Senior Procurement Assistant

October 9, 2026

H (no hardship)

Family

GS5

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-10-15

Senior Procurement Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Procurement Assistant provides procurement support to all activities pertaining to the procurement function including planning, tendering, evaluation, award and contract administration within the area of responsibility (AoR).
The incumbent is supervised by a relevant higher-level position and receives regular guidance and instructions from the supervisor on successive steps. S/he works independently on routine tasks while follows instructions of the supervisor on more complex issues. The incumbent may have contacts on a working level on specific issues with other UNHCR offices, UN agencies, NGOs, government partners and commercial contractors in the area to facilitate performing the procurement function. The duty of the incumbent is to support procurement management within the geographical area covered while exercising efficiency in the use of those resources.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- In compliance with procurement rules and procedures, support the related procurement activities to facilitate UNHCR end to end processes resulting in a timely and quality delivery of goods and services to persons of concern.
- Apply UNHCR's sourcing & procurement strategy when planning and/or purchasing commodities and services.
- Examine purchase requisitions to ensure conformity and liaise with requesters when necessary.
- Prepare Requests for Quotation as well as formal tender documents.
- Actively support Evaluation Committees within the AoR.
- Produce bid tabulations and prepare Purchase Orders for approval.
- Dispatch approved Purchase Orders, and follow-up with the delivery of ordered commodities and services.
- Administer contracts and update vendor performance evaluation in coordination with the Contract Manager
- Provide information on all procurement activities within the AoR.
- Provide guidance on procurement activities by Partners, as well as evaluation of Partners¿ procurement capacity. Participate in Multi-Functional Teams (MFTs) formally reviewing Partners¿ qualification.
- Support CBI activities within AoR.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records on procurement activities and provide reports and updates periodically, and on request. Compile statistical information on procurement related matters that will assist in decision making.

In the Regional Bureaux
- Track global Procurement KPIs for the region and assist in preparation of regional ones, as required.
- Monitor all periodic and ad-hoc procurement exercises set by Regional Bureau or HQ and provide relevant reports to senior managers.
- Contribute to the elaboration of the procurement plan for the Regional Bureau.
- Assist Country Operations in MSRP management within the AoR.

In the Country Operations
- Ensure local liaison to effectively support procurement activities.
- Assist in procurement management of goods and services according to UNHCR rules and regulations as well as country-specific SOPs;
- Assist in vendor evaluation and preparation of submissions to relevant CoCs.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Supply Chain, Procurement, Administration,
Economics, Law, Engineering
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
SC-Supply Planning
SC-Public procurement
IT-Computer Literacy
SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management
SC-Customs clearance
SC-Logistics
SC-Asset Management
SC-Fleet Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Operational Context
The position is based in Budapest within the Supply Management Service (SMS), Division of Emergency and Operational Support (DEPS), and reports to the Procurement Officer of the Procurement Project & Support Unit. The Unit provides procurement support and advisory services to Headquarters, Regional Bureaux and Country Operations worldwide. Its responsibilities include providing guidance on procurement policies and procedures, developing procurement tools and templates, supporting review of procurement processes, delivering training and capacity-building activities, and assisting support to achieve compliance with UNHCR procurement standards. The Unit also provides guidance on Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) procurement and support requests for operational or procedural issues related to the Cloud ERP.
The Unit further supports vendor management activities, including vendor performance management, vendor review and vendor ethics processes, and guidance related to procurement protests and appeals mechanisms. It works closely with different stakeholders across the organization to promote effective, ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
The incumbent supports the preparation and review of procurement-related documentation, assists with training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, responds to routine procurement and supplier management queries, and contributes to maintaining procurement compliance and service quality. The role involves regular interaction with UNHCR personnel, suppliers, UN agencies, international organizations and other external partners. The incumbent works independently on routine assignments while receiving guidance on more complex matters.


Desired Candidate Profile (DCP):
The ideal candidate has relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, administration or another related area, preferably within an international organization, NGO, public institution or a large and diverse operational environment.
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong organizational and administrative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Experience supporting procurement activities, maintaining accurate documentation, and applying established policies, procedures and guidelines is desirable.
The candidate should possess good communication and interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Experience providing customer-oriented support, responding to enquiries, facilitating knowledge-sharing activities, or supporting training initiatives would be an asset.
Familiarity with supplier management processes, procurement systems such as ERP platforms, procurement review mechanisms, or vendor performance activities is desirable. Exposure to procurement-related compliance, vendor management, cash-based intervention procurement, or capacity-building activities would be advantageous.
The position requires a proactive, reliable and service-oriented team player who can work independently on routine assignments while exercising sound judgement and seeking guidance when appropriate. The successful candidate should demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a commitment to ethical procurement practices, continuous learning, and high-quality service delivery.

Additional information:
Candidates are expected to be legally present in the country and have the right to work in Hungary at the time of their recruitment. UNHCR does not facilitate obtaining a visa for recruitment purposes.
This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

NOTE: A completed and relevant minimum first level university degree (equivalent to BA or higher) shall count in full (100%) towards the required years of work experience. Priority will be given to eligible applicants meeting the full requirements

Remuneration:
In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
G5 - Salary range: NET 724,718.6 HUF - NET 848,943 HUF.
Benefits:
Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).

Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).

Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in Budapest will be enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP). The coverage is also optionally available for eligible family members.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The position is based in Budapest within the Supply Management Service (SMS), Division of Emergency and Operational Support (DEPS), and reports to the Procurement Officer of the Procurement Project & Support Unit. The Unit provides procurement support and advisory services to Headquarters, Regional Bureaux and Country Operations worldwide. Its responsibilities include providing guidance on procurement policies and procedures, developing procurement tools and templates, supporting review of procurement processes, delivering training and capacity-building activities, and assisting support to achieve compliance with UNHCR procurement standards. The Unit also provides guidance on Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) procurement and support requests for operational or procedural issues related to the Cloud ERP.

 

The Unit further supports vendor management activities, including vendor performance management, vendor review and vendor ethics processes, and guidance related to procurement protests and appeals mechanisms. It works closely with different stakeholders across the organization to promote effective, ethical and sustainable procurement practices.

 

The incumbent supports the preparation and review of procurement-related documentation, assists with training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, responds to routine procurement and supplier management queries, and contributes to maintaining procurement compliance and service quality. The role involves regular interaction with UNHCR personnel, suppliers, UN agencies, international organizations and other external partners. The incumbent works independently on routine assignments while receiving guidance on more complex matters.

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, SC-Asset Management, SC-Customs clearance, SC-Fleet Management, SC-Logistics, SC-PeopleSoft Supply Chain Management, SC-Public procurement, SC-Supply Planning

Certifications

Administration - Other, Economics - Other, Engineering - Other, Law - Other, Procurement - Other, Supply Chain - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance