Back Procurement Officer

Organizational Setting
The Procurement Service (CSLP) provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations and the Letter of Agreement Quality Assurance function both at headquarters and in FAO Decentralized Offices; it provides policy and operational support to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on \"Best Value for Money\" principles.
The post is located in CSLP and based in the FAO Representation in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.

Reporting Lines
The Procurement Officer reports to the Senior Procurement Officer or 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 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 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.
•    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 provides 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 requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle including preparation of tender's evaluation criteria, meeting objectives under tight deadline.
•    Prepares solicitation process, identifies method of solicitation, prepares tendering documents, distributes invitations to tender and conducts all aspects of bid/proposals evaluations as well as 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 and Headquarters Procurement Committees as appropriate.
•    Participates in and conducts site inspections, bidder conferences, and contract negotiations, as necessary.
•    Conducts market research to keep abreast of market developments, research 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's rules and regulations.
•    Identifies and makes initial determinations and recommendations concerning disputes or claims arising out of procurement actions.
•    Organizes and participates in, as appropriate, local tender opening panels and the Local Procurement Committee (LPC).
•    Coordinates with forwarding agents relating to custom clearance, packing, and shipment of goods and maintains logistics records of such procurement-related activities.

Minimum Requirements
•    Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, business/public administration, finance economics, commerce, marketing or a related field.
•    Seven years of relevant experience in procurement related activities including at least three years of supervisory experience.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationship
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
•    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.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Arabic is considered a strong asset.
•    Knowledge of procurement-related IT tools and systems (i.e. enterprise resource planning, inventory management, procurement, database management applications, etc.).