Procurement Officer

UN Secretariat; Valencia; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in Valencia, Spain seeks a Procurement Officer to manage end-to-end procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects globally. You will advise requisitioners, oversee tender processes, evaluate bids, and develop strategies that ensure best value for money across diverse services.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement, ICT purchasing, ERP systems ( SAP ) and e-tendering ( Ariba ), and fluency in English and French.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or related field.
• Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience.
• Professional certification in supply chain management (e.g., CIPS Level 4) is required.
• Minimum five years of procurement, contract management, or logistics experience; ICT procurement experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and manage complex global procurement projects for diverse services.
• Advise requisitioners on all procurement stages and guide them through the cycle.
• Prepare and manage tender processes; evaluate bids and select suppliers.
• Formulate strategies for complex projects and oversee contract work programs.
• Negotiate with senior suppliers and sign procurement orders within authorized limits.
• Prepare submissions for higher authorities and oversee contract amendments and extensions.

Skills

Professionalism

Negotiation

Planning & Organizing

Client orientation

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Procurement standards knowledge

Contract law

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

First-level university degree + 2 years experience

CIPS Level 4 certification

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Job description

Organizational context: The Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides comprehensive operational support across the UN Secretariat. The Procurement Division within the Office of Supply Chain Management is mandated to deliver expert procurement services, ensuring value for money through competitive, fair, and transparent processes. This role is situated within the Technology & Infrastructure Support Service (TISS) in Valencia, Spain, reporting to a Team Leader.

Job purpose: The Procurement Officer plays a crucial role in managing the end-to-end procurement and contractual aspects of complex projects, particularly those involving diverse worldwide services such as financial, professional, and corporate support. The position involves advising requisitioning units, guiding them through the entire procurement cycle, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The officer will prepare and oversee tender processes, evaluate bids, and formulate strategies for complex projects. This role contributes to achieving best value for money by ensuring competitive, fair, and transparent procurement practices, supporting UN Headquarters, field missions, and other UN organizations.

Responsibilities: The Procurement Officer is responsible for planning, developing, and managing complex global procurement projects for diverse services, considering local economic conditions. Key duties include advising requisitioners on all procurement stages, preparing and managing tender processes, and evaluating bids. The role involves formulating strategies for complex projects, managing contract work programs, and negotiating with senior suppliers. The officer will sign procurement orders within authorized limits and prepare submissions for higher authorities. Market research, identification of new technologies and suppliers, and oversight of contractual agreements, including amendments and extensions, are also critical. The position requires preparing procurement documentation and providing guidance and supervision to junior staff.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, commerce, engineering, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. A professional certification in supply chain management (e.g., CIPS Level 4) is also required.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of experience in procurement, contract management, or logistics is required. This includes at least two years of experience in procuring Information and Communications Technology (ICT) goods and services and five years in international procurement. Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and e-tendering systems (e.g., Ariba) is mandatory. Desirable experience includes supervising staff, providing client support, and working within public sector procurement processes for international organizations.

Skills: Professionalism, knowledge of international procurement standards and contract law, quantitative analysis for supplier capacity, market trend analysis, ability to influence agreements, technical expertise, planning and organizing, client orientation, and effective communication.

Required languages: English, French

Desired languages: