Procurement Specialist, Bangui

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country without a railroad. Only two international Air transport Association registered and security-cleared airlines fly to Bangui and each one once a week. Because of physical remoteness and isolation of the country, electronic and communications equipment, vehicles as well as goods required for development action are often in very short supply extremely expensive. The aforementioned is often compounded by administrative difficulties that complicate the purchase or importation of goods. In this complicated logistics environment, advices and service on procurement are very important and will help improve the efficiency and timeliness of results and delivery. In order to address these difficulties, the CAR Country Office is recruiting a procurement specialist to support UNDP projects and programmes.

Under the general supervision of the Operations Manager, the procurement specialist manages the procurement operations of the Country Office projects and programmes. The procurement Specialist will be responsible for planning, procurement, distribution and monitoring for projects and programmes and advises on matters of contracting Prepare and implement biannual work plan. Responsible for procurement planning through coordination with Operations Programme sections. Assess procurement operations and control mechanism and advise on appropriate actions. Prepare appropriate documentation and ensure acquisition of goods/works and services ( Request For Quotation, Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposal and Long term Agreement) Ensure that UNDP procurement rules and procedures are followed. Analyze and interpret regulations and procedures and provide solutions to a great number of complex problems relating to procurement Provide technical advice on procurement specifications and procurement administration in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Support projects in developing procurement and contracting plans and customized tools for regular progress monitoring in the procurement of goods, works and services. Ensure timely publication of procurement ,notices in the local and international publications Conduct market research, identify and recommend potential local suppliers through calls for expression of interest, prequalification and maintain a roaster of suppliers and consultants. Maintain data on and evaluate local supply sources overall performance (competitive pricing, product quality and timely delivery). Periodically assess contracting parties to ascertain the selected parties are the most competitive in the local market. Set up a proper procurement system and tolls to handle the Purchase orders and nature of each product and service being acquired and ensure timely delivery. Act as a secretary and advisor to the Local Contracts, Asset Procurement Committee (CAP) and ensure submission to the Advisory Committee for Procurement (ACP) Ensure periodically procurement status reports from ATLAS are generated and circulated to different stakeholders for decision making actions (procurement reports, payment report by vendors, update list of vendors etc.) Ensure cost recovery related to procurement activities Strengthen national capacity in procurement through coaching and follow up (on the job training) as well as formal training onrules, regulations and international best practices. Identify training needs, design and conduct training for projects staff/consultants and counterparts in procurement management in order to improve supply delivery and monitoring.

Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills. Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral forms. Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff Good analytical and negotiating skills. Ability to organize and implement training. Good Knowledge of computer management and applications. Ability to establish harmonious working relations in an international and multicultural environment

Master?s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Management or related technical field 5 years progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international level in procurement or management, 2 years of which should be in developing countries. Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, knowledge of ATLAS could be an asset Fluency in French and good knowledge of English