Procurement Assistant Job at UNODC
JOB ALERT
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME UNODC IS RECRUITING
POSITION: Procurement Assistant
LOCATION: Abuja, Nigeria
ORGANISATIONAL UNIT: Operations Unit, UNODC Country Office for Nigeria
VACANCY REFERENCE: UNODC-286104
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Fixed-term limited appointment
CONTRACT DURATION: Initially 1 year
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22nd October, 2026
ABOUT UNODC
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC is a United Nations agency working to address illicit drugs, transnational organised crime, terrorism and corruption.
Its Country Office in Nigeria supports peace, security, human rights and development by working with the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders to promote justice, the rule of law and resilient societies.
JOB SUMMARY
UNODC is seeking a Procurement Assistant to support procurement, contracting and supply chain operations within its Country Office in Abuja.
The successful candidate will work with programme teams, project personnel, suppliers and other operational support functions to ensure that procurement transactions are processed efficiently and in accordance with United Nations rules and procedures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Review, record and prioritise procurement requests and assist in preparing scopes of work, terms of reference and technical specifications.
- Support procurement planning by checking funding availability and identifying suitable alternatives that offer cost savings where appropriate.
- Process procurement requests and ensure requisitions are complete, accurate and compliant with applicable procurement requirements.
- Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation, Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposal and other solicitation documents.
- Compile supplier quotations, proposals and bids and prepare comparative analyses to support supplier selection based on value for money, quality and delivery timelines.
- Prepare and process Purchase Orders and contracts, checking vendor information, financial amounts and relevant codes.
- Support bid evaluations and prepare comparative tables for review.
- Assist with negotiations on procurement terms and conditions under the guidance of Procurement Officers.
- Prepare Purchase Orders, contracts and submissions for the relevant approval and review committees.
- Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and procurement sources.
- Maintain procurement databases, supplier files, contract records and Long-Term Agreement information.
- Monitor supplier performance and maintain records of supplier evaluations.
- Resolve procurement and delivery issues, including discrepancies between Purchase Orders and goods received.
- Liaise with suppliers and requesting units on pricing, product availability, order status and delivery schedules.
- Monitor shipments, deliveries, claims and other procurement-related issues.
- Compile procurement information and support periodic management reports.
- Contribute to the preparation of the annual Acquisition Plan.
- Participate in UN Nigeria Procurement Network meetings and support follow-up activities.
- Ensure compliance with United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules, procurement policies and the UN Procurement Manual.
- Keep up to date with procurement policy changes and apply updated procedures.
- Supervise and review the work of junior staff when assigned.
- Support data collection, analysis, presentations, reports and other information materials for planning and decision-making.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
CIPS Level 4 or higher certification, or an equivalent certification recognised by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, is required.
Applicants must upload the required procurement certification with their application.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, administrative services or a related area.
The experience requirement is reduced to 5 years for candidates holding a first-level university degree or higher.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Experience using an Enterprise Resource Planning ERP system.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and other relevant office software.
Knowledge of procurement policies, processes and procedures.
Knowledge of purchasing and accounting practices.
Ability to apply financial rules and regulations and exercise sound judgement in procurement assignments.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
Experience using SAP/Umoja.
Previous experience within the United Nations system or another international organisation.
Experience supporting procurement in field operations.
Experience in data analytics or related areas.
Experience handling urgent procurement requests and working under tight deadlines.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Strong planning and organisational skills.
Problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Client-oriented service delivery.
Ability to coordinate effectively with suppliers, programme teams and operational support units.
Strong understanding of procurement compliance and documentation.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
English is required.
SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates may be required to complete an assessment exercise and participate in a competency-based interview.
IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
The appointment is subject to local recruitment in Nigeria.
The initial appointment is for one year under a fixed-term limited appointment arrangement.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations Careers recruitment platform.
Applicants should provide complete and accurate information about their qualifications and professional experience and follow the instructions on the recruitment platform.
OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK
Apply for UNODC Procurement Assistant Vacancy
VACANCY REFERENCE: UNODC-286104
APPLICATION DEADLINE
22nd October, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Applicants should ensure that their CIPS Level 4 or higher certification, or the required equivalent certification, is uploaded with the application.
