Procurement Specialist (CO Procurement and Engineering Unit)

About the role

The Procurement Specialist manages the Yemen Country Office (CO) Procurement and Engineering Unit, delivering procurement and engineering services with the best value for money. The post supervises and leads the unit's support and professional staff and works closely with the Management Support, Business Development, Operations, Programme and project teams, UNDP headquarters staff and government officials.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies, including the annual work plan, internal controls, cost-saving measures and a contract strategy covering tendering, evaluation, negotiation and risk assessment
• Manage procurement processes: prepare procurement plans, run RFQs, ITBs and RFPs, prepare submissions to CAP/RACP/ACP committees, draft contracts and terms, and ensure gender-responsive procurement
• Build supplier rosters, manage preferred supplier arrangements (LTAs), run e-procurement systems and multi-concurrent tenders, and develop client and inter-agency networks
• Lead engineering services: set up SOPs, review construction and rehabilitation requests, conduct technical and feasibility studies and prepare blueprints
• Organize training and share lessons learned, and lead the unit as a Centre of Excellence

Required profile

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Economics, Finance or a related field, or a bachelor's degree plus two years of qualifying experience
• At least 7 years of relevant experience with a master's degree, or 9 years with a bachelor's degree, in public sector procurement management
• Strong procurement management experience in a large NIM/DIM or crisis country office
• Fluent English with effective writing skills; working knowledge of another UN language is desired

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of web-based management systems (ERP)
• Experience managing people and systems in high-pressure environments
• Desirable: knowledge of UN/UNDP procurement policies, IPSAS, engineering services policies, supplier research and risk management
• CIPS level 4 highly desirable; candidates must obtain it within one year of recruitment