Junior Procurement Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Procurement Service provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations, compliance review and policy support functions both at headquarters and in FAO Decentralized Offices. It establishes the overall procurement strategy to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on "Best Value for Money" principles. The Procurement Specialist will be located at FAO HQ, Rome, Italy; and will perform a variety of procurement activities aimed to assist headquarters units and field offices requiring specialized procurement support.

Reporting Lines

The Junior Procurement Specialist will work under the general guidance of the Chief, Procurement Service, and under the direct supervision of a Procurement Officer, as appropriate for functional and policy guidance.

Technical Focus

Timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods, works and services in compliance with the relevant FAO Rules and Regulations.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review and analyze procurement related requests and contractual documentation for completeness, compliance and consistency with FAO rules, procedures and procurement policies; liaise with requesting units as required.
• Support the preparation and review of procurement and contractual documents, including tender documentation, evaluation criteria, contracts and amendments.
• Contribute to procurement planning and the development of procurement approaches for goods, services and works, including the identification of risks and mitigation measures.
• Provide analytical, advisory and quality assurance support to headquarters units and decentralized offices on procurement and contracting matters, ensuring consistent application of FAO procurement standards.
• Assist in the review and analysis of requests for ad hoc re delegation of procurement authority and related documentation.
• Support the preparation of internal reports, guidance materials and analyses related to procurement activities, contract monitoring and compliance.
• Assist colleagues in the use of procurement related systems and tools, as required.
• When required, be available to participate in procurement missions in support of decentralized offices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Economics, or a related field. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience in procurement, contracts management, contractual drafting and review, procurement policy support, or related legal and regulatory work within an international organization, development, public sector or relevant private sector environment.
• Full proficiency/working knowledge of English (C1).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Working knowledge of public sector and UN procurement principles, including contractual frameworks, legal compliance requirements and governance standards.
• Ability to provide procurement related support and guidance, with a strong client oriented approach focused on solutions, operational effectiveness and value for money outcomes.
• Good analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to review procurement and related contractual requirements, identify potential legal or compliance related risks, and support the development of appropriate mitigation measures
• Familiarity with procurement related information systems and tools used in international organizations is an asset.

Selection criteria

• Knowledge of a second language including French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian is considered an asset