Post title: Procurement Officer
Organisational unit: Global Procurement Section, Procurement Division, Sector for Administration (ADM/PRO)
Duty station: Paris, France
Grade: P-3
Post number: ADM-246

Closing date 16 March 2009

Main responsibilities
Under the authority of the Assistant Director General for Administration and direct supervision of the Director of ADM/PRO, the incumbent's role is to undertake procurement for and on behalf of UNESCO entities (Sectors at Headquarters, as well as Institutes, Offices and Projects away from Headquarters) that do not have sufficient capacities or are in need of substantial support in their complex and high-value procurement cases, with particular focus on long-term agreements.

This involves formulation of strategies and design of innovative solutions for complex procurement projects, planning and implementing procurement and contract actions related to variety of professional services, works and equipment, giving particular consideration to value-for-money and sustainability. In particular the incumbent will:

􀂃 Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects for projects of significant complexity, establish and maintain work programmes and schedules for on-going contracts and newly planned ones, provide support and guidance at all steps of the procurement cycle;
􀂃 Review procurement requests for completeness, correctness and adequacy and arrange for fair and transparent competition;
􀂃 Lead the evaluation of vendors' proposals/offers considering various factors affecting cost, technical specifications, implementation schedules and after-sales/completion implications (sustainability), recommend the most suitable contractor and seek approval by the appropriate authorities;
􀂃 Negotiate with senior representatives of bidders all special terms and conditions of the proposed contract in order to secure highest supplier performance;
􀂃 Monitor during contract implementation the adherence to contractual agreements for services, works and goods, performance requirements and respect of delivery schedules, verify invoices for correctness and document contractor's performance;
􀂃 Maintain effective relations with donors, suppliers and end users, with particular focus on staff of the requesting UNESCO entity while involving them in each step of the process in order to enhance capacities for decentralized procurement proceedings.

Profile
􀂃 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Law.
􀂃 At least 4-7 years of relevant professional experience in procurement operations, including the procurement of all kinds of intellectual and operational services, technical equipment and works.
􀂃 Solid knowledge of United Nations or public service procurement and contracting policies, procedures and practices including contract management.
􀂃 Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, a task- and result-oriented approach and ability to prioritise tasks and organise work.
􀂃 Good computer skills, including practical knowledge of database systems related to finance and/or procurement.
􀂃 Excellent knowledge of English or French and a good working knowledge of the other language.

Conditions of employment
UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. For this post, the annual remuneration in local currency will start from around €65,600 (€61,200 if without dependants), exempt from income tax. In addition, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual vacation, home travel, education grant for
dependant children, pension plan and medical insurance. The initial appointment, which is for 2 years, includes a probationary period of 12 months, and is renewable, subject to satisfactory service. Worldwide mobility is required as staff members have to serve in other duty stations according to UNESCO’s job rotation policy. UNESCO is a nonsmoking Organization.

How to apply
When applying for UNESCO vacancies, please only use the on-line recruitment system at
www.unesco.org/employment. Candidates without access to internet may send a paper application by completing the official UNESCO CV form (available at Headquarters, UNESCO Offices, National Commissions in Member States, or any office of a United Nations Resident Representative) in English or French to Chief, HRM/RCR, UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, before the closing date, quoting the post number: ADM-246.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any question concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNESCO and requesting payment of a fee, please
contact: Recrutweb@unesco.org