Reporting Lines
The Procurement Officer reports to the Regional Procurement Officer in the Regional Office for Africa (RAF-CSLP) for functional and policy guidance and administratively to the highest-ranking Officer in the duty station.

Technical Focus
Procurement of goods, works and services and quality assurance for Letters of Agreement in compliance with FAO’s rules and regulations.

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 manages all procurement and contractual aspects of significant complexity;
• Advises requisitioning units on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage 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;
• 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 and related tools, provides procurement reporting as well as clarification/information for auditing purposes;
• 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 ERP and related systems;
• Makes initial determinations and recommendations concerning disputes or claims arising from contractual instruments or procurement processes;
• Prepares monitoring reports, reviews and analyses data and make recommendations based on findings;
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions
• Undertakes the Buyer function in conformity with FAO’s rules and regulations;
• Reviews Letters of Agreement in conformity with the Quality Assurance function as set forth in 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 maintain logistics records of such procurement-related activities.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in law, business/public administration, economics, commerce or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in procurement related activities with at least two in public procurement;
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of Spanish.

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

Technical/Functional Skills
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French or Spanish and demonstrated ability to draft complex documents in either these languages is considered a strong asset.
• 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 recommendations.
• Extent and relevance of experience in identifying clients’ procurement-related needs and in providing support and guidance from clients’ point of view.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
GENERAL INFORMATION

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.