Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Bogotá, Colombia. The Procurement Officer will be part of the overall hub concept on procurement. He / She will work under the direct supervision of the ROCOL Regional Procurement Officer (based in the UNODC Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean – ROPAN) and overall supervision of the Regional Operations Officer (based in the UNODC Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone – ROCOL) and will work under the overall policy guidance of the Chief Procurement Officer of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) located in Vienna. For more information on UNODC, please visit the website at www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

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

Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects of projects of significant complexity, including worldwide procurement of works, goods, and services. This encompasses construction and renovation of infrastructure, acquisition of commodities (IT, vehicles, medicines, foodstuffs, office supplies, furniture, etc.), as well as consultancies, technical studies, and regular support services required to sustain the operational needs of the office in the region and, according to the needs, within the hub.
Advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle.
Prepare/oversee preparation and distribution of invitations to tender and manage/conduct all aspects of bid/proposal evaluations.
Approve bidding processes (SSPs/SOAs) and POs within his/her Delegation of Procurement Authority.
According to the level of complexity and needs of the region/hub, conduct bidding processes to be submitted and/or review bidding processes to be submitted to the Regional Procurement Officer and/or to the Chief Procurement Officer.
Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects.
Establish and maintain work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly planned ones.
Coordinate the development, maintenance and implementation of procurement workplans.
Participate in negotiations with supplier representatives; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepare submissions for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.
Conduct/oversee market research to keep abreast of market developments; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services.
Identify new technologies, and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and participate in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program.
Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
Prepare a variety of procurement-related documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, etc.
Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Ensure that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.
Support internal and external audit processes related to procurement and contract management, including preparation of documentation, responses to audit queries and observations, and implementation of corrective actions to ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Identify needs, prepare and conduct, in consultation with the Regional Procurement Officer, trainings related to procurement subjects in both English and Spanish.
Monitor and oversee the use of Low Value Acquisition (LVA) within the hub, with the aim to identify opportunities for consolidation, reducing reliance on LVA, and promoting the establishment and use of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) for the hub.
Liaise closely with all programmes and project teams in the hub and ensure efficient and continuous communication and exchange of information.
Contribute to the development of regional procurement guidance notes, procedures, workflows, standards, templates, innovation initiative and criteria for the evaluation of goods, services, and supplier capacity; streamline procurement processes and support implementation of UNOV/UNODC and Secretariat-wide initiatives.
Supervise and provide guidance to new/junior staff.
Conduct missions to the field, as and when needed.
Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex contract issues. Knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing. Ability to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors. Ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certificate of completion of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Procurement at level 4 or equivalent is required and must be uploaded as part of the application.

Job - Specific Qualification

Certificate of completion of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) Procurement at level 4 or equivalent is required. Please attach a scan copy.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in managing complex procurement processes, including solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, and contract, administration or related areas is required. At least one (1) year of experience supervising a procurement team is required. Work experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable. Work experience in procurement within the United Nations system, or similar international organizations is desirable. Work experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (such as SAP/Umoja) is desirable. Work experience analysing procurement data and preparing reports, recommendations, and procurement-related documentation to support decision-making and compliance requirements is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III
Spanish	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 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 funds. THIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. Appointment against this project post is for an initial period of one year. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. 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. Note to current staff members in the General Service and related categories in the UN common system: Locally recruited staff members in the General Service and related categories applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant work experience. Relevant work experience in the General Service and related categories in the UN common system at the G-6, G-7, FS-4 to FS-7, S-5 to S-7, and TC-6 to TC-8 levels or in the NPO category may be considered as relevant work experience. When completing the application, ensure that ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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 United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" Link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.