UNDP Jobs - 54740- PROCUREMENT and CONTRACTS ASSOCIATE: Support to Co

PROCUREMENT and CONTRACTS ASSOCIATE: Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

13-Apr-2015

Application Deadline :

25-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

till 31 December 2015, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

14 March 2018

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The overall objective of the Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme is to contribute to an environment of trust and cooperation across the Nistru/Dniestr River by generating new perspectives on shared interests and a shared future for people from both banks of the river while responding to their pressing development needs.

Specific objectives (outputs):
Output 1 (Business development and employment opportunities):
Increased cross-river cooperation of economic actors leading to improved employment opportunities and livelihoods across the Nistru/Dniestr River.

Output 2 (Empowered communities and infrastructure support):
Empowered local communities and actors from both sides to participate in collaborative projects addressing pressing development needs and improving critical community infrastructure.

The programme will represent a framework for engaging in development interventions across the security zone on both sides of the Nistru/Dniestr River, comprising a series of activities that will strengthen, regularize and intensify interaction between otherwise divided societies, aiming to establish this interaction as a norm.

The programme looks to deal strategically with barriers to cooperation experienced by all development cooperation actors working in Transnistria region of Moldova by building the trust towards such actions and broadening opportunities for engagement for a wide range of actors. Additionally, it will provide support for improving critical community infrastructure, in line with agreements reached during the working groups and broader negotiation process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Procurement and Contracts Associate will work under guidance and direct supervision of the Community Infrastructure Project Manager and the Administrative/Finance Associate in order to ensure smooth running of the programme. The incumbent contributes to an effective and efficient implementation of confidence building projects (Community Infrastructure and Business Development Projects) through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Procurement and Contracts Associate applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Procurement and Contracts Associate works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Procurement:

Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans;
In accordance with the Programme Work Plan support the procurement of equipment, supplies and services ensuring full compliance with UNDP rules and procedures;
Prepare the procurement plans for the project and monitor their implementation;
Organize procurement processes, including preparation and conduct of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs, development of bidding documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of conditions of contracts, in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations;
Organize procurement processes with respect to individual consultancy services (ICs, RLAs), coordinate receipt of applications and financial proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations;
Promote and monitor the transparency of the procurement and contractual processes, and the use of international best practices; ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP/EU procedures;
Prepare the submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP);
Draft contracts for goods and services for management approval;
Effective contracts management -draw up and maintain evidence and monitoring of awards and contracts with project implementing partners, consulting organizations, contractors, etc.;
Maintain records on national consultants, services providers and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, etc.) in accordance with corporate policies and procedures;
Monitor supplier’s performance with respect to the quality and timely delivery of goods and services;
Create and manage e-requisitions in ATLAS;
Undertake any other tasks requested on an ad hoc basis.

Other duties:

Keep abreast of UNDP rules and regulations in the area of responsibility and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning;
Provide regular reports to the Project managers and flag any deviations from the work plans immediately;
Provide inputs for elaboration of proposals and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultation with Programme management.

The key results have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Programme. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board and UNDP management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Job Knowledge

Understands the main processes and methods of work related to the position (procurement and administrative management).
Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures related to the procurement and contract management and applies them consistently in work tasks.
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning.
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.
Strong inter-personal skills; including the ability to effectively communicate with persons from a variety of backgrounds.
Excellent planning and organizational skills.
Ability to achieve results and deadlines in a timely manner, maintaining a high standard throughout.

Self-Management

Acts as a team player and facilitates team work.
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in economics, finance, public administration or other related field. Specialized training in procurement is desirable.

Experience:

At least six years of relevant experience, preferably with specialization in procurement, supply chain management or purchasing.
Previous working experience in the implementation of international projects, preferably involving large scale procurement processes, or work for a donor organization, consulting company or NGO is a very strong advantage.
Experience in similar positions in a UNDP and/or EU-funded project is an advantage.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written Romanian, Russian and English is a must.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.