TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNRWA, the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East, offers education, health care, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement, and micro-credit services to approximately 4.5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the SyrianArabRepublic, the West Bank, and the Gaza strip. UNRWA is seeking to engage a qualified candidate as:
Consultancy- Procurement Expert /P4
BACKGROUND
In late 2005, UNRWA embarked on an Organizational Development initiative designed to strengthen and sustain the Agency’s capacity for programme management and delivery. In August 2006, the Organizational Development plan was published under the title Serving Palestine Refugees More Effectively—Strengthening the Management Capacity of UNRWA ( The Organizational Development plan was approved in September 2006 and was launched on 1January 2007. The year 2007 focused on: implementation planning, foundation-building and fundraising. 2008 has been designated as the year of implementation, and 2009 will focus on consolidation.
The Organizational Development reforms are centered around the “SPARE” concept. SPARE stands for “strategy, policy, accountability, results and envelopes (of resources)”. The main thrust of the SPARE paradigm is empowerment of managers and staff during programme implementation. It implies results-based management and budgeting, robust accountability focused on outcomes and outputs, streamlined and flexible processes and a measured tolerance for risk. It foresees changing the organizational design and the role of different organizational units. The Organizational Development plan foresees significant changes to the Agency’s rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
In the context of the OD, and a newly-approved Procurement policy framework, UNRWA is looking for a consultant to;
-Finalize (draft) Procurement Manual and other policy/procedural documents related to the acquisition of goods and services within UNRWA.
-Development of outstanding policy and procedural guidance in accordance with the Procurement framework
-Design and implementation of a plan for the launch of new procurement framework to UNRWA’s five fields of operation.
-Development /delivery of commensurate training programme.
DURATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
The consultancy will be effective Early/Mid October for minimum 3 months; extendable to 6 months.
The consultant will receive direction from Director of Admin Support and Chief Procurement & Logistics Division. Furthermore, the consultant will work closely with others involved in the Organizational Development process including Field Office Directors. The consultant will be based in AmmanJordan, with travel to UNRWA Field Offices in Jordan, West Bank, Gaza, Syria and Lebanon as required.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
- Final draft of Manual and policies procedures as assigned.
- Roll out implementation plan for procurement framework and delegation of authority with timelines training curriculum and programme.
- conduct of training programmes as agreed.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
University degree in related field.
In-depth, first hand, substantive knowledge of UN procurement policies and practices
Experience in UN system procurement at managerial/policy level
Demonstrated experience in policy development and drafting
Experience in design and delivery of training programmes in a multi cultural environment.
COMPETENCIES
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Excellent communication skills – oral and writing.
Excellent, demonstrated communication and drafting /writing skills
APPLICATION PROCESS
The applicants should submit the cover letter and CV or Personnel History Form viaclearly indicating the title of this consultancy “Consultancy- Procurement Expert / P4” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 5 October, 2008.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Only qualified applicants under serious consideration will be contacted.
23 October 20181.