Organizational Setting
The Procurement Service (CSLP) provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on ‘Best Value for Money’ principles. The Procurement Officer performs procurement activities related to the preparation of tender documents, draft and finalization of contracts or Purchase Orders (POs) for goods, works and services for FAO's Decentralized Offices. The posts are located in various duty stations in FAO Decentralized Offices. Reporting Lines
The Procurement Officer reports to the Designated Procurement Officer (CSLP) for functional and policy guidance, and administratively to the FAO Representative of the FAO Decentralized Office where they are located.
Technical Focus
Execution of procurement activities for goods and services, including quality assurance for Letters of Agreement (LoAs), ensuring adherence to FAO rules, regulations, and procurement best practices.
Key Results. Ensure that procurement activities comply with FAO’s established policies and procedures and reflect best practice for public procurement.
Key Functions Plans, develops and supports all procurement and contractual aspects of significant complexity. Advises requisitioning units on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle, meeting objectives under tight deadlines. Prepares solicitation process, identifies method of solicitation, drafts tendering documents, identifies sourcing strategy and distributes invitations to tender, also using e-tendering system and supports bid/proposals evaluations while ensuring the solicitation process is fair, objective and transparent and that it follows the general principles, as set forth in the FAO Manual Section. Prepares and presents cases to the relevant Procurement Committees. Participates in and conducts site inspections, bidder's conferences and contract negotiations, as necessary. Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments, researches and analyses statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services. Contributes to updating procurement policies, procedures and rules, as well as related tools, provides procurement reporting as well as clarification/information for auditing purposes. Ensures the full implementation of corporate initiatives in accordance with the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability and in line with the Strategy for Sustainability Management in the UN System 2020-2030. Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at FAO headquarters and the Decentralized Offices. Provides guidance to new/junior staff and stakeholders, ensures entry of accurate data using the Organization's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and related systems. Makes initial determinations and recommendations concerning conflict avoidance approaches, disputes or claims arising from contractual instruments or procurement processes. Prepares monitoring reports, reviews and analyses data and makes recommendations based on findings. Performs other duties as required.
Specific Functions Provides technical support across the procurement cycle, including planning, solicitation, bid evaluation, contract award, and contract management, ensuring compliance with FAO rules and public procurement best practices. Guides requisitioning units on procurement strategies, market approaches, and evaluation criteria, enabling efficient, timely, and compliant procurement under tight deadlines. Leads and implements transparent, competitive procurement processes (RFQs, ITBs, RFPs, and EOIs), including the selection of LoA service providers, ensuring value for money and adherence to FAO procedures. Ensures quality assurance and compliance for Letters of Agreement (LoAs) in line with organizational standards. Supports and reviews submissions to Local, Regional and Headquarters Procurement Committees; participates in tender panels and review committees and prepares the re-delegation requests where applicable. Monitors procurement activities using FAO systems (e.g., iMIS), tracking progress, identifying bottlenecks, and facilitating timely renewals, amendments, and reporting. Contributes to procurement integrity through risk-based compliance checks, post-facto reviews, and promotion of ethical standards and fraud prevention mechanisms. Participates in UN country procurement working groups, promoting joint procurement opportunities and enhancing UN coherence at the country level. Participates in the implementation of global and regional procurement initiatives, in close coordination with FAO headquarters and the network of Country Office Procurement Officers. Supports emergency preparedness by enabling procurement readiness, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and promoting a culture of strategic, results-oriented procurement in emergency and development contexts. Leads and supervises the procurement team in the office, providing functional oversight, mentoring, and promoting continuous learning and adherence to FAO procurement policies. Performs other related duties as required.
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Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field and five years of relevant experience in procurement related activities with at least two in public procurement; OR A first-level degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field, seven years of work experience in procurement related activities with at least two in public procurement; and completion of professional qualification from an internationally recognized body such as CIPS3, CIPS4, MCIPS, FCIPS or other UN-wide recognized certifications. Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. Extent and relevance of experience in the field of the Corporate Environmental Responsibility. Demonstrated knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Extent and relevance of experience in public sector procurement dealing with complex contractual issues including revising, drafting of contract, formulating options and proposing recommendation. Extent and relevance of experience in identifying clients' procurement-related needs and in providing support and guidance from clients' point of view. Demonstrated ability to draft complex documents in English.
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