UNDP is striving to ensure its procurement function and practices are an integral part of UNDP’s competitive advantage as a development partner of choice. This requires placing more attention on strategically integrating procurement at the project design state, stimulating innovation in specifications and technologies, and adopting more sustainable production and consumption practices that align with UNDPs sustainable development goals.   Sustainable procurement means making sure products, services, and purchases are as sustainable as possible with the lowest environmental impact and most positive social results. In implementing UNDP strategic procurement priorities, Country offices will strive to use flexible methods for high-value/low-risk and timely delivery that meet the needs of its clients and key stakeholders.

The Procurement Specialist ensures efficiency and integrity in procurement management and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The Procurement Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality, strategic, and results oriented approach to all tasks; and works in close collaboration with Operations, Programme and project teams in the Country Office, Region, and UNDP HQ as well as with vendors and Government officials to successfully deliver procurement services, provide solutions to complex procurement issues, and provide advisory support.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

• Lead the development and execution of innovative procurement and contracting strategies for goods, services, and works, with a focus on achieving cost-effectiveness, fairness, integrity, and transparency.
• Ensure full compliance with official procurement policies, rules, regulations, and procedures while maintaining effective internal controls.
• Establish and enforce procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to harmonize workflows and maintain adherence to UNDP rules and regulations.
• Collaborate with projects, stakeholders, and donors to align procurement strategies and plans to meet mutual objectives.
• Conceptualize, implement, and oversee strategic procurement initiatives, including sourcing strategies, supplier selection, contract management, cost reduction measures, e-procurement, and performance evaluation.

• Manage and guide procurement processes for the acquisition of goods, services, and construction works for the Business Unit, ensuring strict compliance with official procurement policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Streamline and oversee the effective management of procurement processes across the Country Office, Regional Hub, projects, and various UN Agencies.
• Monitor and ensure the timely implementation of procurement plans while upholding compliance with UNDP regulations.
• Establish and maintain monitoring systems, controls, and mechanisms for procurement processes, encompassing RFQ, ITB, RFP, and contract negotiations.
• Review and certify submissions to internal procurement review committees, ensuring transparency and compliance.

• Develop and execute a strategic sourcing strategy to identify optimal values in the market, aligning purchasing strategies with the organization’s objectives.
• Effectively manage corporate e-procurement tools to optimize marketplace value and align purchasing strategies with project, CO, and Hub objectives.
• Manage supplier rosters and evaluation mechanisms to enhance procurement practices.
• Provide input on the establishment of Long-Term Agreements/Framework Agreements to improve category management.

• Conduct and negotiate administrative agreements, including cost-sharing arrangements and service provisions, particularly with UNDP and third parties.
• Ensure that office premises are well maintained and equipped with common services.
• Oversee the identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software, and systems.
• Manage contracts with service providers to maintain a secure and well-maintained workplace.
• Promote sustainability initiatives in general services, including identifying sustainable suppliers and products.

• Lead and support travel management processes, including travel authorization, travel claims, and reconciliation of settlements.
• Coordinate purchase orders for travel and procurement in the UNDP ERP system (Quantum), ensuring budget availability.
• Coordinate cost-recovery bills for travel services provided by UNDP to other agencies.
• Arrange travel and hotel reservations, visas, and other documents for staff, consultants, UN personnel, and visitors.
• Provide specialized support in logistics, ensuring the effective delivery of program supplies.
• Manage documentation processing for logistics operations, including customs clearance and invoice verification.
• Maintain warehousing and inventory management processes to support program implementation.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support logistics operations management.
• Ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and internal control systems for logistics.
• Facilitate procurement training for operations and project staff.
• Organize procurement training for vendors on e-procurement modules.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Business Unit and across the Region, UNDP, and the broader UN system.
• Actively participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and communities of practice to enhance collaboration and achieve economies of scale.

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
• CIPS level 3 is mandatory, CIPS level 4 is an asset

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public sector procurement management.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)