Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer leads and participates in procurement activities ensuring timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods and services in compliance with FAO rules and regulations. The role involves supervising staff, providing procurement expertise, and supporting the implementation of procurement policies and sustainability initiatives in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Santiago, Chile.

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or participate in teams and provide expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervise staff.
• Supervise, oversee and/or contribute to the delivery of procurement/contractual reporting and activities/services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
• Develop and update operational, policy, control and/or risk management frameworks, including implementation of new procurement policies and related tools, systems, technologies and procedures.
• Analyze procurement and Letters of Agreement (LoA) information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, procurement statements, and reports to donors and other partners.
• Respond to requests for assistance and provide procurement and regulatory advice to managers at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
• Coordinate and ensure initiatives under the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability into daily operations.
• Develop effective working relationships including coaching, mentoring and evaluating staff in the local procurement unit and resolve problems with external providers, donors, partners, and UN procurement executives.
• Participate in the development of training and related materials and promote best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
• Advise on the full range of procurement issues, including preparation of tender evaluation criteria and meeting objectives under tight deadlines.
• Review and prepare solicitation processes, identify methods of solicitation, prepare tendering documents, distribute invitations to tender and conduct bid/proposal evaluations ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Prepare and support submission of cases to Local, Regional and Headquarters Procurement Committees; serve as Secretary for the Regional Procurement Committee.
• Review, assess and make recommendations on granting increased ad hoc re-Delegation of Authority for activities carried out by Decentralized Offices.
• Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments and analyze statistical data and market reports on required goods and services.
• Undertake the “Buyer” function in conformity with FAO rules and regulations.
• Conduct procurement missions providing support for complex procurement actions, offering guidance, training and mentoring to local buyers.
• Assess overall procurement capacity in the region and advise management on appropriate set-ups.
• Support establishment and update of procurement plans, improve communication of procurement processes, and oversee quality and effectiveness.
• Review Letters of Agreement (LoA) in conformity with Quality Assurance function as per FAO rules and regulations.
• Promote competitive selection processes for LoA Service Providers and support key steps of the selection process such as publication of RFP/EOI, receipt and opening of bids, and evaluation.
• Review and provide clearance for procurement components and subcontracting for high value LoA as applicable.
• Identify and make initial determinations and recommendations concerning disputes or claims arising from procurement actions.
• Lead and coordinate the procurement team in the regional office and provide functional oversight/supervision of international Procurement Officers and Procurement Specialists in the region including input into performance evaluations.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field and seven years of relevant experience in procurement related activities including at least three years of supervisory experience; OR A first-level degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field, nine years of work experience in procurement related activities including at least three years of supervisory experience; and completion of professional qualification from an internationally recognized body such as CIPS4, MCIPS, FCIPS or other UN-wide recognized certifications.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Experience in the field of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services.
• Experience in public sector procurement dealing with complex contractual issues, revising and drafting contracts, formulating options and proposing recommendations.
• Experience in identifying clients' procurement-related needs and in providing support and guidance from clients' point of view.
• Experience in logistics operations is desirable.
• Knowledge of procurement-related IT tools and systems (i.e. enterprise resource planning, inventory management, procurement, database management applications, etc.).
• CIPS Certification, level 4 or above.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of Spanish is considered an asset.

Skills

• Procurement Management
• Contract Drafting
• Contract Negotiation
• International Procurement Standards
• Public Sector Procurement
• Procurement Process Supervision
• Corporate Environmental Responsibility
• Procurement Needs Assessment
• Logistics Management
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Inventory Management
• Database Management
• CIPS Certification
• Procurement Policy Implementation
• Sustainable Development Initiatives
• Procurement Compliance

Languages

English, Spanish