Procurement Associate

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a passion for efficient and transparent procurement processes? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy tackling complex challenges? If these qualities describe you, then we enthusiastically invite you to apply for the position of Procurement Associate in our Country Office! This vital role directly contributes to our mission.

Our Operations Manager provides overall supervision, and moreover, the Procurement Associate (GS7) offers direct supervision. Working under their guidance, therefore, you will play a crucial role as a Procurement Associate, ensuring the seamless execution of our procurement services. Your expertise will be vital as you navigate procurement rules and regulations, provide insightful solutions, and foster a client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach within our unit. Furthermore, you will work closely with operations, program, and project teams; concurrently, you will collaborate with external vendors to resolve intricate procurement issues and facilitate smooth information exchange.

What You’ll Do:

I. Drive Operational Strategies for Procurement Excellence

• You will ensure full compliance of all procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.
• Moreover, you will significantly contribute to the mapping of Project Procurement business processes. Subsequently, you will assist in the development of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Procurement and Logistics.

II. Support Project Procurement Processes as a Valued Procurement Associate

• As a dedicated Procurement Associate, you will provide expert guidance and input to project teams on procurement plans.
• Next, you will also actively assist in developing Terms of Reference (TORs), completing various forms, and diligently preparing meeting minutes, reports, and checklists for goods and services procurement.
• In addition to this, you will prepare micro-purchases, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), or Requests for Proposal (RFPs). You will then meticulously receive and evaluate quotations, bids, or proposals, all in full compliance with UNDP procurement rules and regulations.
• You will manage the Buyer profile in Quantum.
• Specifically, you will prepare Purchase Orders and contracts and efficiently create new vendors.
• You will prepare submissions for internal procurement review committees (CAP, RACP, and ACP).
• Moreover, you will generate comprehensive reports on procurements in the Country Office.
• Ultimately, you will implement or participate in joint procurement processes for UN agencies, thereby aligning with UN reform initiatives.

III. Ensure Efficient Logistical Services for Effective Procurement Operations

• You will prepare VAT requests. Concurrently, you will meticulously organize and coordinate shipments and customs clearance.
• Furthermore, you will review, assure, support, and guide the organization of workshops, conferences, and retreats.

IV. Facilitate Procurement Knowledge and Sharing as a Skilled Procurement Associate

• As a Procurement Associate, you will organize procurement training for both operations and project staff.
• Also, you will conduct e-procurement module training for vendors.
• You will synthesize lessons learned and best practices in procurement.
• Finally, and most importantly, you will actively contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, specifically in the field of procurement.

What You’ll Bring to This Procurement Associate Role:

Education:

• A Secondary Education is required.
• A University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Business Management, Finance, Social Sciences, Economics, or a related field will receive due consideration. However, please note that it is not a mandatory requirement for this particular Procurement Associate role.

Experience:

• You need a minimum of 6 years of relevant progressively responsible administrative experience with a high school diploma, OR 3 years with a bachelor’s degree, at the national or international level.
• You should have proficiency in using computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), along with advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired Competencies (Bonus Points for!):

• Experience in public procurement (development organizations, Government entities, or INGOs).
• Experience in market research, sourcing, document compiling, and data management.
• Administrative experience in development projects with UN/international organizations.
• Experience in procuring complex requirements, particularly in civil works/construction projects, IT/communication technology, complex services, or civil society engagement.
• Experience in using online databases or data management tools.
• A CIPS Level 2 certification is highly desirable for this position. Candidates holding this certification at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If not held, however, you should obtain it within one year of recruitment. Candidates with a CIPS certification at any level below will still have a proportionate advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in both English and Montenegrin (as the national language) is required.

Competencies We Value for Our Procurement Associate:

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: You plan and monitor your work diligently, pay attention to detail, and deliver quality work by deadlines.
• Think Innovatively: You’re open to creative ideas, a pragmatic problem solver, and always seeking improvements.
• Learn Continuously: You’re open-minded, curious, share knowledge, learn from mistakes, and actively seek feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: You adapt well to change, handle ambiguity constructively, and are flexible.
• Act with Determination: You show drive and motivation, deliver calmly even under pressure, and are confident.
• Engage and Partner: You demonstrate compassion and understanding, and build positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: You appreciate and respect differences, are aware of unconscious bias, and confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

• Operations: Procurement/Contract Management: Possessing strong knowledge of contract management concepts, principles, and methods.
• Operations: Procurement/Procurement Management: Exhibiting the ability to effectively acquire goods, services, or works from external sources.
• Business Management: Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: You respond timely and appropriately, provide consistent solutions, and deliver quality results that anticipate client needs.
• Business Management: Digital Awareness and Literacy: You monitor new and emerging technologies, understand their usage and impact, and readily adopt and use them.
• Business Management: Risk Management: You can identify, organize, and proactively manage risks.
• Business management: Communication: You communicate clearly and unambiguously, tailoring messages to your audience.
• Business Direction and Strategy: Effective Decision Making: You make timely and efficient decisions within your authority, considering wider implications.

Institutional Arrangement:

You will work under the overall supervision of the Operations Manager and directly report to the Procurement Associate (GS7) in the UNDP Office in Montenegro.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

UNDP is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and values diversity. Therefore, we actively encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We base our employment decisions strictly on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to opportunities.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. Consequently, all selected candidates undergo relevant checks, and we expect them to adhere to our high standards and principles.

We reserve the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. In fact, we may also retain applications for similar positions.

Please note: UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, therefore, please visit www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Apply now on the UNDP WEBSITE: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/26724