Supports Education Technical Specialist in communication with counterparts in field offices and Programme Division, establishes technical specifications, standards and guidelines for a group of commodities owned by the Education Unit, which are requisitioned by UNICEF programmes, or by specialized UN agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis. Identifies commodity sources and evaluates technical appropriateness of commodities with a focus on sustainable procurement Explores markets/industry including consultation with other UN Agencies, UNGM to identify geographically diverse supplier source for Education portfolio products.
Key functions/accountabilities:
Reviews and updates technical specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness for review by supervisor. Advises requesting offices on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization. Clarifies inadequate specifications with requesting office in consultation with Technical Specialist, proposing substitute or alternative items as necessary.
Draft preliminary desk review and sample evaluation (where applicable) of all tenders in consultation with Technical Specialist and completes technical evaluation of all tenders for final approval.
Supports Technical Specialist to collaborate with Programme Division, Country Offices and/or other UN agencies to find synergy of new supplier base, past performance, availability or use of similar products and appropriateness of products. Methodically reviews UNGM, other commercial media and global market to identify potential supplier for participation in Supply Division manages procurement/solicitations
Under the guidance of Technical Specialist collaborates with Product Innovation unit reviews existing commodity group to identify product gaps and propose improvements for disability inclusiveness. In consultation with Technical Specialist investigates global markets, maintains resource files potential sources and provide updates periodically.
Work closely with Education contracting team to consult on technical support required for all solicitation. Compiles and drafts for review by Technical Specialist, proposal on product evaluation criteria, sample requirement, In line inspection, Pre-delivery Inspection, Moisture Control to mitigate risk while ensuring product quality.
Screens for release all incoming in-line inspection, pre-delivery inspection, moisture control report escalating complexities and ambiguity to Technical Specialist. Maintains systematic database inspection report with support of Technical Assistance for timely follow up with suppliers and Quality Assurance Centre.
Responsible for technical screening of alternative products for emergency response and/or warehouse replenishment. Leads and coordinates with supplier to gather all relevant information to propose final outcome to technical specialist.
Supports Technical Specialist on Special Education Projects. Consults and drafts initial technical input for such initiatives in the best interest of the organization and the project outcome including drafting both product and supplier validation criteria.
In partnership with the Quality Assurance Center and Contracting Function, evaluates supplier performance and acceptability and delivery record, and general information including financial, historical and managerial to inform future tender invitee list.
In partnership with Quality Assurance Centre and Warehouse reviews Education portfolio product lists are kept updated while coordinating material depletion or write off where necessary. Researches, evaluates and promotes new products, and promotes development of new technologies when appropriate, to meet programme requirements especially focusing on sustainability and disability inclusiveness
Reviews the range of commodities under the Education Unit’s responsibility, as well as the Education Emergency List.
Supports the Supply function with technical support in field offices by assisting in preparation of special projects that may arise. Any other unplanned objective specifically assigned as per ad-hoc necessities.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
A completed 1st university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in technical field of Education, Quality Assurance, Product Design, Engineering, or relevant discipline is required.
Required experience:
Minimum 2 years of progressive relevant professional experience dealing with technical specifications of products.
Experience in procurement /design of general education and/or relief products.
Product and Market knowledge of wide range of Education product group.
Fluency in English.
Desired experience:
Experience in implementing Education programmes in UNICEF (or other agencies).
Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
