Background

The Office of Procurement is a part of the Bureau Management Services (BMS), in UNDP providing vital management support in areas such as administrative services, budget and finance, human resources, information and communications technology, legal issues, procurement, safety and security, administration of multi-donor trust funds, change management, and crosscutting business solutions.   Procurement is a fundamental component of UNDP, accounting for nearly 70 percent of UNDP programme delivery. Despite its critical role, procurement as an operational service can be traced back to as recently as 1999, when UNDP transitioned from a developmental funding model to one that included direct execution projects in its portfolio. In the years following this shift in models, UNDP procurement experienced unprecedented growth in terms of its volume and complexity.

Office of Procurement’s mandate includes development and updating of procurement policy, providing procurement advisory and operational support to country offices and HQ units professionalisation of the procurement function. Procurement supports programme delivery in line with UNDP’s Strategic Plan and best practices in public sustainable procurement.  Procurement acts in accordance with rules and regulations, the accountability framework, and ensures appropriate risk management for UNDP.   Office of Procurement is a global team based in UNDP/HQ New York, Copenhagen/Denmark and in Cyberjaya/Malaysia, with additional Regional Procurement Specialists located in each Bureau Hub (Panama, Addis Ababa, Amman, Istanbul and Bangkok).

The Office of Procurement, through its Crisis, Climate and Infrastructure Unit (CCIT), provides direct procurement services to the UNDP Country Offices globally for the supply of specialized vehicles, ambulances, drones, solar solutions, engineering and construction and more.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Procurement Specialist, Team Lead, Crises, Climate and Infrastructure Team (CCIT), the Technical Specialist (Solar PV Systems) will support complex procurement cases requiring specific technical/engineering expertise and support the procurement teams with the establishment of LTAs and evaluation of complex technical bids.   The Technical   Specialist will also be responsible for providing technical input and market knowledge to the strategic direction of the team and supporting the Team Lead in the implementation of Procurement Strategies. The Technical Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

In particular the Specialist will:

• Support complex turnkey solar PV system related projects on behalf of UNDP CO clients, particularly those requiring specific technical/engineering expertise,  construction or design including the development or review of technical specifications, the evaluation of bidders offers, and/or the management of complex contracts with awarded bidders
• Act as primary technical focal point within the CCIT for allocated categories related to renewable energy technology, energy storage, renewable energy appliances, waste conversion and/or biomass.
• Provide technical support to the CCI Team and UNDP COs in relation to procurement requests within the areas of Renewable Energy and Environment, including the development of specifications, clarification of technical queries and technical evaluation of bids
• Identify product categories where CCIT should establish long-term supply agreements and develop a plan for the establishment of contracts
• Conduct supply market analysis for key renewable energy technologies to understand market dynamics, trends, competitiveness of the market, and key suppliers
• Support CCI Team in preparation of RFQs, ITBS, or RFPs,  bids/offers evaluation,  negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations, including the management of logistical and contractual aspects of ongoing procurement cases including vendor performance and contract management
• Reviews procurement requests (ProDoc, Feasibility Study, reports etc.) and liaises with COs/end-users to assess needs and develop detailed technical requirements
• Guide and support CCI Team in drafting tender documents (RFQ, ITB, RFP), technical specifications and evaluation methodologies in compliance with UNDP procurement rules
• Collects technical questions from bidders and prepares responses to be shared with potential bidders
• Leads the technical evaluation of offers, including liaising with bidders and technical evaluation team members
• Contributes in the preparation and reviews submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP)
• Leads project implementation meetings with awarded suppliers and ensures professional project management throughout the project, particularly related to Solar PV systems components of the project
• Carry out missions to client countries prior to or during the implementation of renewable energy projects including conducting feasibility studies, sizing of the solutions, support to installation, etc.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing within CCI Team by organizing trainings and workshops or through the development of knowledge sharing tools
• Sustainable Procurement: Support CCIT with the adoption of sustainability related innovative practices (i.e. reduced packaging, transition towards sea freighted consignments, biodegradable packaging, etc. and develop and apply a methodology to capture impact and effect of these initiatives.
• Manages relevant purchase orders, shipping docs, invoices and payments in accordance with the terms of the contract via UNDP ERP system
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the unit. Accurate analysis and presentation of information strengthens the capacity and accountability of the office and facilitates subsequent action by the supervisor. Timely compilation and presentation of data and information allows proactive decision making leading to implementation of most suitable sourcing and procurement strategies and tools.

Institutional Arrangement:

• The Technical Specialist will be supervised by the Procurement Specialist, Team Lead, Crises, Climate and Infrastructure Team (CCIT)
• The Technical Specialist will manage the team of 2-3 IPSA-9 in the solar PV category simultaneously serving as lead advisor and solar system specialist.

Competencies

Core:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional and Technical:

Procurement – Strategic Sourcing:

• Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Procurement – Category Management:

• Ability to segment spend into areas which contain similar or related products enabling focus opportunities for consolidation and efficiency

Procurement – Data Analysis:

• Ability to extract, analyze and visualize procurement data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making

Procurement – Stakeholder Management:

• Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders

Business Direction and Strategy – System Thinking:

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management – Portfolio Management:

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment.
• Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management

Business Management – Risk Management:

• Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Engineering with specialization in Renewable Energy or other related field (i.e. Science, Technology, etc) is required, OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• CIPS level 4 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 of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant technical experience in designing and/or implementing technical renewable energy solutions in developing countries
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages as well as web-based management systems.
• Experience in excellent writing, research, analysis and presentation skills.
• People Management skills required

Desirable Criteria:

• Work experience from developing countries highly desirable
• Knowledge of UN and/or public procurement procedures and practices is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of UNDP’s ERP systems or similar is a plus

Language(s):

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable.

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.