Procurement Group

The purpose of the Procurement Group is to lead and develop the organization’s procurement strategy and practice. The core functions are to:

a. Articulate procurement policies and processes; enable operationalization and managerial oversight through appropriate systems and reports; provide corporate advice and guidance; and strengthen the knowledge, skills and career development of procurement practitioners.

b. Enable UNOPS procurement of goods and services in a transparent, accountable and efficient manner in order to execute the organization’s business strategy.

c. Identify and develop opportunities for the provision of procurement services for partners and ensure appropriate modalities for service delivery.

 

UNOPS 2022-2025 Strategic Plan includes an ambition of reducing UNOPS climate footprint, as part of the UN global priority of combating climate change. The CEB-approved UN Sustainability Strategy (UNSS) 2020-2030 places a similar expectation on UN system agencies, with a view of aligning to the IPCC emission reduction targets. In line with the new objective to significantly reduce its emissions by 2030, UNOPS is looking at scaling up its emission reduction activities and is recruiting a “Climate Specialist” to join its team. The UNOPS Climate Action Programme and UNOPS Climate Strategy require different resources to contribute to its implementation and maintenance. The Climate Specialist will be expected to support the organisation’s commitment predominantly in the area of mitigation (particularly supply chain emissions) and adaptation activities.

The Climate Specialist will join the Climate Action Programme as part of the Procurement Group in UNOPS Headquarters in Copenhagen; and will report to the Climate Action Programme Manager (primary) and Procurement Group Director (secondary).

Due to the nature of the job, the selected candidate may be requested to travel to field offices, and to other off-site events if and when relevant.

The Climate Specialist will form part of the UNOPS Climate Action Programme (CAP) and support the efforts in corporate and project-related climate mitigation and adaptation objectives. The Climate Specialist will work within the Procurement Group (while supporting other UNOPS units under the CAP mandate) and be responsible for facilitating the implementation of the climate action plan and road map responsible for and including the following:

1. Climate Action Planning and Strategy Implementation:

• Manage the implementation of the “Scope 3 contribution Climate Action Plan (CAP)” to UNOPS climate action/activities, through the development of appropriate pathways for targeted reduction in value chain emissions.
• Review and further develop the methodology and high-level assessment to establish a baseline of UNOPS scope 3 emissions, confirm materiality and approach aligned with targeted reduction at a corporate procurement level and for provisions at a project level.
• Design and develop UNOPS GHG report expanded to value chain (Scope 3).
• Develop Progressive management approaches in the value chain (scope 3).
• Develop practical guidance for GHG reduction in UNOPS infrastructure, procurement and supply chain.
• While working with the appropriate stakeholders:

1. Identify policy improvements for the consideration of mandatory requirements within project strategy and design.
2. Develop suitable climate-related sustainable procurement criteria for procurement (supply chain) activities.’
3. Develop appropriate guidance on how to consider and implement climate related actions and activities.
4. Establish a suitable monitoring, evaluation and reporting approach to fulfill the commitments and expectations of corporate and project activities.

• Develop pilots to trial new criteria and approaches with country offices, project teams, partners and/or other stakeholders.
• Provide technical climate support to country offices, project teams, partners and/or other stakeholders.

2. Capacity Building and Training:

• Lead, in collaboration with key stakeholder and respective teams, the development of communication material in various shapes and formats to reach diverse audiences with information on climate, and on the CAP activities
• Lead, in collaboration with key stakeholder and respective teams, the development of training materials and knowledge tools to upskill and inform UNOPS internal stakeholders.
• Conduct Project-related Capacity Development and Training (for Procurement, Infrastructure and other value-chain emissions)

3. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Supervise and coordinate the work of the Climate Analyst supporting the CAP.
• Collaborate with other UNOPS experts and other relevant stakeholders on climate projects in the climate project group, Infrastructure and Project Management Group, the climate mission hubs and other relevant projects.
• Promote communications and knowledge sharing around climate and sustainable supply chains.
• Contribute to UNOPS knowledge management by capturing case studies and best practice examples of climate-related activities throughout UNOPS.
• Act as secretariat to the CAP Programme Board.

 

EDUCATION:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in climate science, logistics, humanitarian development, engineering, supply chain, environmental sustainability, sustainable procurement, international development; or a relevant field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned areas or related field with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

EXPERIENCE:

5 years of combined experience across the following areas:

• emission reduction and CO2 emissions calculations;
• scope 3 accounting methodologies;
• carbon footprint (scope 3 emissions) reduction strategies;
• capacity building, training or learning on climate change subjects.

– Minimum of 1 year experience of past supervisory experience is required (within the total 5 years)
– Minimum of 6 months experience in working with climate reporting processes (within the total 5 years)

The following knowledge/experience will be considered as an asset:

• Knowledge of organisational processes and systems that support monitoring and reporting for environmental management, and GHG emissions is highly desirable.
• Experience in the UN system organisations, preferably in a developing country, is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience working in complex, multi-faceted organizations on issues related to supply chain, procurement policy and operational sustainability is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and oral English is a requirement
• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage

 

Contract type: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Contract level: IICA-2 (ICS-10)
Contract Duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For 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 UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 

 

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.