UNDP Jobs - 15197- Procurement Associate

Procurement Associate

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

26-Apr-2010

Application Deadline :

20-Mar-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

4-5 years,with possibility of yearly renewal

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

Despite 10 years of uninterrupted civil rule and three successive general elections including a successful transfer of power from one civilian administration to another, Nigeria continues to face the challenge of conducting elections that meet both regional and international standards of free, fair and credible elections. Consequently, soon after his inauguration as President in May 2007, President Umaru Yar’adua made commitment to reform Nigeria’s electoral system and strengthen democratic governance. Electoral reform is currently under way, and hopefully will be concluded before the next general elections in 2011. UNDP and other donors – the EU, DFID and CIDA have initiated Democratic Governance for Development (DGD), in response to the request from the Nigerian government to assist in working towards achieving a more credible electoral process.

This initiative will enable the Nigerian Government to work closely with Civil Society Organizations and other political key players in a six distinct and inter-related programming components such as :

1. Strengthening of National Assembly
2. Strengthening of Political Parties
3. Improvement of the Electoral Process
4. Increased Capacity and Performance of Civil Society
5. Reinforcing the role of the Media
6. Empowerment of Women

DGD in Nigeria will focus on Electoral Cycle Support and Deepening Democracy within the framework of the Joint Donor basket Fund (JDBF) 2 that will support the electoral process and consolidation of democracy from 2009 -2014. The programme period will be covered for 5 years.

In support of this initiative, UNDP is recruiting a Procurement Associate.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

The Procurement Associate 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.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

Implementation of operational strategies
Support to procurement processes
Implementation of sourcing strategy
Control of CO Assets
Provision of logistical services
Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing

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 Assets focusing on achievement of the following result:

Preparation of inventory reports.
Implementation of Inventory and physical verification check-up in the CO and projects.

5.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.

6. 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.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the execution of the CO procurement services management in terms of quality and accuracy of work completed.? Accurate data entry, presentation of information and client-oriented approach enhances UNDP capability in provision of procurement services.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP?s mission, vision and values
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related to contract, asset and procurement management, including? screening, collecting and preparation of documentation, data processing, preliminary bids evaluation, filing, provision of information, control of assets
Good knowledge of financial rules and regulations
Strong IT skills
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

UNDP Procurement Certification programme

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A first level university degree with a combination of relevant experience in Procurement or other related field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Additional years in procurement would be desirable but not a requirement.

Experience:

3 to 5 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 written and spoken English is essential.