IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device. Please note that this call for expression of interest is only intended for candidates who are currently residing in Rome or are living within commuting distance (i.e. within 100 km from Rome). No travel or related expenses are envisaged.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Procurement Service provides advice, guidance and oversight for FAO procurement operations, compliance review and policy support functions both at headquarters and in FAO Decentralized Offices. It establishes the overall procurement strategy to ensure that the Organization procures goods, works and services based on "Best Value for Money" principles. The Procurement Specialist will be located at FAO HQ, Rome, Italy; and will perform a variety of procurement activities aimed to assist headquarters units and field offices requiring specialized procurement support.

Reporting Lines

The Junior Procurement Specialist will work under the general guidance of the Chief, Procurement Service, and under the direct supervision of a Procurement Officer, as appropriate for functional and policy guidance.

Technical Focus

Timely, efficient and effective procurement of goods, works and services in compliance with the relevant FAO Rules and Regulations.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review and analyze procurement related requests and contractual documentation for completeness, compliance and consistency with FAO rules, procedures and procurement policies; liaise with requesting units as required.
• Support the preparation and review of procurement and contractual documents, including tender documentation, evaluation criteria, contracts and amendments.
• Contribute to procurement planning and the development of procurement approaches for goods, services and works, including the identification of risks and mitigation measures.
• Provide analytical, advisory and quality assurance support to headquarters units and decentralized offices on procurement and contracting matters, ensuring consistent application of FAO procurement standards.
• Assist in the review and analysis of requests for ad hoc re delegation of procurement authority and related documentation.
• Support the preparation of internal reports, guidance materials and analyses related to procurement activities, contract monitoring and compliance.
• Assist colleagues in the use of procurement related systems and tools, as required.
• When required, be available to participate in procurement missions in support of decentralized offices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Economics, or a related field. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience in procurement, contracts management, contractual drafting and review, procurement policy support, or related legal and regulatory work within an international organization, development, public sector or relevant private sector environment.
• Full proficiency/working knowledge of English (C1).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Working knowledge of public sector and UN procurement principles, including contractual frameworks, legal compliance requirements and governance standards.
• Ability to provide procurement related support and guidance, with a strong client oriented approach focused on solutions, operational effectiveness and value for money outcomes.
• Good analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to review procurement and related contractual requirements, identify potential legal or compliance related risks, and support the development of appropriate mitigation measures
• Familiarity with procurement related information systems and tools used in international organizations is an asset.

Selection criteria

• Knowledge of a second language including French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian is considered an asset

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT