Procurement and Contracting Officer

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
Vacancy number: VNSECP01540
Vacancy type: International Contracted
Field of expertise: Procurement
Grade: P3
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Vienna
Date of issue: 17 June 2020
Deadline for application: 16 July 2020 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions. The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is responsible for managing the material and financial resources of the Organization. The objective of DMF is to provide efficient and effective management of non-staff resources in support of OSCE programmatic activities. It provides policy guidance on the management of OSCE financial and material resources and develops and maintains OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules and Financial Administrative Instructions. DMF consists of Budget and Finance Services, Mission Support Section, Information and Communication Technology Section and the Information Security and Co-ordination Unit. Mission Support Section provides the working framework for OSCE's procurement and contracting assets, logistics, transport, travel and facilities management activities. It also acts as the policy development and co-ordination point for resource administration in the OSCE's Executive Structures in relation to these activities, including providing on-site assistance and technical training programmes.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Procurement and Contracting Unit, as Procurement and Contracting Officer, you will perform the following functions: Planning, developing and managing all aspects of procurement and contract projects of significant complexity related to worldwide procurement of diverse services and commodities, while taking into account local economic and other conditions; Preparing and distributing invitations to tender and following-up on the replies; evaluating quotations and recommending the selection of most suitable suppliers; Developing and formulating strategies and plans for complex and intricate procurement cases; ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place; Participating in negotiations with representatives of suppliers; signing purchase orders up to the authorized value and preparing case presentations for submission to the Materials Management Committees; Advising requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues; providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement process; Managing the contracting elements of procurement operations for the OSCE Secretariat Fund; drafting, negotiating and concluding contracts for the supply of goods and services, and obtaining clearance from Legal Services as required; Providing advice on contractual issues to procurement staff in field operations as and when required; Establishing and maintaining the work program and schedules for on-going and newly-planned contracts; periodically examining contracting practices and procedures of other international organizations and recommending areas for improvement; Overseeing adherence to contractual agreements; recommending amendment or extension of contracts; advising all concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations; Providing training on contract-specific issues; Performing other related duties as required. For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications

		First-level university degree in law, preferably with specialization in commercial law; additional training or certification in procurement is desirable; A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in procurement and contracting operations; Experience and familiarity with the procurement policies and procedures of other international organizations is an asset; Knowledge and experience on complex policy revision exercises relating to procurement and commercial contracting related internal policies is an asset; Knowledge and experience of modern procurement trends such as sustainable and social responsible procurement criteria is an advantage; Knowledge and experience in the procurement and contracting role in the prevention of trafficking of human beings and modern slavery is desirable; Professional fluency in English; knowledge of other OSCE working languages would be an asset; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity; Computer literacy with practical experience with Microsoft applications.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,544, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System. Please note that appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

How To Apply

		If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. Only those applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted. Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years. Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.