Background

The Ecotourism Project was launched in March 2021. It is funded by the Russian Federation and implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus (hereinafter – MINREP) with the support of the UNDP Country Office in the Republic of Belarus. The total project duration is 5 years.

The Project aims to increase capacity and embed a mechanism for the implementation of a set of measures for the development and promotion of ecotourism, create necessary methodical framework for the expansion of ecotourism and strategic planning system, brace cooperation between private companies, public environmental agencies and local population.

The Project is implemented in the following four specially protected natural areas (hereinafter – SPNAs), including transboundary with the Russian Federation: “Ozery”, “Naliboksky”, “Krasny Bor” and “Osveysky” located in three regions of the country: Vitebsk, Grodno, and Minsk regions.

The Project will support the above pilot sites with goods, works and services to create new and enhance the competitiveness of existing ecotourism products and services. Goods, works and services will be purchased following the requests of the pilot sites with justification for their acquisition. Requests from the pilot sites will be reviewed and approved by the Project Steering Committee (PSC). UNDP will carry out procurement of goods, works and services for the subsequent transfer to the pilot sites.

The project document is available at https://info.undp.org/docs/pdc/Documents/BLR/PRODOC_signed_ENG.pdf

Duties and Responsibilities

The Procurement Associate will:

• Prepare Procurement Action Plan (PAP) for the Project in a timely and duly manner;
• Conduct quality research of local and international markets for goods, works and services required for the projects’ needs;
• Coordinate with national partners and project experts’ specifications of products, equipment and services for project components;
• Organize procurement processes, including preparation and conduct of requests for quotation (RFQs), nvitations to bid (ITBs), requests for proposal (RFPs), receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations for submission to the UNDP CO;
• Organize procurement of services of local and international consultants and experts, if necessary;
• Ensure control over proper delivery of goods and services procured under the project to the project beneficiaries;
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Procurement – Data analysis – Ability to extract, analyse and visualize procurement data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making

Procurement -Data management – Knowledge of processing, storing, and validating procurement data

Procurement – Contract management – Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Procurement –  Procurement management – The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source

Procurement –  Procure-to-Pay –  Knowledge of purchase-to-pay cycles, concepts, principles and policies, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Procurement  – Sourcing – Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services

Business Management  –  Customer Satisfaction/ClientManagement – Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary education.

University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Public Administration, International Relations, Logistics, Marketing, Economics, Management will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

CIPS level 2 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor´s degree) of experience in procurement is required.

Desired skills:

• Previous experience with UN system;
• Previous experience in supply or procurement
• Previous experience in development Projects is a strong asset
• Advanced knowledge of MS software packages (Excel, MS Word, Power Point etc.);

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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