Associate National Procurement Officer

Job Description

Description

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With the financial support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), represented by the Embassy of Switzerland to Uzbekistan, the UNESCO Tashkent office will be implementing the program "Empowering the government and citizens of Uzbekistan by strengthening access to information, accountability of institutions and media competence".

This program aims to transform Uzbekistan's media landscape by enabling citizens' access to information, reinforcing accountability and the rule of law, improving journalism education, and advancing media literacy in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. It focuses on three key areas: legislation and access to information, media development, and media literacy to enhance government capacity and citizen engagement.

Emphasizing the importance of critical information engagement for both citizens and the government, the program acknowledges that accurate and responsive government information, along with proper legislative norms for mass media activities, are essential. It assists to put in place adequate legislative norms to legalize mass media activities. The program further cooperates with judicial actors and law enforcement bodies and focuses on strengthening the rule of law by developing teaching modules on the importance of freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists as fundamental principles. It develops a set of guidelines and code of conduct on improving relationships between law enforcement officers and media professionals and adopts a communication plan on how to ensure accountability and transparency of police institutions through effective communication with the public. A significant aspect of the program is the development of a media and information literacy strategy, equipping government and citizens with skills to navigate and assess information sources effectively.

The program conducts tailored research, workshops and training in partnership with local organizations, promoting ownership and long-term sustainability. Consultations, conferences and awareness campaigns ensure a diverse range of voices and perspectives are included, fostering a comprehensive understanding of local challenges and opportunities.

Under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Tashkent Office and the direct supervision of the Associate National Project Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for procurement of services and goods of the program "Empowering the government and citizens of Uzbekistan by strengthening access to information, accountability of institutions and media competence", in particular:

Create a comprehensive plan that outlines the procurement requirements and strategies for acquiring goods and services.Prepare invitations to bids, requests for proposals, and requests for quotation based on the advice from the National Project Advisor and the Associate National Project Coordinator and the requirements and cost of procurement involved.Gather information from various internal and external sources on sources of supply, vendors by commodity, and specifications for new products and equipment on the market.Prepare summaries of offers and compile data from quotations, proposals, and bids to determine the supplier that can deliver the required goods/services at the best terms and lowest costs, considering factors such as quality, delivery time, discounts, and transportation costs.In consultation with the Associate National Project Coordinator and following UNESCO's guidelines, contact suppliers and participate in negotiations to establish the terms and conditions of orders.Guide the Program team on all aspects of procurement, including analyzing complex proposals and determining the best approach to serve UNESCO's interests.Conduct mandatory consultations with UNESCO HQ's Procurement Unit (OPS/PRO) on all submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by authorized officials.Complete the necessary documentation for the approval of purchase orders and contracts for services and goods.Assist in review, process and follow-up on actions related to the administration of the program's human resource activities, such as recruitment of international and national consultants/experts, ensuring consistency in the application of UNESCO HR rules and procedures. Follow up performance of experts, monitoring timely submission of deliverables.Address and resolve any issues or discrepancies between purchase orders and the items/quantities shipped or received.Maintain the overall contract management on individual consultancy and companies services and report to the Associate National Project Coordinator on progress. Track the budget related to the procurement of goods and services, including individual consultancy, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures, and making recommendations for fund reallocation, if necessary.Provide information to support audits and external evaluations and respond to audit findings. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Associate National Project Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of Public Procurement, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Law, Engineering, Science or other relevant fields. A first level university degree in the aforementioned fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A professional certification in procurement from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or equivalent.

Work Experience:

Minimum 1 year of relevant professional experience in the field of procurement, contract management, logistics or supply chain management.

Skills and competencies:

Excellent program procurement skills and ability to work in complex programs.Knowledge of UN rules and regulations for procurement.Knowledge of commercial supply sources and of common business and industry practices. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization.Ability to interpret and strictly apply a wide range of procurement and contracting regulations, processes, guidelines, frameworks, standards, and other governance directives. Ability to work independently and within a team.Excellent IT skills.

Languages;

Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English and Uzbek.

Source:

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