Operations & Procurement Officer at United Nations

Background
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

• This position is based within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG), working from the Lagos based Project Office of the project, "Response to Drugs and Related Organised Crime in Nigeria".
• Working under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and the guidance of the UNODC Finance Officer and the Operations Manager (CONIG), the Project Operations and Procurement Officer is responsible for effective and transparent execution and coordination of all procurement and logistical requirements of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Finance and Operations Officer will be responsible for the following specific duties:
Strategic direction of operations:

• Ensure compliance of project operations with UN/UNODC rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies, establishment of management targets and monitoring of achievement of results, including the formulation of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in procurement and logistical services. Ensure knowledge sharing of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice, and organization of the operations staff trainings.
• Provide constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment of the operations, advice on legal considerations and risk assessment of related actions. Ensure efficient management of the Monitoring and Compliance function of the project.
• Provide guidance on operations and procurement issues and practices to colleagues.
• Perform other duties as may be required.

Procurement and logistical services:

• Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects of the project.  Oversee procurement processes and logistical services in accordance with UN rules and regulations. Oversee the tracking of procurement requests and ensure the timely completion of tasks including the developing of systems to monitor such requests
• Provide substantive support with regard to the project's compliance with corporate procurement rules and regulations in the field and elaboration of the CO procurement strategies including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement promotion and introduction, performance measurement, elaboration of the CO contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, managing the contract and contractor, legal implications.
• Ensure proper management of UNODC assets, facilities and logistical services, including compliance with IPSAS in the accounting for the procurement, utilization and disposal of the project’s assets, and supervise the Administrative/Procurement Assistant.

Partnerships:

• Ensure functional relationships with UNDP Operations Team, ensure efficiency and follow up for all transactions and services executed by UNDP and UNODC HQ, Monitor proper charging by UNDP and proper recording to project accounts.
• Liaise effectively with the CONIG Operations and Procurement Manager based in Abuja to ensure corporate ownership and efficiency of all actions executed by UNDP on behalf of UNODC

Risk Management:

• Maintain and update the project’s risk log. Maintain the business continuity plan for the Project, to safeguard continuity of operations, safety and security of staff and safeguarding of assets. Regularly test the functioning of the business continuity plan.
• Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Colleagues and senior staff throughout the UN, both inside and outside the duty station.  Government officials and counterparts in other UN organizations, businesses or industries.  Vendors and suppliers.  Staff in the Division for Management and the Regional Section for Africa and the Middle East (RSAME) in UNODC Headquarters.
• Results expected: Leads all Project operations and procurement actions and outputs, ensuring smooth functioning of project's procurement functions, providing consistent operations support and constant monitoring of the Project to adapt to changes in the operating environment as and when needed.  Plans and manages technically and legally complex procurement operations, ensuring efficient delivery and disposition of quality goods/services at maximum cost efficiency and in accordance with UN procurement policy and practices.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Has understanding of advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines (contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration).
• Has knowledge of the mandates of UNODC. Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit. Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments. Performs appropriate work analysis and assists in redesign to establish clear standards for implementation.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Client Orientation: 

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Advanced university Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related fields is required. 

 Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems.
• Relevant experience in establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments.
• At least two years of progressive professional experience in preparing, managing, and executing supply service contracts, preferably in multiple international markets.
• Experience in international project logistics, contract management, administration is an asset.
• Experience in procurement of equipment and contract issuance and administration would be an advantage.
• Working experience in the UN will be considered as an asset.
• Knowledge of EU operational procedures is a distinctive advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems and ERP systems is desirable.

Language:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.