Procurement Assistant(4 Months) at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Responsibilities

• Reviews, records and prioritizes purchasing requests and obtains additional information/documentation as required; provides assistance to requisitioners in preparing scope of work and specifications of goods and services; proposes product substitutions consistent with requirements to achieve cost savings; determines the availability of funding sources. Identify and recommend sources of procurement; interview potential suppliers.
• Produces tender documents (e.g. Invitations to Bids, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Quotation) based on the nature of the requirements and cost of procurement involved.
• Prepares abstracts of offers and compile data contained in quotations, proposals and bids to determine which supplier can deliver the required goods/services at the best terms and lowest costs possible with due consideration to quality, delivery time, prompt payment and other discounts, transportation costs, etc.
• Enters into negotiation of terms and conditions of orders under the guidance of Procurement Officers; obtains credit and other information on proposed suppliers.
• Finalizes purchase orders and contracts for approval by the Procurement Officer; may authorize purchases in line with delegated signature authority, and, if required, prepares submission to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.
• Resolves issues/problems related to delivered goods, including discrepancies between purchase orders and items/quantities shipped or received; prepares and signs Return to Vendor forms for unacceptable and/or damaged goods received.
• Maintains relevant internal databases and files; keeps track of any contractual agreements, direct provisioning contracts, etc. and informs affected users of contractual rights and obligations.
• Researches, retrieves and presents information from a variety of internal and external sources on sources of supply, vendors by commodity, etc., as well as obtain specifications for new products and equipment on the market.
• Drafts a variety of correspondence.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of procurement policies, processes and procedures and of purchasing and accounting techniques. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.  Knowledge of financial rules and regulations and ability to research and gather information from a variety of standard sources and to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• Completion of secondary education/ high school diploma is required.  Supplementary courses or additional training in procurement functions is highly desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

• Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Level 4 or equivalent professional certification is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or related area is required.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree.
• At least two (2) years of work experience in acquisition of strategic, high-value and of complex scope of goods and services from worldwide sources and for diversified clients in multiple countries is required.
• Experience in managing procurement in support of development programme with multiple thematic areas is desirable.
• Experience in procurement supporting public, private or non-governmental entities that have national, regional or international operations is desirable.
• Working experience with a Systems Application and Products (SAP), or another Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is desirable.
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.