UNICEF recruits 01 Contracts Officer

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a good start and hope

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The Contracts Officer reports to the Contracts Specialist NO3 (currently vacant) Post No. 103312, while also receiving overall guidance from the Supply and Logistics Manager and provides technical and operational support,and is responsible for managing procurement of goods and services including construction services in the larger supply operations of MCO. The supply chain operations in the large country office includes planning, procurement, contracting, customs clearance, warehousing, in country transport and distribution, as well as monitoring of supplies, services and construction works. The incumbent supports management and collaboration with programmes/operations in defining supply interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children, and provides technical and advisory support to governments, national systems and partners on supply chain management.

Under the direct supervision of Contracts Specialist NO3, and in coordination with the relevant programme colleagues, the incumbent of the post assists in the procurement planning, sourcing and issuance of bids, awards, contract management and monitoring of UNICEF’s procured supplies and services, requiring advanced professional technical mastery and expertise in support of the Country Programmes and Operations.

Remark: Though the current duty station for this position is based in Yangon, please note that it may be moved to Nay Pyi Taw

Key functions and accountabilities of the position (detailed job description attached): –

• In consultation with supervisor, provide input to the Country Programme Action Planning and advice on Supply requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans. Participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the supply chain operations, including establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of products and services.
• Manage procurement actions in respect of requisitions for contracts for services and supply of goods to UNICEF programs and operations to support effective programme implementation.
• Facilitate and coordinate establishment of the Annual Plan for procurement of services and/or goods including Long Term Arrangements (LTAs) based on inputs from Programme and Operations Sections. Ensure proper category management of categories of goods and services assigned to the team through regular monitoring and interactive collaboration with Section Managers, corresponding markets and users. Coordinate with the supervisor to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare recommendations on sourcing strategies, practices and procedures. Correspond with Supply Division, as and when needed.
• Responsible for accurate performance as per UNICEFs financial rules and regulations throughout the procurement process, including but not limited to review TOR’s, evaluation criteria and develop Invitations to Bid and Requests for Proposal for commercial contracts. Invite bids proposals, assess market rates for required services and rates/terms of payments, issue of contracts and long-term agreements with suppliers and contractors.
• Coordinate and manage the evaluation process, holding bid conferences, receiving bids and proposals, setup technical evaluation committees and chair meetings to review and finalise point ratings, clarifying all aspects of proposals including technical, pricing, and terms, chairing meetings between the evaluation team and the proposers for further clarifications.
• Ensure accurate evaluation of current supplier performance on the basis of quality of services rendered, product acceptability and delivery record. Monitor LTA utilization and report to CRC on quarterly basis.
• Negotiate contracts, Purchase Orders, LTAs, including pricing, Statements of work, terms and conditions and prepare evaluation summary and submission documents for the Contract Review Committee. Prepare and present submissions to the Contract Review Committee and prepare outcome minutes.
• Draft contracts, Purchase Orders and Long Term Arrangements including all terms and conditions. Evaluate and qualify companies, institutions and individuals providing services to UNICEF and monitor performance. Assess technical capability and financial health in order to qualify companies as potential contractors for UNICEF.
• Contract management and vendor relations – Interact and follow up with contractors, suppliers,  programme and operations sections, on issues related to contractual management to ensure supplier compliance to Construction Contracts, LTAs and purchase order terms and conditions, including amendments to contracts and timely closure of contracts in Vision.
• Conduct market surveys for identified goods and services with the changing market environment of the country, as an ongoing basis.
• Provide technical support to implementing partners as and when required. Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF’s staff/consultants and counterparts in supply and procurement areas, as and when required.

Detail job description can be accessed here;  JD_ 108727 Contracts Officer NO2 Supply.doc

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A university degree is required 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.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Work experience with UN, INGO would be highly desirable.
• Proven experience in planning and supporting effective supply chain management an added advantage.
• Experience in construction contract management an added advantage.
• Emergency experience an advantage
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The competencies required for this post are….

• Analyzing (I)
• Applying technical expertise (I)
• Planning and Organizing (II)
• Coping with set-back and pressure (I)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (I)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.