Copenhagen, Denmark
UNOPS HQ Copenhagen
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Within UNOPS, Implementation Practices and Standards (IPS) is responsible for the UNOPS delivery practices. IPS provides thought leadership, standards and oversight as support to the successful delivery of programmes and projects within UNOPS service lines (infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources and financial management services). IPS is comprised of the Infrastructure and Project Management Group and the Procurement Group which aims to reduce organizational risks, improve project performance, and promote excellence across UNOPS projects through the Standards Management Framework; and provides organisational oversight on the application of standards. These Groups also support the positioning of UNOPS in the UN system and development sector in Infrastructure, Project Management and Procurement.
The Portfolio support unit which aims at supporting the organisational readiness of UNOPS and therefore support the implementation of the UNOPS global portfolio. It also provides support services to the Implementation Practices and Standards function.
IPS is also hosting the Knowledge Management corporate initiative.
Background information – Portfolio Support
Portfolio Support (PS) is a business unit within the Implementation Practices and Standards function which aims at (a) supporting aspects of the organisational readiness of UNOPS, and (b) providing support to the IPS operations.
Organisational Readiness
The PS team supports the UNOPS global portfolio by building up and managing corporate retainers rosters and long term agreements to supplement existing resources in order to implement the corporate strategy and address the needs of the donors. The organisational readiness is focused primarily on UNOPS mandate in infrastructure, project management and procurement and aims to cover the needs of the Regional Portfolios at both opportunity development and project start-up levels, as well as on an ad-hoc basis, including emergency response to crisis. The UNOPS organisational readiness shall be aligned with the business plans of the regional portfolios.
Support to IPS operations
Portfolio Support provides timely support to IPS on operational aspects and take a coordination function in the areas of Human Resources (HR), general Administration, Communication, Finance and Procurement by working in close relationship with other Headquarter (HQ) units, notably the Shared Services Center (SSC). The PS team also manages the Project of the Year Award (POTYA). In addition, the PS team includes a compliance function to support transparent and efficient management of IPS overall.
Under the overall supervision of the Portfolio Support Manager, the Procurement Specialist has a primary focus on the development and management of the procurement aspects of the organisational readiness. S/he is responsible for the development of strategic and effective global services in infrastructure, project management and procurement advisory services in support to the UNOPS global portfolio through the use of long-term service agreements.
More specifically, the Procurement Specialist will contribute to the UNOPS organisational readiness by being responsible for (a) analyzing the regional portfolio needs and priorities in terms of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) primarily in Infrastructure, Project Management, Procurement services and secondarily in Transactional Services and (b) building up and maintaining/managing such LTAs and other contract instruments relevant to the business unit.
In addition, the Procurement Specialist will (c) support the procurement planning and management activities of the IPS. S/he will notably guide and support the IPS work package managers for all procurement activities; therefore contributing that the IPS procurement activities reflect international public procurement best practices and are compliant with UNOPS sustainable procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedures.
S/he is expected to identify the best sourcing and sollication approach in response to a wide spectrum of needs and issues identified from the UNOPS global portfolio; as well as propose an efficient and appropriate course of action to enable the procurement of innovative services. The role requires good understanding and knowledge of public (and ultimately UNOPS) procurement policy and processes as well as strong contract management skills, the ability to deal with complex organizational structures,and the ability to analyse the needs and supply market to prepare business cases for procurement actions
Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Procurement Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in IPS. The Procurement Specialist works in close collaboration with the Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) Procurement team, an integrated support services and advisory function of UNOPS, to successfully build and manage the needed LTAs.
The Procurement Specialist owns various tasks as outlined and assigned in PS’s annual work plan, ensuring timely delivery of and reporting on progress against the work plan.
1. Organisational Readiness
Support the further development of an available resource of services LTAs and other contracts as applicable to supplement UNOPS internal engagement implementation capacity:
- Conduct the consultation process with the relevant stakeholders, including the regions and HQ units, to assess the needs against the regional business plans and the current status and inventory of UNOPS services LTAs (and other contracts as applicable).
- Analyze the gaps against various key indicators and identify the priority areas for the building / further development of regional and global services LTAs (and other contracts as applicable).
- Contribute to the process of mapping and associated planning and prioritization for improving a corporate availability of implementation services Long Term Agreements (LTAs), with a primary focus in infrastructure, project management and procurement services, but to be eventually extended to all UNOPS service lines if demand exists.
- Identify the procurement policy, processes and tools enablers and challenges and contribute to enable an environment favorable to an effective implementation of the LTA aspects of the UNOPS corporate readiness.
