Procurement Associate – UNDP (Minsk, Belarus): Role, Responsibilities, and Impact on Environmental Sustainability Projects

April 3, 2025

13 minutes read

The Procurement Associate role at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Minsk, Belarus is a full-time position under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7). This means it is a nationally recruited position with a contract duration of one year.r: UNDP Procurement Associate Job – Minsk, Belarus

Key Purpose of the Role

The job is part of the “Safeguarding Forests of Belarus” project, which focuses on improving forest fire prevention and response. As a Procurement Associate, you will be responsible for managing procurement processes, ensuring efficient supply chain operations, and supporting the project’s success through effective logistics and contract management.

Main Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Project Manager, the Procurement Associate will:@vacancyspaces.com

Procurement Planning & Execution
- Develop, update, and implement the project’s procurement plan.
- Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) for hiring consultants and subcontractors.
- Organize procurement processes, including Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), and Request for Proposals (RFPs).
- Evaluate bids and negotiate contracts while ensuring compliance with UNDP procurement policies.
Contract & Supplier Management
- Maintain contracts with suppliers and ensure adherence to agreed terms.
- Support customs clearance for shipments and logistics management.
- Monitor and inspect project sites for inventory verification and compliance.
Risk & Compliance Management
- Assist in identifying procurement risks and implementing risk mitigation measures.
- Ensure all procurement actions align with UNDP policies and international best practices.
- Organize submission of procurement documents to UNDP’s Contract, Asset, and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP).
Reporting & Knowledge Sharing
- Prepare procurement monitoring reports.
- Contribute to knowledge transfer and engagement with national stakeholders.
- Support audits and inspections to maintain procurement transparency.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Minimum: High School diploma (with 7 years of experience).
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain, Economics, Forestry, Emergency Situations, or related fields (with 4 years of experience).

Work Experience:

Minimum: 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in procurement.
Experience in firefighting equipment procurement, international development projects, or UN procurement is a plus.

Skills & Certifications:

Knowledge of UN or UNDP procurement rules is an advantage.
CIPS Level 3 certification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) is highly desirable. If not held at the time of recruitment, it must be obtained within one year.

Languages:

Fluent in English and Russian or Belarusian.

Competencies Needed

Procurement & Contract Management – Experience in purchasing goods/services under international standards.
Risk Management – Ability to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Data Analysis – Ability to extract, analyze, and report procurement data.
Stakeholder Engagement – Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Ability to work in a fast-changing environment.

Why This Job?

Work on a UNDP-led environmental project with a real impact on climate resilience.
Gain international procurement experience and develop expertise in UN procurement rules.
Opportunities for career growth within UNDP or other UN agencies.

Would you like help with an application strategy, resume review, or cover letter writing?

Sure! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Procurement Associate position at UNDP in Minsk, Belarus with an in-depth explanation of the role, responsibilities, required qualifications, competencies, and the broader impact of the job.

Procurement Associate – UNDP (Minsk, Belarus)

Introduction to UNDP and the Role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in nearly 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development initiatives. As part of the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the organization is focused on three primary directions:

Structural Transformation – Promoting green, inclusive, and digital transitions.
Leaving No One Behind – Ensuring inclusivity, equity, and human development.
Building Resilience – Strengthening the capacity of countries to respond to crises, natural disasters, climate change, and socio-economic shocks.

This particular role, Procurement Associate (NPSA-7), is tied to the Safeguarding Forests of Belarus project, which aims to enhance forest protection and resilience through community-based fire prevention and response measures. The role is crucial in ensuring efficient procurement and logistics management to support the project’s implementation.

Job Purpose and Overview

The Procurement Associate will be responsible for overseeing procurement activities, ensuring compliance with UNDP’s procurement rules, and supporting the delivery of goods, services, and contracts required for the successful implementation of the project. Working under the guidance of the Project Manager, the Procurement Associate will manage the procurement lifecycle from planning to contract execution while maintaining transparency, efficiency, and adherence to regulations.

