Procurement Officer (temporary)

This position is located in the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean (ROPAN), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Panama City, Panama. As head of the Latin America and the Caribbean Procurement Hub, the Procurement Officer works under the direct supervision of the Chief Procurement Officer (UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit, Vienna), and the overall supervision of the Regional Representative, ROPAN. The incumbent will execute his/her functions as part of the ROPAN Administrative Team and work in close coordination with the UNODC Deputy Representatives and Operations Managers in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. For more information on UNODC, please visit: www.unodc.org

The incumbent coordinates, supports and provides supervisory oversight of the procurement function across the entire LAC region, including the UNODC Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean (ROPAN), the UNODC Regional Office for the Andrean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL), the UNODC Country Office in Mexico, and the UNODC Country Office in the Federative Republic of Brazil (COFRB). The incumbent is expected, upon request, to support other UNODC offices and Global Programmes in the procurement hub where UNODC operates. Within the assigned authority, the Procurement Officer will provide the following specific duties:

• Serve as a senior procurement and contracting expert with responsibility for the procurement of a wide variety of supplies and services associated with technically and legally complex contracts and procurement activities; lead and support the procurement work of UNODC Offices in the LAC region.
• Oversee other staff in the Procurement Hub, and provide advice to Buyer teams across the different offices covered by the Hub
• Plan, develop and manage all procurement and contractual aspects of projects of significant complexity related to diverse services and commodities (e.g., information technology, specialized electronic equipment and instruments, medicines, safety and security equipment including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), foodstuffs, architectural services and construction requirements, refurbishment works, event-related services, office supplies and consumables, furniture, etc.), taking into account local economic and other conditions.
• Plan, develop and manage procurement activities related to infrastructure and major construction projects, including high-value projects, in consultation with and with the support of the UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit, and in close cooperation with relevant UNODC requisitioning units and local authorities, to ensure compliance with all applicable building codes, regulations and safety requirements.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with the United Nations Secretariat Financial Regulations and Rules; foster collaborative procurement with other entities of the UN system through active participation in established common working groups and coordination mechanisms, including Operations Management Team, Business Operations Strategy, and Common Back Office, to support common requirements and improve efficiency in line with the Mutual Recognition principle.
• Coordinate procurement functions between ROPAN, ROCOL, COMEX, and COFRB under the Procurement Hub structure, including harmonizing delegation of authority thresholds, ensuring equitable workload distribution among buyers across offices in the region, and formalizing arrangements for ad-hoc mutual support with the UNOV/UNODC Procurement Unit.
• Liaise closely with all UNODC requisitioning programmes and project teams in the LAC Region to foster effective procurement planning, including the early identification and consolidation of requirements, and ensure efficient and continuous communication and exchange of information throughout the procurement process.
• Provide technical and strategic advice on procurement-related matters to UNODC officials, buyers, and requisitioning units during all phases of the procurement cycle; review procurement requests and technical specifications prior to publication to ensure they are fit-to-bid and in line with established quality standards.
• Develop and prepare complex contracts for procurement of non-routine and technologically advanced commodities or long-range services; establish long-term agreements; issue and manage international tender invitations; evaluate responses to tenders; make recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit and prepare submissions to the Contracts Committee for higher-value approvals.
• Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues or conflicts in complex procurement projects, particularly construction, liaising closely with national authorities to ensure compliance with local laws.
• Establish and maintain work programmes and schedules for ongoing and newly planned contracts; develop tactical approaches to contracts and new methods for their application based on evolving market trends.
• Contribute to the development of regional procurement guidance guidelines, procedures, workflows, standards, templates, innovation initiatives and criteria for the evaluation of goods, services, and works and develop supplier capacity; streamline procurement processes and support implementation of UNOV/UNODC and Secretariat-wide initiatives.
• Maintain constant examination of production patterns in exporting countries in the LAC region; evaluate productive capacities and performance of manufacturers to identify reliable supply sources.
• Establish approaches for negotiations and conduct or coordinate all phases of negotiations with concerned parties, including resolution of disputes arising from contracts.
• Prepare, review, clear and/or approve a variety of procurement-related documents, note to file, contracts, communications, guidelines, and instructions.
• Develop and deliver procurement-related training programmes, and provide guidance to UNODC personnel, including buyers, managers, and project teams; develop and implement capacity development activities.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports of procurement activities; monitor and manage auditing of procurement activities, ensuring audit observations are implemented in a timely manner and in conformity with applicable UN regulations and rules.
• Monitor various corporate dashboards to ensure compliance with procurement-related key performance indicators related and coordinate with counterparts to ensure compliance with established procurement standards.
• Lead the implementation of Enterprise and Corporate tools mandated by the Organization to enhance productivity and improve overall operations. These tools may include the Procurement Tracker, the e-tendering tool (Ariba), the Instant Feedback System (IFS) and the Contract Performance Reporting Tool (CPRT). Following deployment, ensure their effective utilization through user support, guidance, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize organizational benefits and compliance.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Monitor and oversee the use of Low Value Acquisition (LVA) within the Procurement Hub, with the aim to identify opportunities for consolidation, reducing reliance on LVA, and promoting the establishment and use of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) for the Hub.
• Conduct procurement assistance visits to UNODC offices in the region, as and when needed.
• Provide guidance to and supervise procurement staff.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Professionalism: Has knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for highly complex and technologically advanced goods and services. Has knowledge of contract law and expertise in handling complex procurement and contract issues. Has knowledge of quantitative methods to measure supplier capacity systems and ability to identify sources of supply, market trends and pricing. Is able to shape and influence agreements with requisitioning units and vendors. Has ability to apply technical expertise to resolve a range of complex and/or sensitive issues/problems. Is able to develop procurement policies, procedures and new programmes. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; ensures that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches tasks to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, commerce, law, engineering, architecture, civil engineering, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Professional certification in supply chain such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required. Evidence of such certification must be uploaded as part of the application.

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience in procurement and contract management is required. Work experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required. Experience working with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable. Work experience with SAP (Umoja) is desirable. At least two years of demonstrated work experience with construction projects, including the procurement of architectural and construction services, is desirable. Demonstrated work experience in managing a team within the United Nations system or another international organization is desirable. Work experience in using e-tendering solutions such as Ariba is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

This temporary position is available for 364 days. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period, will normally be at a staff member’s personal grade and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Payment of Special Post Allowance (SPA) to the post level may be considered after three months subject to certain conditions. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Panama City is classified in the A category (family duty station). Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.