Procurement Senior Officer At UNOPS

Background Information – Job-specific

After 30 years of independence, Moldova’s prison system continues to resemble the Soviet model of ‘carceral collectivism’ instantiated by gulag-resembling architecture and a cultural attachment to this penal philosophy. The most acute problems faced by the penitentiary system are overcrowding, criminal subculture, inadequate healthcare and insufficient meaningful activities. The overcrowding has been particularly severe in Prison no. 13 in Chișinău, an institution built in 1849 that serves as the only pre-trial facility covering both the capital and central region of Moldova. Aiming to align the treatment of prisoners to European standards by improving material conditions, safety and management practices, the Moldovan Government is pursuing the development of a new remand facility that will replace Prison no. 13 in Chișinău.

UNOPS has been engaged by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to deliver the construction of the penitentiary. The new facility is expected to have a capacity of 1,050 inmates and would enhance the physical conditions of detention for pre-trial detainees in Moldova. The project, expected to be completed by 2027, is jointly financed through the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

Under the technical guidance of the Procurement Manager in UAMCO and direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager who reports to the Head of Programme, the Procurement Senior Officer is responsible for effective delivery and implementation of strategic and effective procurement services, for a select group of technically complex goods, services and works, within the specific geographical area and/or project. These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.

He/she analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement.

His/her work is focused in transactional procurement including all steps of the procurement process.

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Senior Officer promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

The Procurement Senior Officer works in close collaboration with the Support Services, Programme and project teams in the relevant geographical area or business unit, UNOPS HQs colleagues and Government officials, to successfully deliver procurement services.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Implementation of transactional procurement
2. Management of procurement processes
3. Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. In close cooperation with the Project Managers, under the guidance of a technical supervisor, and reporting to the management on central issues related to procurement activities, implements operational strategies and manages procurement, contract, and sourcing transactions, actions and processes for goods, services, and works, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; internal controls and client orientation.
• Implementation of the different steps of the procurement processes, including Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.
• Implementation of strategic procurement for projects assigned in the Business Unit.
• Research undertaken and data provided for Business Unit’s supply market intelligence and analysis.

2. Manages and guides procurement processes for a select group of technically complex goods, services within a given geographical area and/or Business Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Sustainability embedded along the procurement process.
• Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for projects and monitoring of their implementation.
• Establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and/or works contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures in compliance with the Procurement Policy.
• Implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulation.
• Awards recommended based on UNOPS procurement rules and procedures.
• Management of procurement contracts, analysis of contract performance against agreed benchmarks and pre-established reporting mechanisms.
• Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Programme Managers on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.

3. Implements sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.
• Utilization of-sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Groups’ goals and standards in this area.

4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Procurement-related topics.
• Contribute to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Impact of Results

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit/s and project activities in procurement management, impacting the timely availability of effective goods and services for UNOPS’ programmes. Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of goods and services, contribute to office performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced Degree or equivalent is required, preferably in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
• A first-level university degree, preferably in the above-mentioned areas or related field, in combination with four (4) years’ experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• For those who do not have a degree in Procurement of Supply Chain Management, Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) or similar international Certification is a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years’ professional experience in international public procurement with a Master’s Degree or four (4) years with a first-level university degree. Experience in managing construction works and infrastructure tenders is highly desirable
• Experience in working with a range of stakeholders in developing and developed countries is desired.
• Some experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country, is desirable.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (G-Suite and/or newer versions) is desired

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English and Romanian is required..
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset (preferably Russian)