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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Hope

Background and Strategic Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does in programmes, in advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions, her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. WASH is one of the basic social service and advocacy programme areas that UNICEF supports in Sudan towards fulfilling the rights, development, and protection of vulnerable children.

In response to the current crisis in Sudan, the WASH delivery model has been heavily dependent on partnerships with CSOs, making this position strategically crucial in the sector. However, UNICEF is diversifying its implementation modalities to the private sector through direct implementation, mainly for the construction and consultancy services. The Logistics and Supply Section plays a critical role in supporting UNICEF’s mission by ensuring the timely and efficient procurement of supplies and services that are essential for programme implementation. Effective contract management is crucial to maintain transparency, accountability, and value for money in all procurement activities.

How can you make a difference? 

Summary of Key Functions and Accountabilities

The Contract Officer (WASH) reports to the Contract Manager (Level 4) for supervision. The contract officer provides technical, operational, and management assistance throughout the procurement with a particular focus on the WASH procurements. The contract officer reviews the ToRs, initiates the contracts, and arranges the necessary documents for the CRC approvals through a variety of technical and administrative tasks.

1. Procurement and Contract Management

• Undertake local procurement of supplies and services in accordance with UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, SD Manual, and other applicable procurement procedures. 
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• Undertake local procurement of supplies and services in accordance with UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, SD Manual, and other applicable procurement procedures.
• With particular focus on WASH projects, undertake a review of Specifications/TOR/evaluation criteria and provide feedback and guidance to requestors to ensure that clear, complete specifications/TOR/evaluation criteria are available for tendering.  Advise on the need for a pre-bid meeting and, if required, lead the preparation, meeting, and writing/distribution of minutes.
• Ensure that adequate vendors are available for issuance of ITB/RFP.  If required, undertake a market survey and update the database with new supplier information. 
• Lead the evaluation process related to ITB/RFP.  Provide advice and guidance throughout the evaluation process and for RFP lead negotiations if required.
• Provide necessary inputs to CRC submission and arrange CRC meetings in a timely manner in collaboration with the Supply Chief.  Following the CRC meeting, draft minutes for signature and relevant signatures.
• Once CRC approval is provided, raise obligating documents in VISION and coordinate with the supplier for the signature of the contract/PO.
• Monitor the LTA plan in coordination with the Supply Specialist to undertake subsequent extensions or retendering of LTA requirements.
• Draft the contracts and make sure they are signed by the responsible authorities, suppliers, contractors, and consultants.
• Any other duties or assignments as requested.

2. Advisory Services and Technical Support

• Provide necessary inputs to CRC submission and arrange CRC meetings in a timely manner in collaboration with the contract manager.
• Following the CRC meeting, draft minutes and CRC documents for relevant signatures.
• Once CRC approval is provided, raise obligating documents in VISION and coordinate with the supplier for the signature of the contract/PO.
• Provide technical advice to programme staff on procurement-related matters.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF procurement policies and procedures.

3. Programme Management and Monitoring

• Monitor LTA contracts and plan new LTA in coordination with the contract manager and WASH Manager to undertake subsequent extensions or retendering of LTA requirements.
• Track procurement timelines and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all procurement actions and contracts.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement activities and contract status.

4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

• Support the capacity building of staff on procurement processes and procedures.
• Document lessons learned and best practices in procurement and contract management.
• Contribute to knowledge management within the Supply section.

5. Humanitarian Procurement Preparedness

• Support emergency procurement when required.
• Ensure familiarity with UNICEF’s procedures for responding to procurement emergencies.
• Maintain a roster of suppliers, consultants, and contractors for emergency response.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToR - TA - POST- NoB Contracts Officer (WASH) (Khartoum) AO.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: University degree in Business Administration, management, supply chain, procurement or related field.
• Work Experience:
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of Supply, contracts, and procurement.
• Experience with UN procurement systems is an asset.
•  
• Skills:
• Good Competence in the Supply aspects of ERP/VISION.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office package, in particular Excel and Word, with a sound knowledge of Excel-based analytical tools.
• Good judgment, initiative, a high sense of responsibility, tact, and discretion.
• Good negotiating and writing skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English required. Knowledge of the Arabic language is an asset.

Desirables:

• Master’s degree or advanced diploma in procurement or supply chain is beneficial.
• Professional certification like CIPS, CIPM etc are highly required
• Strong analytical skills for procurement scenarios Using data analysis tolls ike excel power Bi etc
• Evidence of soft skills negotiating and building strong relationships with vendors

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.