Since 1995, Ethiopia has adopted a multiparty parliamentary system and a federal structure devolving power to nine regions and two city administrations. The Constitution established a bi-cameral parliamentary form of government with two houses. The framework of governance includes a system of political representation based on the holding of local (every

• 5 years) and nation-wide elections (every 5 years), and formation of a set of legislative institutions at all levels including, at the apex`, the two houses of the national parliament (the House of Peoples Representatives (HoPR) and the House of Federation (HoF).

Under the current constitution, the country held five general elections, the last being in May 2015. Among all elections, only the 2005 election was characterized by improved political space and competition between political parties.

Ethiopia has embarked on a path of reforms and political renewal. With the new leadership, the government has systematically invested in the opening of the political space and has lifted many of the restrictions that were placed on political participation. The most notable development was the lifting of ‘terror labels' of several previously outlawed political parties. The return of opposition parties has enriched the political debate and has been a clear indication of the Government and the Ruling Coalition to engage in open and more inclusive political process. This is expected to have direct bearing on the upcoming general elections planned for 2020.

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has recently seen its leadership changed. Former Judge was appointed in November 2018 as the new Chairwoman of NEBE. The change of NEBE's leadership reconfirmed the Government's commitment to reform the institution and enhance its credibility within the political sphere but also among the general public. NEBE has faced reputational challenges and was heavily criticized for being biased and partial in conducting previous elections. Investment in the Board's integrity, professionalism and effectiveness has been included in the policy priority areas that were captured in the ‘New Horizon of Hope' document, issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) following the most recent Cabinet reshuffle.

In response to the request by the Government of Ethiopia and with the view to support the reforms and general elections, the United Nations has performed a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM), which confirms that conditions were favourable for the United Nations to design and activate an elections programme/project of support. UNDP supported the development of the ‘Supporting Elections for Ethiopia's Democratic Strengthening (SEEDS)', which was launched in June 2019.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager the Procurement Specialist will support implementation of the procurement plan of the project.

1) Ensures elaboration and implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; elaboration of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system;
• Compliance with CO Procurement business processes and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, control of the workflows in the Project Management Unit, harmonization of the workflows in the office;
• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies;
• Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of contract strategy in the SEEDS Project including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, management of the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, risk assessment;
• Conceptualization, elaboration and implementation of strategic procurement in the SEEDS project including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, performance measurement.

2) Ensures efficient management of procurement processes for SEEDS project on achievement of the following results:

• Timely and proper preparation of procurement plans for the project, establishment of the deadlines and monitoring of its implementation;
• Establishment and implementation of proper monitoring system and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulation;
• Certification of submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP), Regional Advisory Committee of Procurement (RACP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP);
• Management of procurement contracts and, upon delegation of responsibility, performance of buyer function in ATLAS;
• Elaboration and implementation of the internal control system which ensures that Purchase Orders (PO) are duly prepared and dispatched. Timely corrective actions on POs with budget check errors and other problems;

• Management of the implementation of the procurement processes monitoring system and mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in procurement.

3) Ensures elaboration, introduction and implementation of sourcing strategy and e-procurement tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation, quality and performance measurement mechanisms;
• Management of the e-procurement system.

4) Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization of training for the projects staff on Procurement;
• Organization of trainings for Govt. staff on Procurement as required;
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Procurement;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Core:

Innovation:

Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them;

Leadership:

Ability to persuade others to follow .

Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers;

People Management:

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others;

Communication:

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform .

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others;

Delivery:

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement .

Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions.

Technical/Functional:

Design thinking:

Knowledge of method (s) for practical, creative resolution of problems and creation of solutions, with the intent of an improved future result.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise;

Communication:

Ability to effectively communicate intensions and requirements to internal and external stakeholders .

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise;

Team Building:

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of professionals towards common goals .

Level 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise;

Risk Assessment:

Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and ability to determine degree of risk and apply to strategic and/or practical situation .

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise;

Organizational Development:

Knowledge of organizational development concepts, issues and principles and the ability to apply them to strategic and/or practical situations .

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise;

Negotiation:

Ability to reach an understanding, resolve point of difference, or gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue .

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise;

Partnerships:

Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships .

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in procurement management;
• Minimum of 2 years experience in election related procurement;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of web-based management systems;
• The post requires considerable cultural and political sensitivity and an ability to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with the UN in general and UNDP procedures in particular and/or previous experience with the UN is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English.

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.