- In close collaboration with the IPAS procurement team and the technical experts in the HQ business units, manage the procurement processes to prioritize and develop regional/global services LTAs, building up on the existing internal capacity.
- Provide supply-market intelligence and analysis matching the business needs, prepare business cases, and collaborate with the IPAS Procurement team to choose the appropriate sourcing and solicitation methods, including alternative methods to enable procurement of innovation; contribute to the draft/review of the tenders with associated documents, participate in evaluations when applicable.
- Act as the focal point for the LTAs developed under the organisational readiness work plan; manage the performance and the use of the LTAs, using the UNOPS contract management tool, and other database and performance dashboard as appropriate, and ensure that the awarded suppliers deliver against the established quality standards.
- Generate, maintain and analyze data on trends, risks and opportunities in relation to the use the organisational readiness LTAs; notably taking into consideration sustainability aspects.
- Develop dashboards or other data visualization tools in collaboration with the Media and Communications Analyst to facilitate the reporting to management.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the LTAs, in close collaboration with the various stakeholders.
- Measure and analyze the use and impact of the LTAs developed to support the UNOPS Global portfolio and propose necessary adjustments against the business needs.
2. IPS Procurement activities
Support the procurement planning and management activities of the IPS:
- Lead the development and implementation of the IPS annual procurement strategy and planning, with quarterly review and adjustments, and covering sourcing, solicitation, goods/services timely delivery and supplier performance management.
- Guide and support the IPS work package managers for all procurement activities so that IPS procurement activities reflect international public procurement best practices and are compliant with UNOPS sustainable procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedures.
- Work in close relationship with the IPS requesters to develop the business cases and advise on the requirements definition and pre-solicitation activities in order to achieve the intended results. Support the justification of the use of exceptions where appropriate.
- Provide supply-market intelligence and analysis matching the business needs, as needed.
- Support the inclusion of sustainability aspects and promote innovation in the IPS procurement activities.
- Support the review of the tenders from the requester’s perspective.
- Support the optimal management of contracts and contractors through supplier and contract performance management against agreed benchmarks and through agreed reporting mechanisms.
- Contribute to the draft of the tenders with associated documents and participate in evaluations when applicable.
- Support management answer to audit reports, when necessary.
- Perform other related duties as required.
3. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
- Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on areas of expertise.
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- Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and disseminating best practices in his/her area of work.
- Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and put to use productively.
- Undertake research on a range of issues related to portfolio support and provide content for notes/reports including quarterly and year-end reports for monitoring, statistical and review purposes by management.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education:
- Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Procurement and/or Supply Chain Management, Law, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field is required.
- A first level University degree with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant past experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
Certifications:
- For those who do not have a degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management, Chartered Institute of Supply and Management (CIPS) or similar international Certification, is a distinct advantage.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field of procurement and/or supply chain management are required with a masters.
- Experience working in organizations following public procurement rules and regulations is desirable.
- Knowledge of UN/ /UNOPS Procurement Rules and Regulations is an asset.
- Experience developing and/or managing Long Term Agreements is desirable.
- Experience working with the infrastructure sector is a distinct advantage.
- Experience in multicultural environments, including in developing countries is an advantage.
- Knowledge/experience with Google Suite is an asset.
Languages
- Fluency in English is a requirement.
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish and/or Arabic is an advantage.
Contract type: International ICAContract level: IICA-2Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performanceFor more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Work environment:
IPS offers a unique work environment in UNOPS headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, located in the UN City building, one of Copenhagen’s landmarks. UNOPS HQ offers a safe, family-friendly environment with multiple opportunities for networking and an active lifestyle in a city known for its excellent urban design and planning.
The IPS team is a diverse team in terms of age, nationalities and family situations. The team is inclusive and values social and athletic activities like team breakfast, Friday evening networking or sports such as sailing, climbing, running and squash. IPS is very dynamic and welcomes agility, autonomy and self-drive. The work of IPS is oriented towards exciting opportunities which have a corporate, global impact and is in touch with the whole of UNOPS. UNOPS has a hosting agreement with the Government of Denmark under which both national and international candidates are eligible for HQ-based positions. UNOPS officials are exempt from Danish taxes on UN incomes. EU citizens in particular may opt to be registered with the Danish State Administration as an EU migrant worker, and keep the rights associated with that status, or register through UNOPS with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EU citizens may apply for the free public Danish health insurance or special health card depending on their choice of registration. Non-EU citizens will be registered by UNOPS under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and must purchase their own private health insurance.
IPS is very respectful of the UNOPS approach to work-life balance, including flexible working hours and remote working arrangements. IPS is keen on improving diversity in the team with a current focus on gender equality and equal representation.
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