Background

UNDP in Cyprus provides a diverse package of programmatic services to a range of partners which contribute to building a conducive environment for the peace process. In collaboration with the European Union and other partners, UNDP has earned a reputation as an independent, trusted and experienced partner in the area of peacebuilding, working with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on confidence-building measures, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and supporting the development of environmental, economic and social infrastructure of the island. In particular, the implementation of the confidence-building measures contributes to the building of trust between the two communities while demonstrating to the public at large that the two communities can work together on critical issues that are of importance to all inhabitants of Cyprus. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. The Agreement of 21 March 2008 reached between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), paved the way for the establishment of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH), dedicated to the identification, promotion and protection of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Cyprus. The TCCH is composed of an equal number of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts. The TCCH works to provide a mutually acceptable mechanism for the implementation of practical measures for the proper preservation, physical protection and restoration (including research, study and survey) of the immovable cultural heritage of Cyprus. The TCCH is operating under the UN auspices and its work is an important tool for building confidence between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. The TCCH is supported in its work by an Advisory Board (AB), which was established in 2009 and is composed of archaeologists, architects, art historians and town planners from both communities.   The position of Project Procurement Assistant will provide the procurement and operational support to the project. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Supports procurement processes for projects 

• Preparation and update of procurement plans.
• Conducting market research upon need.
• Organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs, ITPs, or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation and acting as secretary for evaluation panels. 
• Provision of inputs for supplier selection and evaluation criteria, quality and performance measurement mechanisms.
• Preparation of tender evaluation reports.
• Submission of cases to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP).
• Buyer profile in Quantum and use of e-tendering/e-procurement modules.
• Preparation of contracts, vendors and purchase orders (POs).
• Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems.
• Monitoring of project procurement contracts including output based individual contracts. 
• Maintenance of the hardcopy and electronic filing system in the procurement unit. Proper control of the supporting documents and maintain centralized filing system for procurement documents including tenders, reports, bid securities, contracts and purchase orders.
• Handling of local shopping / micro-canvas processes.
• Ensures proper control of project assets, participation to physical verification if appointed and transfer of assets to the beneficiaries/grantees.
• Handling of transportation and import/export formalities of goods ordered for the project(s).
• Other duties as required.

Supports implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
• Provision of inputs to the office procurement business processes mapping and elaboration of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.
• Review of project financial transactions and expenses incurred. 
• Other duties as required.

Support building partnerships:

• Support regular communication with partners, project counterparts, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. 
• Support dissemination of high-quality information and visibility of the project activities among the stakeholders. 

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/ projects staff on procurement.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on procurement.
• Participation in the office committees. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning ofthe Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education  is required. OR
• University degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Economics or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
• CIPS level 2 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application willhave 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 timeof application will have a proportionate advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5)  years (with secondary education) or two (2) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in administration or procurement would be required at the national or international level.

Required Skills:

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet.
• Valid driver’s license is a requirement.

Desired Skills:

• Previous work experience in UNDP is an asset.
• Civil engineering background is desired. 
• Experience in supporting project financial management is an asset. 
• Experience in procurement is an asset.
• Experience in working with multipe stakeholders is an asset.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Greek is required.

Other:

• Nationals or permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible.

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.