Supply & Procurement Specialist - UNICEF (Apply by: 10 June 2014)

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the world’s leading organization working for the rights of children, is looking for highly qualified professionals with at least 5 years of experience to apply to its Supply & Procurement Talent Group at the National Officer (NOC) level for India. The candidates selected through a competitive selection process will be placed in a Talent Pool up to two years for direct appointment against vacant positions in the same functional area.

Position: Supply & Procurement Specialist

Location: Delhi

Purpose of the Post

Under the direct guidance of the Chief of Supply the incumbent manages the supply and logistics operations of a complex nature with significant impact on programme delivery, services, supply and logistics, processes and systems, requiring advanced professional technical mastery and expertise in procurement of services and supplies and other parts of supply chain. Accountable for effective planning, contracting, procurement, distribution, nventory management of UNICEF's supplies, in support of the Country Programme. Additionally the incumbent provides technical assistance for capacity building and strengthening national/government supply chain systems. .

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Manages procurement actions in respect of requisitions for contracts for services and supply of goods to UNICEFprograms, or Procurement Services for direct supply to specialized agencies, governmental and non-governmental agencies. Responsible for accurate performance as per UNICEFs financial rules and regulations throughout the procurement process, including but not limited to solicitation, issue of institutional special service agreements and other contracts and long-term agreements with suppliers and contractors and, when required, co-ordinates with all parties concerned on outstanding issues. Ensure accurate evaluation of current supplier performance on the basis of quality of services rendered, product acceptability and delivery record. In accordance with UNICEF standard practices and as assigned by the supervisor, takes lead in managing the more complex bidding exercises and administer large, long term agreements.
Manages the team to ensure matching competencies and capacities are available. Support team members’ capacity building and maintaining a positive spirit through interactive communication including but not limited to; regular and ad-hoc meetings, knowledge sharing.

2. Supports the procurement process including providing input to TORs, CRC presentations, development of technical evaluation criteria, assistance with evaluation of vendor proposals and guidance during contract formulation, drafting and negotiation. Provide technical advice to the State Offices and Programme Sections on supply planning, category management, specifications/ToRs, supply administration as well as offshore and local procurement policies and procedures. Acts as UNICEF focal point for joint bidding exercises for common goods/services required.

3. Facilitates and coordinates establishment of the Annual Plan for procurement of services and/or goods based on inputs from Programme Sections’ and State Offices. Ensure proper category management of categories assigned to the team through regular monitoring and interactive collaboration with category managers, corresponding markets and users. Coordinate with the chief of section to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare recommendations on sourcing strategies, practices and procedures. 
Corresponds with Supply Division, Country Offices and State Offices or other requesters when needed.

4. Provides technical assistance to strengthen the government supply chain systems. This includes needs assessment, preparation of ToRs and subsequent contracting of companies or individuals. Backstopping and managing contracts in relation to capacity development of the national procurement and supply chain management systems.

5. Collaboration and Partnership: Coordinates with the Programme Sections on supply planning, providing technical advice on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme.
Provide advice to the Country Office, Government and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment. Coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.
Develops and maintains partnership and collaborative relations with Government, UN, NGOs and bilateral counterparts to provide technical assistance to strengthen national/government supply chain systems. 

6. Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Attributes

a) Education
Master’s degree from a recognized University in Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Engineering, International Development, Contract/commercial Law or specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting or equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.).

b) Work Experience 
Minimum Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related fields in national or international level. Knowledge and experience in capacity development and strengthening of national/government supply chain systems.

c) Languages 
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Hindi will be an asset.

d) Competency Profile: (For details on competencies please refer to the UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.) 

i) Core Values (Required)
• Commitment 
• Diversity and Inclusion 
• Integrity 

ii) Core Competencies (Required)
• Communication
• Working with People 
• Drive for Results

iii) Functional Competencies (Required)
• Applying Technical Expertise 
• Deciding and Initiating Actions 
• Following Instructions and Procedures
• Leading and Supervising 
• Planning and Organizing 

iv) Technical Knowledge

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)

• In depth knowledge of Supply Chain Management 
• Mastery of technical knowledge (product knowledge, market research/analysis) required for Supply Management/Purchasing/Contracting (e.g., vaccine, equipment, medical supplies, contracts, customs function, taxation, insurance, etc.)
• Knowledge of the global commitment on aid effectiveness, including the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the Accra Agenda for Action as well as knowledge of capacity development and strengthening of national/government supply chain systems. 
• Knowledge of relevant Information Technology software.

b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

• Knowledge of managing inventory, transport, and diverse logistics operations (e.g., programme supply & logistics) in the international environment 
• Knowledge of supply/contracting/logistics policies, goals, strategies, and approaches 
• Knowledge of public procurement principles and processes 
• Knowledge of procurement process from procurement planning, to execution to contract management and administration, including procurement methods and tools of good procurement practice 
• Knowledge of establishing strategic, long term and sustainable procurement arrangements
• Knowledge of general principles and processes involved in risk management in procurement, including risk analysis and evaluation techniques
• Knowledge of financial and legal implications in procurement process 
• Knowledge of category management.
Knowledge of capacity development/strengthening of national/government supply chain systems 
• Gender equality and diversity awareness. 
• UNICEF strategic framework for partnerships and collaborative relationships.

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

• UNICEF Supply Function goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies. (E.g., SUPDIRs, PROs, Executive Directives) 
• Rules and regulations of supply and programme manuals and instructions. (E.g., Supply Field Manual, Programme, Policy and Procedures Manual).
• Financial circulars and rules, regulations and manual.
• Administrative and Human Resources Rules and Manuals.
• Information and Communication Technology administration.
• UNICEF emergency programme and operations policies, strategies, procedures and approaches.
• Rights-based and Results-based management and programming approach in UNICEF. 
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP); Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP).
• International Code of Conduct 
• UN and UNICEF policies and approaches on supply issues involved in harmonization of operations in the common system.
• UN and UNICEF security operations and guidelines. 
• Government regulations and laws in the locality (e.g., customs clearance, VAT and other taxation systems).

Applications consisting of a cover letter, P11 and an up-to-date CV should be sent to sps-unicef@sams.co.in by 10 June 2014. The P11 form can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.unicef.org/india/careers_1440.htm In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the title and location of the post in the subject line of your e-mail/application. For more details of the posts and full job descriptions, visit the UNICEF India website at www.unicef.in and click on “Careers at UNICEF” at the bottom of the page. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. These vacancies are open to Indian Nationals only.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organizations qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc.

UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.