Background

As one of the original eight pilot countries for the UN Reform initiative Delivering as One, Tanzania is a global leader in advancing reforms of the UN system, with a view to support accelerated harmonization in implementation practices, coherence in programming, and alignment with national systems, intended to produce a reduction in transaction costs and enhanced development impact.

Deepening reform will require new and even more innovative ways for the UN agencies to work together. Programme planning, resource mobilization, evaluation, and review activities will be done collaboratively. There will be increased harmonization of UN policies, procedures and tools, possibly leading towards the establishment of a One UN Operations Team.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Procurement Analyst, the Procurement Assistant provides procurement services ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. The Procurement Assistant promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

 The Procurement Assistant works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects staff in the CO and UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
• Provision of inputs to the CO Procurement business processes mapping and elaboration of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement and Logistics in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

2. Supports procurement processes for CO, NEX/DEX projects and at the request of other Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of inputs to preparation of procurement plans for the office.
• Support to organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation.
• Preparation of Purchase orders and contracts in and outside Atlas, preparation of Recurring Purchase orders for contracting of services, vendor creation in Atlas, maintenance of the filing system in the procurement Unit. . Buyers profile in Atlas.
• Implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase orders are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.
• Provision of information for preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the procurement services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.

3.    Contributes to implementation of sourcing strategy focusing on achievement of the following result:

• Update of the rosters of suppliers.

4.   Ensures proper control of CO Assetsfocusing on achievement of the following result:

• Preparation of inventory reports.
• Implementation of Inventory and physical verification check-up in the CO and projects.
• Ensures provision of logistical services focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Purchase of tickets and PO preparation; arrangement of shipments; vehicle maintenance organization; conference facilities arrangements.
• Timely conducted DSA, Travel Agencies, vehicle maintenance, hotel and conference facilities surveys.
• Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Procurement.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things

Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Level 1.1: Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions
• Design and Implementation of Management Systems

Level 1.1: Data gathering and implementation of management systems

• Uses information/databases/other management systems

Client Orientation

Level 1.1: Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Level 1.1: Gathering and disseminating information

• Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education with specialized training in procurement. University Degree in Business or Public Administration would be desirable, but it is not a requirement. UNDP Procurement Certification programme required.

Experience:

• Five years of relevant administrative experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of automated procurement systems, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.