This role requires a strong background in procurement, contract management, supply chain operations, and risk mitigation strategies. The candidate must be comfortable working with stakeholders, including national and international suppliers, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Procurement Planning and Implementation

Develop, implement, and regularly update the project procurement plan based on project needs and timelines.
Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) for hiring national and international consultants, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
Review technical specifications, terms of reference, and procurement requests to ensure compliance with UNDP’s procurement principles, rules, and procedures.
Develop a procurement tracking system to monitor procurement activities, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.

2. Managing Procurement Processes

Organize procurement processes including:
- Request for Quotations (RFQs) – For procuring goods/services of lower value.
- Invitation to Bid (ITBs) – For competitive bidding of high-value procurements.
- Request for Proposals (RFPs) – For service-based contracts requiring technical evaluations.
Manage the entire bidding, evaluation, and selection process, ensuring fair competition and transparency.
Negotiate contract terms with vendors, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with UNDP’s financial guidelines.
Prepare procurement reports and ensure the quality, quantity, cost, and efficiency of purchased goods and services.

3. Contract and Supplier Management

Maintain and monitor supplier contracts, ensuring adherence to contract terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
Conduct due diligence and market research to identify reliable suppliers for firefighting equipment, services, and other required project materials.
Ensure that procurement activities align with national and international supply chain best practices.
Work with the UNDP Country Office procurement team to ensure alignment with UNDP procurement policies.

4. Risk Management and Compliance

Develop and update the risk management plan related to procurement activities, proposing risk mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with UNDP procurement policies, contracting procedures, and financial regulations.
Maintain records of procurement activities, contracts, and vendor details to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ensure that procurement documentation meets the standards required for audits and donor reporting.

5. Logistics, Inventory, and Customs Management

Support customs clearance of shipments related to the project.
Organize transfer of goods to sub-recipients, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with UNDP policies.
Conduct monitoring visits and stock verifications at project sites, independently or in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Belarus and other partners.
Oversee logistics coordination to ensure the smooth delivery of purchased goods to project locations.

6. Knowledge Management and Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity-building for project stakeholders in procurement best practices.
Engage in partnership building with national and international stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector suppliers.
Support knowledge transfer initiatives, ensuring that best practices in procurement and contract management are shared within the organization.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Education Requirements

Minimum Qualification: High school diploma (with at least 7 years of experience in procurement-related roles).
Preferred Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain, Economics, Forestry, Emergency Situations, or a related field (with at least 4 years of relevant experience).

Work Experience

Minimum Experience: 7 years of relevant experience (if holding a high school diploma) or 4 years of relevant experience (if holding a bachelor’s degree).
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in procurement and supply of firefighting equipment and materials.
- Experience working in development projects or international organizations.
- Experience in building partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
- Knowledge of UNDP or UN procurement rules, policies, and procedures is a strong advantage.

Professional Certifications

CIPS Level 3 certification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) is highly desirable.
If the certification is not available at the time of recruitment, the candidate must obtain it within one year of employment.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Russian or Belarusian (both spoken and written) is required.

Key Competencies Required

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Ability to plan and execute procurement activities efficiently.
Think Innovatively: Open to creative problem-solving in procurement challenges.
Learn Continuously: Willing to improve knowledge of procurement best practices.
Adapt with Agility: Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced work environment.
Engage and Partner: Able to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Respect for different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Technical and Cross-Functional Competencies

Procurement and Contract Management – Expertise in handling procurement cycles, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiations.
Supply Chain and Logistics – Ability to oversee transportation, inventory, and customs processes.
Risk Management – Capability to identify and mitigate procurement risks.
Stakeholder Engagement – Strong communication and relationship-building skills with partners.
Data Analysis and Management – Ability to interpret procurement data for decision-making.

Why Consider This Role?

