Organizational Setting The Procurement Service (CSLP) of the Logistics Services Division (CSL) provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on "Best Value for Money" principles. The position is located in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) in Santiago, Chile. Reporting Lines The Procurement Officer reports to the Chief, Procurement Service (CSLP) for functional and policy guidance and administratively to the highest-ranking Officer in the duty station. Technical Focus Timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods and services and Quality Assurance for Letters of Agreement (LoA) in compliance with the relevant FAO Rules and Regulations. Key Results The planning and delivery of procurement services in accordance with internal policies, UN procurement guidelines and International Standards. Key Functions Leads and/or participates in teams and provides expertise on Organization-wide committees or working groups, and/or supervises staff. Supervises, oversees and/or contributes to the delivery of procurement/contractual reporting and activities/services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework. Develops and updates the supporting operational, policy, control and/or risk management frameworks, involving the implementation of the latest approaches and methodologies, streamlined business processes, new/revised procurement policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures. Analyses procurement and LoA information for inclusion in statutory reports, management reports, procurement statements, and/or reports to donors as well as other specific reports for Governing Bodies, donors and other partners. Responds to requests for assistance and provides procurement and regulatory advice and assistance to managers at headquarters and Decentralized Offices (DOs). Coordinates and ensures initiatives under the Organization's work on the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy to reduce emissions, increase efficiency and integrate sustainability into the Organization's daily operations. Develops effective working relationships including coaching, mentoring and evaluating staff in the local procurement unit and resolves problems with external providers, donors, partners, and UN procurement executives, as well as providing information/clarification to auditors. Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
Specific Functions Advises on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle, including preparation of tenders evaluation criteria, meeting objectives under tight deadlines. Reviews and prepares solicitation process, identifies the method of solicitation, prepares tendering documents, distributes invitations to tender and conducts all aspects of bid/proposals evaluations and ensures that 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 supports the submission of cases to the Local, Regional and Headquarters Procurement Committees as appropriate; serves as Secretary for the Regional Procurement Committee. Reviews, assesses and makes recommendations to the Assistant Director/General-Regional Representative on whether to grant increased ad hoc re-Delegation of Authority (DOA) for activities carried out by the DOs. Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments, researches and analyses statistical data and market reports on required goods and services, production patterns and availability of goods and services. Undertakes the “Buyer” function in conformity with FAO rules and regulations. Conducts procurement missions providing support for undertaking specific complex procurement actions, offering guidance, training and mentoring to local buyers. Assesses the overall procurement capacity in the region and advises the management in establishing appropriate set-ups. Supports the establishment and update of procurement plans regularly by improving communication of procurement processes, and oversees and monitors to ensure quality and effectiveness. Reviews Letters of Agreement (LoA) in conformity with the Quality Assurance function, as set forth in FAO rules and regulations. Promotes competitive selection processes for LoA Service Providers, supports concerned LoA Responsible Officers in the key steps of the selection process, such as publication of Request for Proposal/ Expression of Interest (RFP/ EOI), receipt and opening of bids, and evaluation. Reviews and provides clearance for the procurement component and subcontracting for high value LOA, as applicable. Identifies and makes initial determinations and recommendations concerning disputes or claims arising out of procurement actions. Leads and coordinates the procurement team in the regional office and provides functional oversight/supervision of international Procurement Officers (IPOs) and Procurement Specialists in the region including providing input into the respective performance evaluations.
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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 seven years of relevant experience in procurement related activities including at least three years of supervisory experience; OR A first-level degree in law, business/public administration, finance, economics, commerce, marketing or a related field, nine years of work experience in procurement related activities including at least three years of supervisory experience; and completion of professional qualification from an internationally recognized body such as 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 FAO official 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, revise and draft contract, formulate options and propose recommendations. Extent and relevance of experience in identifying clients' procurement-related needs and in providing support and guidance from clients' point of view. Extent and relevance of experience in logistics operations is desirable. Knowledge of procurement-related IT tools and systems (i.e. enterprise resource planning, inventory management, procurement, database management applications, etc.) CIPS Certification, level 4 or above. Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of Spanish is considered an asset.
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