UNDP Jobs - 55038- Procurement Associate

Procurement Associate

Location :

Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-May-2015

Application Deadline :

14-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year and Only for Tanzanians.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Tanzania has held four credible general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992. Citizens and the government are eager to maintain this track record and to further strengthen democratic practice in Tanzania. Looking to the 2015 general election, government has undertaken early and comprehensive preparations for the electoral processes. Since receipt of official requests for UN assistance to the election cycle leading to the 2015 general election from the National Election Commission and Zanzibar Electoral Commission, a UN Needs Assessment Mission recommended the development of a project in support of the national efforts.

In addition, in 2014 the United Republic of Tanzania will likely conduct a first national referendum on a new constitution. The national Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and

other stakeholders in preparing for these critical events have requested the support of UNDP to provide technical support to the preparation and execution of the referendum.

To these ends, the Democratic Empowerment Project (DEP) is a four year (2013-2016) UNDP, UN One Fund and other donor-funded project with the overall aim of contributing to Tanzania’s UNDAP’s Outcome 7: i.e. “key institutions of democracy, (i.e. EMBs, etc.) effectively implement their election and political functions”. UN Women and UNESCO are implementing partners in a One UN Country Team context.

Project Objectives

The DEP seeks to promote democracy and contribute to the realization of the following four objectives:

Capacity of key democratic institutions (EMBs, CRC, RPP, etc.) enhanced to support and promote legal and institutional reform in the context of the on-going constitutional reform process and beyond;
Capacity of the EMBs to conduct credible elections enhanced through strategic, technical and operational support and improved EMB engagement with stakeholders (i.e. political parties, CSOs, and the media) to foster a democratic environment;
Inclusive participation in elections and politics enhanced through the empowerment of women, youth and PWDs; and
National peace infrastructure enhanced to mitigate and prevent election-related conflicts, including gender based violence.

Objectives of Assignment

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the UNDP Procurement Analyst, and working closely with the DEP Operations Manager, the Procurement Associate will support implementation of sound operational and purchasing management for the DEP project according to UNDP rules and regulations. S/he assists in the overall management of DEP project procurement services, administers and executes procurement processes ensuring high quality and accuracy of work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures efficient management of procurement processes for timely and efficient delivery of the goods and services as defined in the DEP procurement plan;
Ensures proper monitoring of the procurement processes to eliminate deficiencies in procurement for DEP;
Monitors supplier’s performance with respect to the quality and timely delivery of goods and services to the project;
Ensures proper tendering and bidding procedures;
Under the supervision and guidance of the UNDP Procurement Analyst, develop the tender documents and draft contracting documents as well;
Ensures the methodical maintenance of files as necessary for audit purposes;
Promote and monitor the transparency of the procurement and contractual processes, and the use of international best practices;
Promote the incorporation of standard procurement forms within the unit and the use of instruments for planning and scheduling processes;
Reviews the requests for procurement, specifications, and evaluation reports, and participate in contractual negotiations when required;
Identification of cost saving and cost reduction strategies;
Other duties as required.

Competencies

Functional Compotencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies;
Ability to lead procurement processes using specific procurement methods (RFQ, ITB, and RFP);
Ability to implement strategic procurement, contract and sourcing strategy;
Demonstrates a complete in-depth grasp of procurement rules and practices;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Knowledge Management Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Secondary education;
Certification in procurement or related field;
University Degree in Business or Public Administration desirable.

Expereince

Five (5) years of relevant professional experience in public sector procurement; significant previous background in development cooperation (UN system, NGOs, Government Agencies, international suppliers);
Excellent knowledge of tools, procedures and international standards for the purchase of goods and services within the context of development support programs;
Knowledge of UNDP administrative and financial management procedures is highly desirable;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
Written and fluency in Kiswahili is an added value.