Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Cairo, Egypt. As Head of the Middle East and North Africa Procurement Hub, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Chief Procurement Officer (UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit, Vienna), and the overall guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and Northern Arica. The incumbent will execute his/her functions as part of the ROMENA Operations Team and work in close coordination with the Administrative and Finance Officer. For more information on UNODC, please visit the following website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

The incumbent coordinates, supports and provides supervisory oversight of the procurement function at UNODC ROMENA and the UNODC Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region (OGCCR). The incumbent is expected, upon request, to support other UNODC offices and Global Programmes in the procurement hub where UNODC operates. Within assigned authority the Procurement Officer will provide the following specific duties:

Serve as the procurement and contracting expert for technically and legally complex procurement processes across a wide range of goods and services (e.g. information technology, specialized electronic equipment and instruments, medicines, safety and security equipment, including personal protective equipment, food goods, building maintenance materials, office supplies, furniture, construction, refurbishment work, fuel, office lease etc.), while considering local market conditions.
Plan, develop and manage procurement activities related to infrastructure and major construction projects, including those of significant value, in consultation and supported by the UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit, in close cooperation with UNODC architects, engineers, and national authorities to ensure that all applicable building codes, regulations and safety precautions are followed.
Lead and manage all procurement activities, ensuring compliance with policies and providing end-to-end support across projects and programmes.
Review and evaluate procurement requests, ensuring technical specifications are appropriate, and guide and support buyers and requisitioners through quality assurance and coordination.
Develop procurement procedures, workflows, standards and evaluation criteria; organize staff development and training activities.
Conduct and lead negotiations with supplier representatives; prepare and manage complex contracts for procurement of non-routine and technologically advanced commodities or long-range services; long term agreements, and tender processes; evaluate bids and recommend award of contracts; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit under delegated authority or prepare submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official.
Plan, develop and manage all procurement activities related to UNODC construction projects.
Develop strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects, particularly of construction projects in cooperation with architects, engineers and other UNODC staff, experts and consultants. Liaise closely with the national authorities in conforming with local construction laws.
Prepare, review, clear and/or approve a variety of procurement-related documents, note to file, contracts, communications, guidelines, and instructions.
Establish strategies and solutions to address complex procurement challenges, including contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
Ensure procurement activities comply with the United Nations Secretariat Financial Regulations and Rules; coordinate with other UN entities such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in line with the Mutual Recognition principle.
Promote and support discussions within the UN system in the context of Business Operating Strategy (BOS) which aims at increasing the number of established Long-Term Agreements to support UNODC.
Contribute to the development of regional procurement guidance note, 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, in close coordination with the ROMENA Operations Manager.
Develop and deliver training, coaching and guidance on procurement practices to staff and stakeholders.
Improve and streamline procurement processes through analysis, standardization, and implementation of new tools and initiatives undertaken by the UN Secretariat.
Develop templates, standard operating procedures and other planning and monitoring tools to enhance efficiency and oversight.
Manage, as appropriate, the preparation of accurate and timely reports of procurement activities.
Monitor and manage reporting, auditing, and compliance of procurement activities, ensuring timely responses to recommendations and audit findings.
Lead the implementation of Enterprise and Corporate tools mandated by the Organization to enhance productivity and improve overall operations. These tools may include the Procurement Tracker, the e-tendering tool (Ariba), the Instant Feedback System (IFS) and the Contract Performance Reporting Tool (CPRT). Following deployment, ensure their effective utilization through user support, guidance, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize organizational benefits and compliance.
Monitor various corporate dashboards to ensure compliance with key performance indicators related to procurement and coordinate with counterparts to ensure compliance with procurement standards.
Provide guidance to and supervise the procurement staff related to the hub.
Review and monitor the implementation of the acquisition plan for the ROMENA Hub.
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.
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, while ensuring equitable workload distribution among buyers across the hub, and formalizing arrangements for ad-hoc mutual support with the UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit.
Participate in United Nations inter-agency activities related to procurement, such as the Operations Management Team (OMT) subgroup on Procurement and the Regional Operations Management Team (R-OMT) Subgroup on Procurement. to ensure UNODC’s interests are reflected in UN common system activities related to common back-office services and premises, cost recovery and cost sharing arrangements and others.
Conduct missions to Programme Offices, and other locations as and when needed.
Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for highly complex and technologically advanced goods and services. Has knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and contract issues. Has knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing. Is able to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors. Has ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of complex and/or sensitive issues/problems. Is able to develop procurement policies, procedures and new programmes. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business 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.

Job - Specific Qualification

Professional certification in supply chains such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required. Evidence of such certification must be uploaded as part of the application.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in procurement or related area is required. Work experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required. Work experience with SAP (such as Umoja) is desirable. At least one year of demonstrated work experience with construction projects, including the procurement of architectural and construction services, is desirable. At least one year of demonstrated procurement work experience in multiple field locations, including hands-on experience supporting project-based client operations in a decentralized environment, is desirable. At least one year of demonstrated work experience in managing a team within the United Nations system or another international organization is desirable. Work experience in using e-tendering solutions (such as Ariba) is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II

Assessment

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

Special Notice

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 the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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 and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Cairo is classified in the A category (family duty station). Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

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.