Work on a high-impact environmental project – Contribute to climate resilience and forest conservation in Belarus.
Enhance your procurement expertise – Gain experience in UNDP procurement procedures.
Build an international career – Potential for career progression within UNDP or other UN agencies.
Competitive salary and benefits – Work in a globally respected organization with growth opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The Procurement Associate role at UNDP Belarus is a strategic and dynamic position that requires strong procurement expertise, contract management skills, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. If you have experience in supply chain management, procurement operations, and logistics, and you are passionate about working in an international development environment, this role offers a fantastic opportunity for professional growth.

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Sure! Here’s an even more detailed exploration of the Procurement Associate role at UNDP in Minsk, Belarus, including a breakdown of the responsibilities, required qualifications, competencies, and the broader impact of the job, taking into account the nuances and key aspects in greater detail.

Procurement Associate – UNDP (Minsk, Belarus)

Introduction to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the most prominent global organizations committed to supporting countries in poverty eradication, sustainable development, and building resilience. It works in nearly 170 countries and territories to help nations achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on the elimination of poverty and inequality. The UNDP Strategic Plan (2022-2025) emphasizes structural transformation to create green and inclusive economies, empower people, and foster resilient systems that can withstand global challenges.

In this context, the Procurement Associate position is vital in ensuring that UNDP projects, such as “Safeguarding Forests of Belarus”, are executed smoothly. The role is a key part of ensuring the success of UNDP’s environmental initiatives and contributing to the global effort to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Job Purpose and Overview

The Procurement Associate position is part of the Safeguarding Forests of Belarus project, which aims to protect the country’s forest resources by improving fire prevention and emergency preparedness. Specifically, the project seeks to enhance the capacity of local communities to identify and combat forest fires before they escalate into large-scale disasters. As a key player in this project, the Procurement Associate will be tasked with ensuring that the necessary materials, equipment, and services are procured efficiently, in compliance with UNDP’s rules and regulations, and in line with UNDP’s commitment to sustainability and transparency.

The Procurement Associate’s role is critical in managing the procurement cycle, from the initial planning stage to contract management and monitoring of goods and services delivery. The position directly supports the project manager by ensuring that the project’s logistical needs are met effectively and efficiently. The procurement strategy developed by the associate will ensure the timely availability of firefighting equipment, fire prevention materials, and consultant services necessary for implementing the project.

Detailed Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Procurement Planning and Strategy Development

Development and Update of Procurement Plan: One of the core duties of the Procurement Associate is the continuous development, implementation, and updating of the procurement plan. This involves coordinating with various project stakeholders to assess procurement needs and adjust plans as the project progresses.
Long-Term Procurement Strategy: The role involves the creation of a long-term procurement strategy that ensures the smooth delivery of project activities. The Procurement Associate will have to align the project’s objectives with procurement timelines to ensure that critical items like firefighting equipment are available when needed.
Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identifying procurement risks early in the process and proactively managing them is critical for the role. The Procurement Associate will assess potential delays or cost overruns and propose measures to mitigate risks such as price fluctuation, supply chain disruptions, or logistical challenges.

2. Managing Procurement Processes and Bidding

Conducting Competitive Bidding: A significant portion of the job involves the organization and management of competitive bidding processes. This can include Request for Quotations (RFQs) for low-value items, Invitations to Bid (ITBs) for higher-value contracts, and Request for Proposals (RFPs) for more complex procurements such as technical or consultant services. Each of these processes must adhere to UNDP procurement principles which emphasize transparency, fairness, and value for money.
Supplier Selection and Evaluation: The Procurement Associate will play a central role in evaluating bids based on cost, quality, and reliability. This requires a deep understanding of the local market and international standards to ensure that suppliers meet the necessary criteria in terms of delivery time, pricing, and product/service quality.
Contract Negotiation: Once bids are received and evaluated, the Procurement Associate will negotiate contract terms, ensuring that agreements meet the project’s financial and quality standards. This also involves ensuring that the contract includes all required legal, environmental, and safety standards.

