Closing date: Friday, 30 January 2015

HEAD OF THE PROCUREMENT SECTION (WIPO/14/P5/FT0132)

11 January 2015

Vacancy Announcement No: WIPO/14/P5/FT0132

Title: HEAD OF THE PROCUREMENT SECTION

Grade: P5

Appointment/Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment

Duration: two years

Publication Date: 16 December 2014

Application Deadline: 30 January 2015

Organizational Unit: Procurement Section

Procurement and Travel Division, Administration and Management Sector

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Post Number: G657 / 10000941

Organizational Context

The post is located in the Procurement Section of the Procurement and Travel Division, Administration and Management Sector. The Division aims to provide responsive, effective and quality procurement services and business advice, while achieving the best value for money and ensuring a fair, competitive and transparent process in accordance with sound procurement principles.

The Section is responsible for the procurement of general supplies, equipment, furniture, consumables and professional services provided by private commercial entities to support WIPO's various programs in Geneva and in WIPO Member States, and for carrying out tendering processes and establishing and administering contractual agreements.

The Head of the Procurement Section plays a key role in the management of WIPO's procurement processes and operations to ensure a strategic, customer-focused, results-oriented and cost-effective response to the procurement-related needs of the Organization in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Division and coordinates, organizes and supervises the work of the Section.

Main duties

• Lead, plan, control and monitor the section's work, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion and timely and quality delivery of work products in accordance with the results-based management framework. Prepare, monitor and control program and budget for the Section and submit proposals for workplans and activities in conformity with defined outcomes, objectives and key performance indicators.
• Manage and coach staff and evaluate and monitor individual and team operational performance levels; provide advice and guidance on professional development opportunities to enhance procurement competencies.
• Continuously review procurement processes to identify opportunities for improvements. Address audit recommendations. Ensure that fraud risks are identified and appropriate action is taken towards fraud prevention and detection. Draft contributions to strategic planning and policy documents and program performance reports.
• Manage the receipt and consolidation of goods and services requests that are acquired through long-term agreements and standard contracts. Prepare or support preparing recommendations on procurement plans, oversee the processing of tenders including publication, evaluation and contract award in compliance with the prevailing legal framework. Participate in the Contract Review Committee.
• Ensure that the Procure to Pay process is used in an efficient and compliant manner, and make recommendations for development and implementation of enhancements.
• Participate in direct commercial negotiations and communication with suppliers.
• Control and oversee the maintenance of contracts management documentation, information and records, contracts, tenders and bids, suppliers and claims information, ensuring their accuracy and confidentiality at all times.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with internal and external stakeholders, participate in and provide expert advice to project teams established to manage specific procurement projects.
• Leverage WIPO procurement activities through the UN system by conducting or participating to common UN tenders, or participating in meetings dealing with procurement, especially those organized by the Common Procurement Activity Group in Geneva, and represent WIPO in other inter-agency meetings as required.
• (Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

WIPO Core Competencies

• Communicating effectively.
• Respecting individual and cultural differences.
• Showing team spirit.
• Managing yourself.
• Producing results.
• Embracing change.
• Respecting ethics and values.

WIPO Managerial Competencies

• Creating a stimulating work environment.
• Planning and managing resources.
• Promoting change, innovation and learning.
• Building and promoting partnerships.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential

• Advanced university degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Commerce or a related discipline.
• A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

Essential

• At least 12 years' experience in a procurement-related role including extensive experience gained internationally and in managing procurement staff.

Desirable

• Experience in a procurement management role in an international public organization.
• Experience in delivering change management projects.
• Experience with results-based management.

Skills

Essential

• Excellent knowledge of procurement methods and best practice.
• Good knowledge of international contract law;
• Excellent managerial, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work under tight deadlines and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to cultivate innovation and manage change; proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results.
• Ability to represent the Organization and to provide authoritative advice and guidance.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet and the ability to quickly adapt to new software.

Desirable

• Knowledge of UN or international public procurement policies, procedures and operations.
• Knowledge of contract law in a European context.

Languages

Essential

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and, preferably, good knowledge of French.

Desirable

• Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Annual salary

(Net of tax)

80,887 USD

87,069 USD (with primary dependants)

Post adjustment

93.1 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

Additional Information

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance. No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement is available in English only.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.4.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.

Please refer to WIPO's Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Applications from qualified women candidates are encouraged.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

Initial appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical examination.

Not applicable for interns and to Individual Contractual Service subscribers.

For further instructions regarding the online application process, please visit the WIPO internet page at: http://www.wipo.int/erecruitment/en/