Procurement Specialist [Open to Tier 0, 1 and 2 applicants]

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

UNDP’s mission as part of the UN system is to achieve sustainable development and fight poverty wherever it is greatest. This requires the very best of us, world-class collaboration, innovative thinking, resilient-based strategies, and continuous learning. UNDP’s competitive advantage as a development partner of choice comes from having the trust of developing countries, owing to our impartial character, transparency, and longstanding presence and commitment to the poorest and most vulnerable. We offer opportunities to make a lasting difference to the more than 170 countries where we commit our support and expertise.

With a focus at the community-level, and working with key implementing partners, UNDP in Yemen aims to restore livelihoods – as well as social cohesion and security – to create the necessary conditions for resilience and a post-conflict Yemen. Our current priorities are: (a) supporting a peaceful solution and transition; (b) economic recovery and livelihood; (c) restoring key basic services; and (e) empowering vulnerable groups.

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for management of Yemen CO Procurement and Engineering Unit, effective delivery of procurement and engineering services in order to obtain the best value for money. The Procurement Specialist manages the CO procurement and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The Procurement Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

The Procurement Specialist supervises and leads the support and professional staff /personnel of the Procurement and Engineering Unit. The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials to successfully deliver procurement services.

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.

The Procurement Specialist directly supervises and leads Procurement Analyst (NOB)/Engineering Specialist (P3)/Procurement Specialist (IUVN) and manage the team. The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with Programme, Operations, and project teams in the CO, UNDP HQ staff, GSSC and Government officials ensuring successful CO performance in Procurement and Engineering Services.

• Coordinate the formulation of the annual work-plan development process together with team colleagues, establishing procurement priorities, performance indicators and results.
• Ensure full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; develop and implement an effective internal control framework and a client-oriented procurement management system.
• Elaborate and implement cost-saving and reduction strategies.
• Conceptualize, elaborate and implement a contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, management of the contract and contractor, legal considerations, payment conditions and risk assessment.
• Conceptualize, elaborate and implement strategic procurement elements including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relations, and e-procurement development and refinement

• Prepare and deliver well-developed procurement plans for projects including deadlines and monitoring processes.
• Establish and implement monitoring and control systems for procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB, or RFP, receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals and negotiation of certain conditions of contracts to ensure full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations; Take action where standards or regulations are not met.
• Prepare submissions to the CAP, RACP or ACP committees
• Elaborate and implement the internal control system which ensures that purchase orders are prepared and dispatched; take timely corrective action on purchase orders if problems arise.
• Harmonize procurement services where relevant in relation to joint procurement with other UN agencies in line with the UN reform.
• Draft and issue contracts, Terms and Conditions and Schedules and ensure effective management of contracts to secure beneficial contractual arrangements for UNDP.
• Provide consultation on ad hoc procurement processes to support business units that experience difficulties throughout the procurement chain.
• Supervise or prepare cost recovery bills for procurement services provided by UNDP to other agencies.
• Ensure gender responsive procurement is followed and is in line with UNDP guidelines.

• Develop and manage the rosters of suppliers, elaborate supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance management mechanisms.
• Conduct pre-bid meetings with interested vendors to ensure complete understanding of the bidding documents.
• Manage the e-procurement system.
• Manage the complete tender process for multiple concurrent tenders using an e-procurement system
• Identify, implement and manage preferred supplier arrangements (LTAs) for goods and services
• Develop effective collaborative relationships with UNDP ‘clients’ working in HQ business units or CO operations and programmes; facilitate client capacity development as a key element of every procurement assignment.
• Develop and maintain an effective network with inter-agency procurement counterparts working on specialized procurement activities.
• Act as primary focal point for vendors involved with LTAs for Global Procurement Services.

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of effective internal control, proper design and functioning of client-oriented engineering services workflows.
• Lead, supervise, and coordinate the engineering services process in the country office.
• Conduct business process mapping and establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Engineering Services.
• Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environments, timely readjustment of the operations, advice on legal considerations and risk assessment that impacts on engineering services.
• Review requests for new construction and rehabilitation works, carry out assessments and prepare the follow up action plan with recommendations.
• Carry out technical and feasibility studies and draw up blueprints that satisfy technical specifications, assess potential risks, materials and costs

• Organize training or informational events for UNDP ‘client’ counterparts concerning the procurement of global and specialized goods and services.
• Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in the procurement of global and specialized goods and services.
• Make regular contributions to the procurement knowledge network and other communities of practice.
• Provide leadership in the establishment of a reputation as the “Centre of Excellence”, which shares best procurement practices with other business units

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
• Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services.

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. 
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. 
• Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. 
• Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Economics, Finance, or related field is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• CIPS level 4 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

• Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public sector procurement management is required.
• Strong procurement management experience in a large NIM/DIM or Crisis Country Office is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management system (ERP) is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of people and systems in high-pressure environments required.
• Experience and strong knowledge and understanding and application of UN or UNDP procurement policies and procedures is an asset.
• Experience and adequate knowledge and application of engineering services policies, procedures and strategies is desirable.
• Proven experience in applying, and advanced knowledge of, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is desired.
• Experience and knowledge and understanding of supplier research and market analysis is desired.
• Experience in risk management planning desired.
• Proven experience in managing e-procurement systems is an asset.

• Fluency in English is required with effective writing skills.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is desired.

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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