UNDP Procurement Associate (NPSA )

Job Description

UNDP is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. UNDP provides expert and technical support to national partners in their pursuit of sustainable development of the Republic of Belarus. UNDP in Belarus activities are guided by the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2021-2025. The current Programme Document prioritizes economic development based on the principles of green and Inclusive growth, participation of vulnerable groups in socio- economic life, climate change adaptation and mitigation, gender equality.

National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Belarus till 2035 is people-centered and puts a strong focus on digital transformation, innovations and quality education as drivers for economic growth. Transition to the digital economy calls for renewed content, structure, and organization of continuous education. There is a growing need for closer integration of the national labor market with science and the vocational education and training (VET) system.

The project will support young people to acquire new professional skills and competencies in the context of the digital transformation of the Belarusian economy. The project will help to develop or update at least 3 professional and educational standards, increase the VET managers and teaching staff capacity in the development and implementation of educational standards for manufacturing, agriculture and construction sectors. The project will increase the training potential of the pilot centers of competences and expand access to education opportunities in line with the developed and updated educational standards. The project will also contribute to the promotion of VET careers among Belarusian youth.

The Ministry of Education the Republic of Belarus is the project’s national Implementing Partner.

Procurement Associate provides effective procurement services to ensure successful delivery of all the intended outcomes and outputs in accordance with the Project Document and within the approved budget and timeframes.

Summary of key functions:

The Procurement Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and work in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Office procurement unit, national partners, international/national experts and project staff for resolving complex procurement-related issues.

The Procurement Associate will:

prepare Procurement Action Plan (PAP) for the Project in a timely and duly manner, including PROMPT system maintenance for the Project;
conduct quality research of local and international markets for goods, works and services required for the projects’ needs;
coordinate with national partners and project experts’ specifications of products, equipment and services for project components;
organize procurement processes, including preparation and conduct of requests for quotation (RFQs), invitations to bid (ITBs), requests for proposal (RFPs), receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations for submission to the UNDP CO;
organize procurement of services of local and international consultants and experts, if necessary;
ensure control over proper delivery of goods and services procured under the project to the project beneficiaries;
perform other activities related to the implementation of the projects in his/her capacity as a Procurement Associate, at the request of the Project Analyst.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Academic Education

Secondary education.
Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: public administration, international relations, logistics, marketing; degree in technical or humanitarian fields combined with practical procurement experience and relevant on-the-job trainings would be desirable

Min. years of relevant Work experience

Minimum 6 years of experience in procurement is required with secondary school degree.
Alternatively, if in possession of BA degree, 3 years of experience would be required

Required skills and competencies

Fluency in Russian and English, knowledge of Belarusian is an asset.

Professional Certificates

Certification on public procurement is a strong asset

Competencies

Core competencies:
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-functional, Technical competencies
Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Procurement	Data analysis	Ability to extract, analyze and visualize procurement data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making.
Procurement	Data management	Knowledge of processing, storing, and validating procurement data.
Procurement	Contract management	Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Procurement	Procurement management	The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.
Business management	Communication	Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Business management	Partnerships Management	Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Business management	Risk management	Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.