INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.
Procurement Officer
Vacancy notice no: 2043
Sector: SG
Department: FRMD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: FI04/P3/438
Grade: P3
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 28 July 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.
Within the General Secretariat, the Financial Resources Management Department (FRMD) advises the Secretary General on financial resources management, accounting issues and procurement. It manages ITU's financial resources ensuring consistency with ITU strategies, policies, regulations and rules as well as UN Common System policies. It also ensures sound and balanced financial management of the Union; provides support and strategic advice on financial, budgetary and procurement matters, with a goal to strengthen ITU's financial system.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Procurement Officer reports to the Head, Procurement Division. The incumbent is responsible to plan, develop, manage and conduct procurement activities in compliance with ITU regulations and rules and to take responsibilities towards the successful achievement of delegated procurement assignments. He/She will:
- Plan, develop, manage and conduct procurement activities of significant complexity covering a wide range of services and commodities such as information technology, electronic equipment, vehicles, building maintenance materials, office supplies, construction, furniture, etc.
- Establish work priorities and maintain a work program and schedule for ongoing procurement activities and newly planned ones.
- Advise requesting units and recipient entities on a full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle.
- Prepare and oversee the preparation and distribution of invitations to tender in collaboration with the requesting units. Identify qualified bidders, invite them to submit proposals and provide clarifications to ensure they fully understand the procedural requirements.
- Propose, formulate and implement innovative solutions to resolve issues or conflicts related to complex procurement requests.
- Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and extensions where necessary, and advise concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations. Monitor payment schedules, control invoices, and issue timely payment instructions.
- Conduct market research to stay informed of market developments, analysing statistical data and market reports to inform the procurement program.
- Evaluate and recommend potential suppliers and participate in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program.
- Prepare a variety of procurement-related documents, including communications, guidelines, instructions, and draft contracts and other agreements related to ITU’s procurement activities.
- Perform any other related duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of public procurement; membership of a Professional Organization would be highly desirable and an advantage (e.g., Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply CIPS).
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in Business or Public Administration, Engineering, Commerce, Law, Economics, Telecommunications or a related field OR education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, including at least two at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Experience of SAP or other ERP systems.
Experience of electronic tendering system.
Languages:
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. Annual salary from $ 70,212 + post adjustment $ 60,944
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_U
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
