Procurement and Contract Specialist

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to support large-scale, high-impact development initiatives in Ethiopia, particularly in water access, resilience, and infrastructure development. This Procurement and Contract Specialist role is a critical professional opportunity for experienced procurement experts who want to contribute to sustainable groundwater and water supply solutions in the Somali Region. The position offers meaningful work within a globally respected UN agency, with strong emphasis on compliance, transparency, and value for money.

Procurement and Contract Specialist Job Vacancy – UNDP Ethiopia (2026)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting qualified and experienced professionals to apply for the position of Procurement and Contract Specialist, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This position supports the Groundwater Access Facility Initiative (GAFA) and the Productive Use of Water (PUW) Pilot Project, which aim to improve groundwater access, water supply infrastructure, and resilience in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.

Job Title

Procurement and Contract Specialist

Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Background

The Groundwater Access Facility Initiative (GAFA), launched in May 2024, focuses on strengthening groundwater resource management in the Horn of Africa. As part of this initiative, UNDP and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) are implementing a Productive Use of Water (PUW) pilot project in the Somali Region.

The project includes drilling 20 shallow and deep boreholes, installing solar-powered pumping systems, water storage facilities, and supply infrastructure. The initiative will provide safe and reliable water access to more than 150,000 people, support health facilities and schools, and improve long-term water resilience.

Position Summary

UNDP is seeking a highly skilled Procurement and Contract Specialist to manage the full procurement and contract lifecycle of the project. The role ensures compliance with UNDP procurement rules, donor requirements, and international best practices while delivering value for money and supporting timely project implementation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Procurement Management

• Implement procurement activities in line with approved project procurement plans
• Ensure full compliance with UNDP procurement and financial rules, donor regulations, and internal procedures
• Procure goods, services, and works at best value for money
• Develop technical specifications and procurement documents
• Manage supplier rosters, evaluations, and performance monitoring
• Maintain effective internal controls and procurement workflows

2. Contract Management

• Manage contract preparation, negotiation, amendments, and close-out
• Monitor contractor performance and compliance with contractual terms
• Verify delivery of goods and services against specifications
• Provide guidance on resolving contract disputes and performance issues
• Recommend payments based on verified deliverables
• Maintain accurate procurement and contract records

3. Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Prepare and monitor procurement plans and progress reports
• Manage tendering processes (RFQs, RFPs, evaluations, negotiations)
• Maintain procurement files, asset records, and logistical reports
• Provide regular procurement updates to Project Managers

4. Team Management

• Support and supervise procurement team members
• Promote performance management, coaching, and learning
• Ensure compliance with UNDP policies and best practices

5. Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing

• Organize and deliver procurement-related training
• Contribute to UNDP procurement knowledge networks
• Share lessons learned and best practices

Institutional Arrangement

The Procurement and Contract Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Team Leader – CRES Unit, in close collaboration with project managers, programme units, operations teams, and partners at UNDP.

Required Education

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or related Social/Administrative Sciences
  OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields with two additional years of relevant experience

CIPS Level 4 certification is highly desirable. Candidates with CIPS certification will have a strong advantage.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressive experience in procurement and contract management
• Experience managing large-scale infrastructure or water projects
• Strong knowledge of UNDP procurement rules and regulations
• Experience working with UNDP or the UN system is an advantage
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and other office applications

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Amharic is required

Core & Technical Competencies

• Procurement and contract management
• Supplier and relationship management
• Strategic thinking and systems thinking
• Results-based management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder environments

Equal Opportunity & Ethics

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, background, or disability.

UNDP has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse of authority, or discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo relevant background and reference checks.

Right to Select Multiple Candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates and to retain applications for similar future positions at the same grade level.

Scam Alert

UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent recruitment messages. Official information is available at www.undp.org/scam-alert.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online only through the official UNDP application portal:

Application Link:
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/30897/apply/email

Applicants are advised to complete the application carefully and submit before the deadline stated on the portal.