Join the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) – Multiple Openings for Procurement Assistants (G-5)
Job Opening ID: 259780
Duty Station: Nairobi
Deadline to Apply: 19 August 2025
Are you passionate about international development and seeking an opportunity to serve in a dynamic, multicultural environment? The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the UN’s headquarters in Africa, is seeking qualified candidates for multiple positions as Procurement Assistants (G-5 level) within its Procurement Section. These roles play a vital part in ensuring smooth and transparent procurement processes that support various UN agencies globally.
UNON provides core administrative and operational support to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS), as well as other UN entities operating in Kenya.
Key Responsibilities
As a Procurement Assistant, you will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Procurement Section. Your duties will include but are not limited to:
- Procurement Process Support: Review requisition documents for completeness and compliance with procurement procedures; identify sources of supply and issue invitations to bid, requests for quotations, and requests for proposals.
- Evaluation and Award: Assist in evaluating bids/proposals and ensure that recommendations are in line with procurement policies. Prepare purchase orders and contracts, ensuring appropriate specifications and terms.
- Vendor Management: Maintain and update vendor rosters. Ensure all documentation for vendor registration and performance evaluation is complete and up to date.
- Administrative Support: Draft and process a variety of procurement-related correspondence and documents, such as memos, evaluation reports, and meeting minutes.
- Records Management: Maintain detailed records of procurement activities and ensure accurate documentation and filing.
- Customer Service: Respond to queries from internal stakeholders and suppliers regarding procurement processes, contract status, and delivery timelines.
- Team Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams and procurement officers to ensure consistency, compliance, and timely delivery of services.
Competencies
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Professionalism: Knowledge of procurement processes and practices; ability to research and analyze data and make recommendations.
- Planning & Organizing: Effective time management, prioritization, and attention to detail.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a multicultural team environment.
- Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain procurement processes to non-experts.
Work Experience
Relevant experience in procurement or supply chain operations in a large organization is required. Experience with ERP systems such as Umoja (SAP) is an advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For these positions, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
