Asociado/a de Compras SC 06

The position ensures coordination, provides administrative services, and conducts research to support the efficient and effective delivery of procurement services. The role involves operational coordination, supplier identification, purchase request management, negotiation support, and supervision of support staff to achieve procurement objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational coordination and administrative services to support procurement projects and activities, applying standard processes and contributing to effective acquisition of goods and services.
• Identify and recommend potential suppliers, compile data and documents to support selection, ensuring application of standard processes.
• Review, register, and prioritize purchase requests, supporting requesting units to acquire appropriate goods and services at the lowest cost for WFP.
• Contribute to negotiations with new suppliers on terms and conditions of orders alongside a senior procurement officer to obtain best conditions and lowest costs for WFP.
• Prepare purchase orders, contracts, and supporting documentation for approval by the requesting party, and approve purchases within delegated authority to enable rapid procurement of goods and services.
• Resolve issues related to delivered goods using initiative, maintaining contact with all parties and applying standard processes to ensure timely and accurate problem resolution.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data to produce reports enabling Procurement Officers to make informed decisions and ensure consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Manage updates and develop databases and records to ensure information is accurate, organized, accessible, and meets reporting obligations.
• Maintain relationships with internal counterparts to ensure harmonization of procurement activities with broader programmes and a coherent approach to food assistance needs.
• Supervise support staff, providing practical advice and guidance to ensure individual and collective objectives are met according to agreed standards and deadlines.
• Apply standard emergency preparedness practices to help WFP respond quickly and send food and resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis.

Requirements

• Completion of secondary education cycle. Post-secondary certificate in the relevant functional area.
• Demonstrated familiarity with local procurement of products, goods, and services (e.g., cash or in-kind donations).
• Experience in supplier search and coordination with retailers, wholesalers, and traders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement processes and their links to other operations (e.g., logistics).
• Proficiency in English language at level C for Headquarters General Services; proficiency or intermediate knowledge of another official language may be required depending on duty station or responsibility area.
• For field General Services, spoken and written proficiency in the UN official language used at the duty station and the local spoken language if different.

Skills

• Local Procurement
• Supplier Search
• Supplier Coordination
• Procurement Procedures
• Logistics Coordination
• Purchase Request Management
• Negotiation Support
• Administrative Services
• Procurement Research
• Staff Supervision
• English Language Proficiency

Languages

English, Spanish