United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS)

Senior Procurement and Contracting Officer

United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS)

Uganda Full time Procurement & Logistics
Posted: Jul 31, 2026 4 days ago Deadline: Sep 12, 2026 16 views

Job Description

 

Senior Procurement and Contracting Officer Job Opportunity at United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) – Uganda

Job Title: Senior Procurement and Contracting Officer
Organisation: United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS)
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Employment Type: Full Time
Category: Procurement, Supply Chain, Contract Management, Legal, Management
Deadline: Saturday, September 12, 2026
About the United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS)
The United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides operational support services to all United Nations Secretariat entities worldwide. DOS delivers advisory, operational, and transactional support services while strengthening procurement, logistics, finance, human resources, and administrative operations across nearly 100 UN entities globally.
The Department is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement and Contracting Officer to support international procurement and contracting activities involving complex goods, services, and peacekeeping operations. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, oversee procurement processes, supervise procurement teams, and ensure compliance with United Nations procurement policies and international standards.
Job Summary
The Senior Procurement and Contracting Officer will serve as a senior procurement expert responsible for managing complex international procurement and contracting activities for supplies, services, and long-term agreements supporting United Nations operations.
The role involves managing the complete procurement lifecycle, conducting international tender exercises, negotiating contracts, advising internal stakeholders, supervising procurement staff, supporting category management strategies, and ensuring transparent, efficient, and compliant procurement processes.
The ideal candidate should possess extensive procurement expertise, contract management experience, strong negotiation skills, leadership ability, and knowledge of international procurement standards.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement and Contract Management
  • Manage complex procurement and contracting activities for goods, services, and long-term agreements.
  • Lead international procurement exercises in accordance with United Nations procurement policies.
  • Analyze procurement requests and evaluate technical specifications.
  • Prepare complex procurement contracts and tender documentation.
  • Evaluate supplier bids and recommend contract awards.
  • Prepare submissions for Contracts Committee review where required.
  • Sign procurement orders within delegated authority limits.
Tendering and Supplier Management
  • Issue international tender invitations and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
  • Conduct supplier evaluations and bid analysis.
  • Perform market research to identify qualified suppliers and sourcing opportunities.
  • Assess supplier performance, production capacity, and market trends.
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships while ensuring value for money.
Contract Negotiation and Procurement Strategy
  • Lead negotiations with suppliers and contractors.
  • Resolve procurement and contractual disputes.
  • Develop procurement strategies and category management approaches.
  • Contribute to the development of institutional procurement policies and procedures.
  • Recommend improvements to procurement systems and processes.
Team Leadership and Supervision
  • Supervise procurement officers and procurement support staff.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior procurement professionals.
  • Coordinate procurement activities across multiple projects and programmes.
  • Monitor staff performance and support professional development.
Procurement Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with United Nations procurement regulations and financial rules.
  • Maintain transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout procurement processes.
  • Support procurement audits and compliance reviews.
  • Identify procurement risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
Data Analysis and Reporting
  • Analyze procurement data and supplier performance.
  • Develop procurement reports, dashboards, and performance metrics.
  • Support category management through procurement analytics.
  • Utilize ERP and e-procurement systems to improve procurement efficiency.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Must Have
Advanced University Degree
Applicants must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Law, or another related discipline.
A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Professional Procurement Certification
Applicants must possess professional procurement certification such as Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS Level 4) or an equivalent professional qualification.
Extensive Procurement Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, supply chain management, or a related field is required.
International Tendering Experience
At least two (2) years of experience conducting international tender exercises for complex procurement of goods and services within the last five years.
Supervisory Experience
A minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising procurement or supply chain teams.
English Language Proficiency
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required.
Additional Qualifications (Added Advantage)
  • Experience using ERP systems such as SAP.
  • Experience using e-tendering platforms such as SAP Ariba or similar systems.
  • Experience supporting United Nations field operations, peacekeeping missions, or international organizations.
  • Experience developing category management strategies.
  • Experience in procurement analytics, supplier performance analysis, and data visualization.
  • Knowledge of international contract law and procurement regulations.
Key Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
  • Expert knowledge of international procurement standards.
  • Strong contract management and negotiation skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Leadership and team supervision skills.
  • High ethical standards and professional integrity.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong organizational and planning abilities.
  • Client-focused service delivery.
  • Accountability and sound decision-making.
  • Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
What Makes This Opportunity Great?
Work with the United Nations
Join one of the world's leading international organizations supporting global peace, humanitarian operations, and sustainable development.
Lead Complex International Procurement
Manage high-value procurement projects involving global suppliers, international tenders, and strategic contracts.
Professional Career Growth
Strengthen your expertise in procurement leadership, contract management, international negotiations, and supply chain strategy.
Global Procurement Experience
Gain valuable experience working within internationally recognized procurement frameworks and standards.
Leadership Opportunities
Lead procurement teams, mentor professionals, and contribute to organizational procurement strategy and policy development.
International Working Environment
Collaborate with professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds while supporting global United Nations operations.
What Your CV Should Include
To improve your chances of being shortlisted, your CV should clearly highlight:
  • Professional summary emphasizing senior procurement and contract management experience.
  • Master's degree or equivalent academic qualifications.
  • CIPS Level 4 or equivalent professional procurement certification.
  • At least seven years of procurement and contract management experience.
  • Experience conducting international tenders and managing supplier evaluations.
  • Contract negotiation, procurement planning, and supplier relationship management experience.
  • ERP systems (SAP), SAP Ariba, or other e-procurement platform experience.
  • Team leadership and staff supervision experience.
  • Procurement policy development and compliance experience.
  • Procurement analytics, reporting, and category management expertise.
  • Professional memberships, certifications, and training.
  • Referees from previous employers.
What Your Cover Letter Should Include
A strong cover letter should include:
  • A professional introduction expressing interest in the Senior Procurement and Contracting Officer position.
  • A summary of your procurement and contract management experience.
  • Your academic qualifications and CIPS certification.
  • Examples of managing international procurement exercises and complex contracts.
  • Leadership experience supervising procurement teams.
  • Experience with ERP systems and procurement technologies.
  • Your commitment to transparency, ethics, and United Nations values.
  • Why you are interested in contributing to the United Nations Department of Operational Support.
  • A professional closing expressing your availability for an interview.
Interview Tips
To prepare for the interview:
  • Review the United Nations Procurement Manual and procurement principles.
  • Be prepared to discuss complex procurement and contract management scenarios.
  • Demonstrate your experience conducting international tender processes.
  • Prepare examples of supplier negotiations and contract dispute resolution.
  • Explain your approach to procurement compliance and risk management.
  • Highlight your leadership and team supervision experience.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP and SAP Ariba.
  • Be ready to discuss procurement analytics, supplier performance measurement, and category management.
  • Show your understanding of the United Nations core values of professionalism, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and client orientation.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations Careers Portal.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Related Jobs
  • Procurement Jobs in Uganda
  • United Nations Jobs Uganda
  • Contract Management Jobs Uganda
  • Supply Chain Jobs Uganda
  • Procurement Manager Jobs Uganda
  • CIPS Jobs Uganda
  • International NGO Jobs Uganda
  • Logistics and Procurement Jobs Uganda
  • UN Careers Uganda
  • Senior Procurement Officer Jobs


About Company

United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS)

United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS)

Apply on External Website
You will be redirected to the employer's application page.

Job Overview

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Education Level: Bachelors
  • Vacancies: 1
  • Category: Procurement & Logistics
  • Location: Uganda
  • Application: External Website
Join our WhatsApp group 1