3. Supplier and Contract Management wordpress-6.7.1

Vendor Relations: Building strong relationships with suppliers is critical to the role. The Procurement Associate must maintain regular communication with national and international suppliers to ensure compliance with contract terms, including delivery schedules, shipping terms, and payment terms.
Contract Execution and Monitoring: The Procurement Associate will ensure that contracts are executed properly and that the suppliers deliver goods and services as per the agreed specifications. This may include verifying that the goods meet the agreed technical specifications and handling performance issues when they arise.
Supplier Performance and Compliance Monitoring: The Procurement Associate will need to monitor the performance of suppliers regularly to ensure that the project’s standards are being upheld and that suppliers meet their contractual obligations. This is critical to the project’s long-term success and to ensuring that fire prevention and firefighting systems are always operational.

4. Inventory and Logistics Management

Goods Delivery and Inspection: The Procurement Associate will organize the delivery of goods and materials required by the project. This could include firefighting equipment, fire safety tools, or training materials. Additionally, they will inspect and monitor the inventory at different project sites, ensuring that the project has enough stock of critical items and that they are used efficiently.
Customs and Shipping Logistics: Given that the project will likely involve international procurement, the Procurement Associate will play a key role in overseeing the customs clearance process, ensuring that shipments pass smoothly through customs and reach their intended destinations without delays.
Inventory Management and Stock Audits: Conducting regular spot checks and inventory audits to ensure that materials and goods are in good condition and accounted for. This could involve both physical audits and data entry to track project supplies accurately.

5. Compliance with UNDP Rules, Policies, and Regulations

Adherence to UNDP Procurement Policies: The Procurement Associate will be responsible for ensuring that every procurement activity complies with UNDP’s procurement policies and procedures. This includes fairness, transparency, and value for money in every stage of the procurement cycle, from the selection of vendors to the final delivery of goods and services.
Documenting and Reporting: Accurate record-keeping and timely reporting are essential for accountability. The Procurement Associate will prepare procurement reports, tracking the status of procurement activities and ensuring that all required documentation is submitted to UNDP’s Contract, Asset, and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP).

Building Relationships with Stakeholders: The Procurement Associate will collaborate closely with national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Belarus, local NGOs, and other project partners. Developing strong working relationships with these stakeholders will help ensure the successful implementation of procurement and logistics activities.
Knowledge Transfer: The Procurement Associate will also be responsible for knowledge sharing within the project team and with external partners. This involves documenting best practices and lessons learned from procurement activities, ensuring that future projects benefit from this experience.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Educational Qualifications

Minimum Requirement: A High School diploma with 7 years of relevant experience in procurement.
Preferred Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Forestry, Emergency Situations, or a similar field, along with at least 4 years of procurement experience.

Work Experience

Minimum Experience:
- 7 years of relevant procurement experience (with secondary education).
- 4 years of relevant procurement experience (with a bachelor’s degree).
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in procurement and supply of firefighting equipment.
- Familiarity with UNDP or UN procurement rules and procedures.
- Previous experience working in development projects or environmental initiatives.

Languages

Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
Fluency in Russian or Belarusian is required.

Certifications

CIPS Level 3 (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) certification is highly desirable. If not held at the time of recruitment, it must be obtained within one year of joining.

Why This Job Is a Great Opportunity

This position is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of procurement, climate change, and development. It offers a chance to contribute directly to global goals by supporting the Safeguarding Forests of Belarus project. The position will give the successful candidate the chance to gain hands-on experience in international procurement while contributing to environmental sustainability in a critical area of Belarus.

The role offers professional growth opportunities, particularly in managing large-scale procurement operations and working within the UNDP framework. You will develop strong skills in contract management, supplier relations, and project implementation, which will be valuable for future roles in UNDP or other international organizations.

Conclusion

The Procurement Associate position at UNDP is an exciting and multifaceted role that requires expertise in procurement, contract management, and project logistics. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about sustainability, climate action, and international development. If you have the required experience, skills, and qualifications, this position offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the environmental protection efforts in Belarus while working with a prestigious and globally recognized organization.

Would you like further guidance on applying for this job or have any specific questions about the responsibilities?

April 3, 2025

13 minutes read