ICIMOD is seeking applications for the position, Senior Procurement Associate (open for Nepali nationals only).

Division

Administration and Finance

Background

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks to enable sustainable and resilient mountain development for improved and equitable livelihoods through knowledge generation and regional cooperation.
ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge-sharing centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Working in partnership with regional and international organizations, ICIMOD aims to influence policy and practices to meet environmental and livelihood challenges emerging in the HKH. ICIMOD provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers from the region and around the globe to generate and share knowledge, support evidence-based decision making, and encourage regional cooperation.
ICIMOD works through its six Regional Programmes: 1) Adaptation and Resilience Building, 2) Transboundary Landscapes, 3) River Basins and Cryosphere, 4) Atmosphere, 5) Mountain Environment Regional Information System, and 6) Mountain Knowledge and Action Networks. These regional programmes are supported by four Thematic Areas – Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services, Water and Air, and Geospatial Solutions – and underpinned by the Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) Unit. ICIMOD seeks to contribute to reducing poverty and vulnerability and improving the lives and livelihoods of mountain women, men and children, now and in the future.
ICIMOD needs to procure a diverse range of equipment and services for its operations and planned activities, including scientific equipment, vehicles, IT equipment, consumables/stationery, and maintenance items. ICIMOD adopts a one-door policy for procurement and has established a dedicated Procurement Unit. ICIMOD is seeking a Senior Procurement Associate to support the activities of this unit. 

Responsibilities and task

• The Senior Procurement Associate will carry out the following tasks:
  
• Collect information about ICIMOD’s procurement requirements and provide prompt and proactive procurement services following the centre’s established Procurement Policy and Procedures
  
• Call for quotations and bidding as appropriate in close coordination with the requester and the Administration and Logistics unit head
  
• Provide clarification on the technicalities to bidders, respond to their queries, and follow-up with them as needed
  
• Scrutinize obtained quotations/bids, prepare concise comparative charts and evaluation reports, and facilitate the institutional approval process with supportive documents while maintaining transparency
  
• Issue purchase orders and contracts to concerned suppliers based on approvals and follow-up for quicker delivery
  
• Prepare tender documents, procurement contracts, lease agreements, etc.
  
• Maintain strong documentation and filing for each procurement
  
• For procurement of goods of a technical nature, consult and coordinate with the relevant experts regarding technical specifications and evaluation of the bids received as required
  
• Conduct periodic market exploration/survey for frequently required goods and keep abreast with new technology and products
  
• Follow up with vendors for efficient supply of ordered goods with quality
  
• Maintain ethical business relationships with all vendors with integrity
  
• Coordinate with the ICIMOD Store and Inventory function in receiving and delivery of goods and maintaining inventory
  
• Liaise with the Finance Unit for efficient payment of dues to the suppliers
  
• Provide support and assistance in other administrative work as assigned by the unit head
  
• Work as a team player within ICIMOD to support work-related activities and promote institutional goals
  

Minimum qualifications

• A master’s degree in marketing, procurement, business administration, or related fields with a minimum of five years of work experience in an administrative capacity. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  
• Strong interest to work in administration and procurement in the environment and development sectors
  
• Skills/degree in a technical field (IT, renewable energy, civil engineering, auto/mechanical engineering, etc.) would be desirable
  
• Strong negotiation skills and ethical procedures in developing and maintaining business relationships; ability to settle disputes/conflicts independently.
  
• Demonstrated ability to speak and write fluently in English and Nepali and to make business correspondences independently
  
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications and knowledge of enterprise resource planning software)
  
• Ability and willingness to work under pressure and in flexible hours
  
• Strong sense of personal integrity, especially regarding financial matters, is a must
  

Competencies

Duration

One year, of which the first three months are probationary, with the possibility of an extension subject to ICIMOD’s future funding levels and performance.

Start date

As early as possible.

Renumeration

Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared to other regional organizations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Gender and equity policy

Qualified and eligible women candidates and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. ICIMOD upholds a gender equity policy and is supportive of women professionals. It operates a day-care centre at the campus and is committed to the integration of gender equity at organizational and programmatic levels.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 11 Mar 2021 through ICIMOD's online application system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.