Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP, the global development network for the United Nations system, is present in over 170 countries and territories and is uniquely equipped to help developing countries build sustainable capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In support of this, UNDP offers a wide range of solutions to global, regional and national development challenges through a comprehensive knowledge network, expert practitioners and focused strategic areas of support.

The Central Procurement Team (CPT), based in New York, provides procurement support services for UNDP business units by centrally coordinating all procurement transactions over $5K. It serves central bureaus within UNDP to ensure cost and time efficiency, required compliance and added value to clients.

Those central bureaus identify procurement needs and make decisions, while CPT provides procurement services, guides the client through the process and decides on the best sourcing strategy. Routing procurement requests through CPT will lead to a quicker turn-around time, and a higher quality, cost effective outcome.

This internship is for NY duty station.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Specialist and the Chief of the CPT, the intern will be entrusted the following different tasks, among others:

Daily procurement support to Team Members:

• Attending CPT related meetings and taking notes thereof;
• Coordinating the logistics of candidates’ interviews and setups for the procurement of individual contractors;
• Supporting CPT buyer in preparing draft evaluation reports including technical and financial evaluation matrixes for procurement processes;
• Drafting contracts for new vendors and amendments of existing contracts;
• Assisting CPU buyers in organization of procurement processes: Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Individual Contractors (ICs), Micro purchasing and Direct Contracting;
• Conducting other procurement related tasks upon request.

Support to the CPT Team operational sustainability:

• Maintaining of the contract database;
• Reviewing, analyzing and updating the clients’ feedback surveys and CPT website;
• Supporting in the preparation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents for CPT contract management;
• Notifying CPT clients about upcoming contract expirations and following up on expired/archived contracts;
• Assisting in market research tasks for the preparation of documents prior to the launching of tenders and during the assessment of value for money;
• Supporting the Procurement Focal Points in preparing presentations for procurement Knowledge Sharing sessions;

Supporting of future recruitment of CPT interns.

Competencies

• Innovation

  Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

• Delivery

  Ability to prioritize work and follow a chain of command structure.

• Technical/Functional
• Ability to efficiently use the MS Office package (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Analytical

  Excellent research skills, combined with a proven analytical aptitude and ability to tap into a vast array of traditional and new knowledge sources.

• Communication

  Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills in a team setting.

• Organizational

  Strong organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work flexibly.

• Teamwork

  Demonstrates intercultural sensitivity in a multicultural environment.

Additional skills

Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;

Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Students in development, business, international relations, law or related fields who are currently: i) enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or ii) enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (iii) have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

• Working experience in procurement/finance/business administration is an asset, but not required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• All applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English;

Additional UN languages are a distinct advantage.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (”Green Card” holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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