Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with duty station in Dakar, Senegal. The Procurement Assistant will work under the overall guidance of the ROSEN Regional Representative and the direct supervision of the ROSEN Operations Officer and the Procurement Officer. For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities
Within assigned authority, the Procurement Assistant will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Review, record and prioritize purchasing requests and obtain additional information/documentation as required; provide assistance to requisitioners in preparing scope of work and specifications of goods and services; propose product substitutions consistent with requirements to achieve cost savings; determine the availability of funding sources.
• Identify and recommend sources of procurement; interview potential suppliers ensuring that all potential vendors are registered with the UNGM and synchronized in UMOJA.
• Produce tender document (e.g. Invitations to Bids, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Quotation) based on the nature of the requirements and cost of procurement involved.
• Prepare 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.
• Enter into negotiation of terms and conditions of orders under the guidance of Procurement Officers; obtain credit and other information on proposed suppliers.
• Finalize purchase orders and contracts for approval by the Procurement Delegation of Authority; may authorize purchases in line with delegated signature authority, and, if required, prepare submission to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.
• Resolve issues/problems related to delivered goods, including discrepancies between purchase orders and items/quantities shipped or received; prepare and sign Return to Vendor forms for unacceptable and/or damaged goods received.
• Maintain relevant internal databases and files; keep track of any contractual agreements, direct provisioning contracts, etc. and inform affected users of contractual rights and obligations.
• Research, retrieve and present 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.
• Draft a variety of correspondence.
• Supervise and assign and review the work of more junior staff.
• Assist 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.
• Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.


Competencies
• Professionalism: Has knowledge of procurement policies, processes and procedures generally and, in particular, those related to the purchase of supplies and services. Has 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. Has ability to perform analysis, modelling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education
• High school diploma or equivalent is required. A Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent) is required.
Job – Specific Qualification
• A Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent) is required.


Work Experience
• A minimum of seven years of experience in procurement, administrative services or related area is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to five for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. At least two (2) years of work experience in acquisition of high-value and of complex scope of goods and services from worldwide sources and for diversified clients in multiple countries is required. Work experience with advanced computer applications (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Internet, Email, etc.) is required. Work experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required. Work experience with SAP/Umoja is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.

Languages
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage. NOTE: « Fluency equals a rating of « fluent » in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand).


Assessment
• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
• This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only a few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=G