Procurement Assistant Job at UNODC
JOB ALERT: UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC) RECRUITING
POSITION OVERVIEW
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 closely with programme teams, project personnel, suppliers, and other operational support functions to ensure that procurement transactions are processed efficiently and in strict accordance with United Nations rules and procedures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Review, record, and prioritise procurement requests; assist in preparing scopes of work, terms of reference, and technical specifications.
Support procurement planning by checking funding availability and identifying cost-saving alternatives.
Process procurement requests, ensuring requisitions are complete, accurate, and compliant.
Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Invitations to Bid (ITB), Requests for Proposal (RFP), and other solicitation documents.
Compile supplier quotations, proposals, and bids; prepare comparative analyses based on value for money, quality, and delivery timelines.
Prepare and process Purchase Orders and contracts, verifying vendor details, financial amounts, and relevant codes.
Support bid evaluations, prepare comparative tables, and assist with negotiations under the guidance of Procurement Officers.
Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and sources, maintaining procurement databases, supplier files, and contract records.
Monitor supplier performance, evaluate vendor records, and resolve delivery or pricing discrepancies.
Coordinate with requesting units and suppliers on order status, product availability, and delivery schedules.
Compile procurement data for periodic management reports, contribute to the annual Acquisition Plan, and participate in UN Nigeria Procurement Network meetings.
Ensure full compliance with United Nations Financial Regulations, Rules, and the UN Procurement Manual.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Education & 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 and must be uploaded with the application.
Work Experience
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, administrative services, or a related area.
Note: 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, Excel, and other office software.
Sound knowledge of procurement policies, purchasing practices, and financial regulations.
Desirable Experience
Experience using SAP/Umoja.
Previous experience within the UN system or international organisations.
Field operations procurement experience, data analytics background, or experience handling urgent requests under tight deadlines.
Key Competencies
Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and client-oriented service delivery.
Strong understanding of procurement compliance and documentation.
Language Requirement
Fluency in English is required.
SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates may be required to complete an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview.
Important Note: This appointment is subject to local recruitment in Nigeria under a fixed-term limited arrangement.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations Careers recruitment platform. Ensure all required information is accurate and that your CIPS Level 4 (or equivalent) certification is successfully uploaded.
Vacancy Reference: UNODC-286104
Application Deadline: 22nd October, 2026
