main responsibility of this assignment will be to ensure the timely and cost effective delivery of goods and services for all customer sections/units with the main objective to achieve best value for money for the organization.

The implementation of the strategies and activities will require close collaboration and follow up with colleagues within PFP across all sections as well as within the other UNICEF Geneva based entities, i.e., EMOPS, CEE/CIS, PPD and Common Services (Operations and IT). The incumbent will actively engage with all stakeholders on the procurement planning meetings. The person will report to the Deputy Director, Operations and Finance, PFP.

Responsibilities and Main Tasks:

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director, Operations and Finance, the temporaryappointment holder will be responsible for the following deliverables:

  • Develop and maintain the strategic role of procurement in provision of cost effective and efficient supply and service solutions that contribute to achievement of broader section, division and organizational objectives. Act as principal adviser on procurement to units within PFP and other sections/divisions in UNICEF Geneva on issues related to procurement of goods and services. Develop tools and guidelines to assist customer units in procurement activities. Ensure that risk assessments are undertaken as needed particularly for large value procurement or multi-year contracting in consultation with relevant business owner.
  • Secure compliance with Financial Rules & Regulations, General Terms & Conditions, and Auditor’s recommendations/observations in all procurement activities. Provide guidance to staff of the procurement and customer units in all related rules and regulations. Responsible for final clearance of all Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposal, Award Recommendations, CRC Submissions, Contracts, and Long Term Agreements (LTAs) related to contracting for goods and services. Direct negotiations with suppliers on major contracts and coordinate all Long Term Agreements (LTAs). Also undertake procurement activities directly as and when required.
  • Plan, direct and coordinate the work of the Procurement Unit - responsible for development and implementation of the unit work plan, set objectives for the unit and for procurement staff, assign responsibilities, establish training plan for the unit, and evaluate performance of staff against individual work plans. Analyse procurement related work processes, systems and contract arrangements to continuously simplify, improve efficiency and reduce complexity.
  • Provide advice and guidance to UNICEF Country Offices on issues related to contracting for private sector fundraising activities – including effective use of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) for multi-year requirements.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate supplier performance management system, including processes and controls to ensure that records are kept updated, and results of supplier performance evaluations are monitored and information is used to continuously improve sourcing and supplier relationship management.
  • Support UNICEF National Committees in identifying opportunities to achieve savings as well as effectiveness and efficiency gains through consolidating procurement requirements across countries and piggybacking on contracts of other National Committees.

Reporting:

The incumbent will report to the Deputy Director, Operations and Finance, PFP who will provide overall direction and guidance. However, the incumbent will be expected to work autonomously with minimum supervision. The person will work closely with the other members of the Procurement unit as well as with colleagues across PFP and the other UNICEF entities in Geneva: EMOPS, CEE/CIS, PPD and Common Services (Operations and IT).

Qualifications and Experience of Successful Candidate:

  • Advanced university Degree in Business Administration, Management, Contract/Commercial Law or related technical field, with training in global purchasing or supply administration. A first level degree in combination with specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, purchasing or contracting and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree
  • Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international level in supply/procurement management. Knowledge and/or experience in contracting for complex services such as fundraising, media buying, assessment and evaluations, and/or IT related projects is an asset
  • Fluency in written and spoken English language is essential
  • Proven ability to work and coordinate effectively across teams
  • Ability to multitask and respond to urgent requests
  • Strong attention to details
  • Very good analytical and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization
  • Knowledge and/or experience of SAP is an asset

Competencies of Successful Candidate:

Besides fluency in written and spoken English, the following competencies are required (LI, LII and LIII indicate the level required on a three point scale, LIII being the highest):

UNICEF Core Values (required)

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Integrity
  • Commitment

UNICEF Core Competencies (Required)

  • Drive for Results (LIII)
  • Communication (LII)
  • Working with People (LIII)

UNICEF Functional Competencies (Required)

  • Applying Technical Expertise (LIII )
  • Leading & Supervising (LII)
  • Formulating Strategies and Concepts (LII)
  • Relating and Networking (LII)
  • Planning and Organising (LII)

Applications

UNICEF’s salary and benefits package is based on the United Nations Common System; visit for further information.
UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed and up-to-date P11 form (which can be downloaded at and/or a CV/resume, as well as a covering letter explaining what makes you suitable for this position, to Ms.Fabienne Thomasat and Ms. Christine Lambert at with subject line “Procurement Manager Application” by latest 21st December 2015, 17:00 CET.

This is an urgent requirement, so successful candidates will be expected to start soon after selection. Please indicate your ability and availability to undertake the terms of reference above.

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