Summary
Date Posted: Monday, October 03, 2022 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Procurement Assistant
Overview
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Organizational Setting
Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.
The position is located in the FAO Representation in Lusaka, Zambia.

Main Purpose
The Procurement Assistant supports and coordinates day-to-day procurement operations, including specialized processes and functions, ensuring consistency, timeliness and conformity with relevant rules, procedures and practices. He/she provides procedural guidance to clients and staff across the Organization regarding procurement rules and procedures.
Supervision Received/Exercised
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), the Procurement Assistant is responsible for the day-to-day operations in conformity with the relevant rules, procedures and practices of the Organization. Work is performed applying initiative and judgement. The incumbent may coordinate the work of other procurement support staff. Supervision/guidance received is focused on the appropriateness of actions and the quality of work outputs.
Working Relationships
The incumbent works closely with a wide range of colleagues both within the work unit, with client offices and with suppliers, providing the full range of procurement support services.
Key Functions/Results
• Perform and as necessary coordinate all procurement actions related to the assigned area of responsibility: retrieve purchase requisitions, enter potential suppliers/ contractors into relevant systems, prepare all documents related to the procurement action including tender documents, issuance of Purchase Orders, Service Orders, simple contracts, amendments and renewals, handle all related incoming and outgoing correspondence and documentation; inform the supervisor of the status and any issues, problems and discrepancies;
• Follow-up on purchase orders and contracts: monitor receipt of order confirmation, shipment and receipt of goods and services, receipt of performance bonds or other necessary documentation;
• Plan, organize and coordinate delivery schedules involving contact with international suppliers, domestic/international transportation companies, and Italian customs for international and national merchandise to FAO;
• Review invoices of incoming goods and custom’s clearance fees for accuracy; bring to the supervisor’s attention any discrepancies which may arise, prior to processing the payment;
• Identify potential sources of supply for goods and services required;
• Maintain database records regarding procurement actions undertaken, assigned tenders, purchase orders and contracts;
• Prepare and review periodic monitoring reports, taking action as instructed;
• Provide advice and support to other Procurement Assistants and to clients across the Organization on procurement procedures, regulations and the use of the ERP Procurement Modules;
• Perform other duties as required.
Impact Of Work
The incumbent’s work impacts on the quality, timeliness and efficiency of FAO’s procurement operations.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Education: Secondary School Education.
Work Experience and Knowledge: Four years of experience in administrative, accounting and/ or procurement support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English. IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office package, Internet and office technology equipment.
Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. “Commuting distance” means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Technical Skills
• Very good knowledge of the corporate computerized financial/travel/procurement/human resources systems.
• Very good knowledge of standard procurement regulations and procedures.
• Desirable Qualifications And Skills
• Knowledge of another FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) will be considered an advantage.

Education Requirement: No Requirements

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Job application procedure
To apply for this job please visit jobs.fao.org

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