Mission and objectives
UNESCO SSD organization mission TBDUNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The UNESCO South Sudan Country Office fundamental areas of support in the Republic of South Sudan aims at addressing national priorities and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 4 and the Education 2030 Framework for Action. The Education Unit in South Sudan is focussing on promoting TVET reforms, strengthening TVET systems, advance youth employment, access to decent work, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning opportunities; advancing the access, equity, inclusiveness, quality and relevance of education and strengthening the EiE data, by ensuring that the education system becomes more responsive and resilient to the impacts of crisis through improved data for decision-making, strengthened coordination, and the meaningful engagement of local actors. Among these initiatives is the "South Sudan Support to TVET for Value Chain Development” Project: A tripartite funding and implementation agreement between African Development Bank, Republic of South Sudan and UNESCO aimed to increase access to quality middle-level technical skills training for South Sudan youth to promote their participation in agricultural value chain development and employability. The focus is on improving skills development infrastructure and strengthening TVET coordination, governance, and quality of TVET delivery systems.
Context
UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The UNESCO South Sudan Country Office fundamental areas of support in the Republic of South Sudan aims at addressing national priorities and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 4 and the Education 2030 Framework for Action. The Education Unit in South Sudan is focussing on promoting TVET reforms, strengthening TVET systems, advance youth employment, access to decent work, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning opportunities; advancing the access, equity, inclusiveness, quality and relevance of education and strengthening the EiE data, by ensuring that the education system becomes more responsive and resilient to the impacts of crisis through improved data for decision-making, strengthened coordination, and the meaningful engagement of local actors. Among these initiatives is the "South Sudan Support to TVET for Value Chain Development” Project: A tripartite funding and implementation agreement between African Development Bank, Republic of South Sudan and UNESCO aimed to increase access to quality middle-level technical skills training for South Sudan youth to promote their participation in agricultural value chain development and employability. The focus is on improving skills development infrastructure and strengthening TVET coordination, governance, and quality of TVET delivery systems.
Task Description
Under the overall authority of the Head of Office of UNESCO Office in Juba and the direct supervision of the Administrative Officer, in close collaboration with Chief of Education Unit/Programme Specialist, the incumbent provides dedicated procurement and contracting services to coordinate the procurement, IPA, importation, distribution, and delivery of all required infrastructural needs, equipment, materials and other related goods for the UNESCO Juba Office. The incumbent will ensure best value for money and fairness, integrity and transparency of processes in accordance with Organization’s regulations, rules and procedures as well as international standards and best practices. The Procurement and Contracting Officer works in close collaboration with the Management, Programme and project teams in the country office, UNESCO Regional and HQs staff and officials to successfully deliver procurement services under the general supervision of the AO with functional guidance from OPS/PRO at HQ, on matters related to the Contracts Committee and procurement and contractual arrangements in general 13. Results/expected outputs: As an active [UNESCO] team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to [UNESCO] and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Procurement Planning and Strategy • Participate in developing and implementing a Procurement Plan and design, maintain and monitor work plans and schedules for ongoing and new procurement requirements and contracts. • Conduct market research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on suppliers, pricing trends, and procurement best practices relevant to project needs. Bid Management and Supplier Evaluation • Prepare and issue invitations to bid, requests for proposals, IPAs, and requests for quotations, ensuring adherence to UNESCO’s procurement and contracting policies. • Analyze and evaluate bids, proposals, and quotations from suppliers, considering price, quality, delivery schedules, and compliance with procurement guidelines. • Summarize offers and provide recommendations based on supplier evaluations to ensure the selection of the most suitable vendor. Negotiation and Contract Management • Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers, ensuring favorable outcomes for UNESCO. • Draft and review contracts for the procurement of goods and services, ensuring clarity and alignment with project requirements and UNESCO’s procurement regulations. • Oversee/monitor the timely delivery of goods and services, resolving any discrepancies or issues that arise during the procurement process. Procurement Oversight and Compliance • Ensure that all procurement activities comply with UNESCO’s procurement rules, regulations, and ethical standards. • Liaise with UNESCO HQs Procurement Unit (OPS/PRO) on procurement-related matters and submit documentation to the Contracts Committee for approval, as required. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and provide procurement data for audits and evaluations as needed. Capacity Building and Support • Contribute to policy, guidance, training and technical assistance to staff in planning, developing and managing contracts (including the identification of requirements, estimation of budgets, appropriate procurement or contracting methods, etc.) with a special focus on high value/high-risk contracts • Promotion of sustainable procurement by building the procurement capacity of staff and partners Budget Monitoring and Reporting • Establishment and implementation of proper monitoring system and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB, RFP, EOI, and IPA. Receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals and applications. • Track and report on procurement-related budgets, ensuring that expenditures are within approved limits and that funds are used efficiently. • Provide regular updates to the Head of Field Office and Programme Specialist on procurement activities, progress, and any challenges encountered. Collaboration with National and International Partners • Work closely with the national government, international donors, and private sector partners to ensure that procurement activities align with project goals and foster strong partnerships. • Support resource mobilization efforts by contributing to procurement planning and budgeting in the development of new project proposals. • Participate in UN coordination mechanism related to procurement and contracting in South Sudan such as OMT and HACT.
Competencies and values
• Excellent program procurement skills and ability to work in complex programs. • Knowledge of commercial supply sources and of common business and industry practices. • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization. • Ability to interpret and strictly apply a wide range of procurement and contracting regulations, processes, guidelines, frameworks, standards, and other governance directives. • Ability to work independently and within a team. • Excellent IT skills. • Ability to use procurement information systems. • Knowledge of UN rules and regulations for procurement
Living conditions and remarks
Juba is a non-family duty station. Security Clearance is required for travel to and within South Sudan. Security clearance requests for all travel including internal travel within South Sudan should be requested using TRIP at https://dss.un.org. Road Traffic Accidents are not uncommon; partly owing to the poor state of roads but also because of an aggressive road user culture by the local population. Road infrastructure is often lacking in many areas, a situation that aggravates the challenges and is often exploited by the Police to extort money from unsuspecting road-users who may be accused of various traffic offences. In addition, tropical diseases such as malaria are a perennial concern during the rainy season. Taxi services are available at the Juba International Airport. The mechanical condition of most taxis is poor. There are no payment meters in the vehicles and most of them are uninsured. Taxi motorbikes (Boda-Boda) are widely used and are prone to accidents, they are not recommended for use by UN personnel. The South Sudanese Pound (SSP) is the legal tender. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are not accepted as payment in South Sudan. Travelers are advised to ensure they carry cash (US dollars/Euros) which may be exchanged for Southern Sudanese Pounds. Vaccination against Yellow Fever is mandatory, and proof of vaccination must be produced upon request at the entry point for all travellers. No one should embark on travel to South Sudan without being inoculated against Yellow Fever. South Sudan is a unique country with unique operation. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential
This position is no longer open.