Procurement Senior Officer

Procurement Senior Officer, Job at The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Ethiopia

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: UNOPS

Deadline: 16-Oct-2025

Job Description

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position: Procurement Senior Officer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

This is a local position, and is hence open to Ethiopian nationals only.

The Procurement Senior Officer is responsible for effective delivery and implementation of strategic and effective procurement services, for a select group of technically complex goods, services and works, within the specific geographical area and/or project. These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.

The incumbent analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement. The work is focused in transactional procurement including all steps of the procurement process. Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Senior Officer promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

The Procurement Senior Officer works in close collaboration with the Support Services, Program and project teams in the relevant geographical area or business unit, UNOPS HQs colleagues and Government officials, to successfully deliver procurement services.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Specialist, the Procurement Senior Officer shall perform the following duties including, but not limited to:

Implementation of transactional procurement
Management of procurement processes
Implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools
Team Management
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. In close cooperation with the Project Managers, under the guidance of a technical supervisor, and reporting to the management on central issues related to procurement activities, implements operational strategies and manages procurement, contract, and sourcing transactions, actions and processes for goods, services, and works, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of assigned procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; internal controls and client orientation.
Implementation of the different steps of the procurement processes, including Pre-Purchasing: Strategy and Planning; Requirements Definition; Sourcing; Purchasing: Solicitation; Management of Submissions; Evaluation; Review and Award; Post Purchasing: Contract finalization and issuance; Logistics; and Contract Management.
Implementation of strategic procurement for projects assigned in the Business Unit.
Research undertaken and data provided for Business Unit’s supply market intelligence and analysis.

2. Manages and guides procurement processes for a select group of technically complex goods, services within a given geographical area and/or Business Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Sustainability embedded along the procurement process.
Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for projects and monitoring of their implementation.
Establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) and/or service contracts and other instruments, when necessary, either through standard or emergency procurement procedures in compliance with the Procurement Policy.
Implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulation.
Awards recommended based on UNOPS procurement rules and procedures.
Management of procurement contracts, analysis of contract performance against agreed benchmarks and pre-established reporting mechanisms.
Advice, remedial actions, or solutions to Programme Managers on procurement issues related to the procurement process and project cycle.

3. Implements sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

Development and management of the rosters of suppliers.
Utilization of-sourcing module in accordance with UNOPS Procurement Groups’ goals and standards in this area.

4.Team management

Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Procurement-related topics.
Contribute to Procurement knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in procurement.
Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Impact of Results

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit/s and project activities in procurement management, impacting the timely availability of effective goods and services for UNOPS’ programmes. Timely, market-aware, and accountable delivery of goods and services, contribute to office performance, efficiency and client satisfaction, which promote the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) or equivalent in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Management, Business/Public Administration or related field is required.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in combination with four (4) years experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Management, Business/Public Administration or related field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement management is required.
Experience in procuring requirements of significant complexity and value is desirable.
Experience in UNOPS procurement work procedure & system. with a range of stakeholders in developing and developed countries is added advantage.
Experience in procuring high-value requirements(experience in establishing long-term supply contracts would be an advantage).
Some experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country, is desirable.

Certification:

CIPS and/or other Procurement Practitioner Certification would be considered a significant asset.

Skills

Contract management two (2) years is required.
Negotiation skill two (2) years is required.
Relationship management skills is an asset.
Experience/knowledge of Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.

Language Requirements: