Purpose for the job: 

Given the complexity and fluid operating environment as well as the increased scale of procurement of Institutional services the Contracts Manager under the supervision of the Chief of Supply and Logistics (P5) will manage contracting for Institutional services of complex nature and impactful that require strong professional technical expertise and extensive hands-on experience in support of Operations and Programme activities. It will also regularly be the OIC to the Chief of Supply and Logistics at P5 level as Kyiv is an RnR duty station. When the P5 is abolished effective 01.01.2026 this position will also become head of section.

The incumbent will be accountable for effective planning, contracting, procurement and

monitoring of end-to-end of all institutional service contracts for the Country Office, and coordinate all aspects of the contracting processes including establishment of performance indicators, and assessment of fit for purpose of services.

The Contracts Manager will provide technical leadership in the implementation of

the procurement and/or contracts strategy for services based on informed risk

assessment analysis and assumptions; they will ensure that contract plan of actions is

established and implemented (establishment of relevant LTAs and frame agreements).

There are variety of risks faced during the procurement process (cross cutting risks and

risks in every phase and stage of the process) which need the involvement in risk

assessment and planning practical management and operational measures. To manage

and ensure the best value for money and mitigate risks, creation of a Contracts Specialist

is needed as there is a clear trend and strategic shift from donor funding for delivery of

goods to demand for more complex and high-value infrastructural projects, and/or

highly technical institutional services in the new ADP document.

III. Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks: 

Supervise and manage effective procurement, local and/or offshore, with a goal to provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply needs and situations facing children and families.. 

Responsible for leading a group of professionals and support staff.  Establishes work plans and priorities, monitor achievements and evaluates performance of staff.

Participates in the negotiation of MOUs, ensuring compliance of the request with global procedures and policy.   

Srategically lead the rapid and relevant procurement support and guidance, with a priority on

achieving value for money, to internal customers from Country Office

Establish close collaboration with programme sections through involvement in

programme planning, and preparation for implementation of supply components as well

as monitoring and evaluation. Establish accountability framework with

programmes, for delivery of results for children.

Analyze supply spend and establish procurement strategies based on category

management to focus on strategic, essential supplies and services that contribute to

results for children, including establishment of long-term agreements (LTAs) where

relevant.

Provide continuous and updated guidance on procurement for services activities to all

internal customers as required and advise on the most appropriate procurement

strategy.

Lead procurement planning through coordination with internal customers.

Provide technical support in preparation of appropriate documents, and input on

specifications, on procurement of fundraising services, facilitating cost-effective and

efficient procurement.

Provide proactive procurement leadership review ongoing and future procurement

requirements.

Analyze supply dashboards, implementation rates of key performance indicators and

supply information/data from various systems and conduct root cause analysis of supply

chain bottlenecks and challenges, with a view to drive

improvements and ensure efficient and effective supply chains for children. ·

Collaborate efficiently and effectively with all members of the procurement team to

maximize the outputs of the team and achieve the unit’s objectives.

Ensure appropriate vendor management practices e.g., supply performance reviews are

established and applied.

Engage in high level emergency coordination, implementation and monitoring

meetings with internal and external partners and establish close collaboration with

Procurement Working Group.

Prepare and issue international tenders, manage 2-stage RFP evaluation process and

tabulate results in a comparison matrix.

Manage bidding processes using UNICEF web tendering tool, and orienting service providers/suppliers on the use of the tool.

Prepare Contracts Review Committee (CRC) submissions for orders above the CRC

threshold and present the cases to the CRC committee for review and approval.

Develop and prepare complex contracts for procurement of both once-off and longterm

requirements for routine and non-routine services.

Effectively manage ongoing long-term contracts for provision of goods and services to

ensure that service provider/supplier’s performance is within stated service

levels.

Secure compliance with established UNICEF Financial rules & regulations to maintain the

highest level of integrity, standards, and accountability:

Ensure a procurement plan is prepared and updated for each Section.

Ensure that contracts are in place because of competitive bidding exercises, in a timely

manner and in accordance with UNICEF Financial rules & regulations and

procurement guidelines and processes.

Maintain effective working relations and contact with the Supply Division, Copenhagen,

to confer on procurement policies, procedures, and guidance. Advise

the internal customers on policies and procedures.

Ensure that effective support to UNICEF and Government capacity-building efforts are

provided to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery.

Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF's staff/consultants and counterparts in

supply management, customs clearance, distribution and inventory management of

supplies and equipment in order to maximize supply delivery.

Provide effective coaching to the staff/consultants as required.

Promote/drive supply chain strengthening and change management initiatives with

governments and partners, to ensure efficient and effective supply chains for

children.

Promote critical thinking, innovative approaches, and good practices on supply chain

management within the organization as well as with externals to ensure effective and

efficient supply chains for children.

Provide advice to the Country Office, Government and implementing partners on

offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of

UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on

supply policy and/or activities.

Provide supply input to donor dialogue, and support development of supply of cash

services components of proposals to donors including budgeting and use of innovative

financing mechanisms for supplies and services.

Support assessment of and collaboration with implementing partners including civil

society, establishment of Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), and monitoring

of supply components under Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).

Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with Government, UN

organizations and bilateral counterparts in contracting for services activities including

harmonized and collaborative procurement

IV. Impact of Results

The ability of the Contracts Manager to successfully plan, manage and oversee the

effective and efficient supply chain management of goods and services for UNICEF

Sudan, directly impact on programme goals and results for children. This in turn

contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility of UNICEF as an effective and

responsible manager of funds entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEF

image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable program

results for children.

This job profile contributes to delivery of quality services / goods to the right holders. It is

expected to prevent risks of delay, hazard caused by poor service, reputation damage etc. in line with procurement strategies, including quality and end to end supply chain

performance objectives and monitoring. Efficient and effective coordination with

requesting sections, contractors, national and local authorities, UNICEF regional office,

legal office and SD.

V. UNICEF values and competency Required (based on the updated Framework)

i) Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

ii) Core Competencies (For Staff with Supervisory Responsibilities)

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

VI. Recruitment Qualifications 

Education:

An Advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Business Administration, Management,

Economics, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Contract/Commercial

Law, International Development, Health or other related social science field.

Alternatively a relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with two

additional years of experience (10) can be accepted in lieu of an advance degree.

Experience:

A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration and/or

other directly related technical fields is required.

Understanding of development and humanitarian work.

Emergency experience an advantage.

Health supply chain management experience an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in both English and either Ukrainian or Russian is required.