Division: Administration and Finance
Unit: Administration and Logistics

Location
You will be working in a cross-cultural, impact-oriented environment at ICIMOD’s head office in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal. Occasional travel in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region will be required. 

Duration 
One year, with a probation period of three months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and ICIMOD`s future funding levels.

Reporting and supervising
The Procurement Associate will report to the Administration and Logistics Officer (Unit Head) and work under the general guidance of the Director of Administration, Finance and Operations. The Procurement Associate will work in close collaboration with different Units, Action Areas, and Strategic Groups, where relevant.

Background to ICIMOD 
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, Nepal, is the leading institute for the study of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). An intergovernmental knowledge and development organisation with a focus on climate and environmental risks, green economies, and sustainable collective action, we have worked in our eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan – since our foundation.

Entering our 40th year, ICIMOD is perfectly positioned to support the transformative action required for the HKH to face the challenges of the escalating effects of climate change, pollution, water insecurity, increased disaster risk, biodiversity loss, and widespread socioeconomic changes. We seek to raise our ambition to support the required transformative action to step up our engagement through to 2030.

Position overview 
ICIMOD is seeking candidates with excellent technical knowledge about procurement methodologies and has experience liaising with vendors. The Procurement Associate will be responsible for procuring a diverse range of equipment and services for ICIMOD’s operations and planned activities, including scientific equipment, vehicles, IT equipment, consumables/stationery, and maintenance items. They will also support the activities of the Administration and Logistics Unit.

ICIMOD adopts a one-door policy for procurement and has established a dedicated procurement function.

Responsibilities 
The Procurement Associate will support in delivering results in line with the commitments we have made in our Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact.

The Procurement Associate shall fulfil the following duties and responsibilities:

• Collect information about ICIMOD’s procurement requirements and provide prompt and proactive procurement services following the established Procurement Policy and Procedures and Finance Policy/Procedures of ICIMOD.
• Call for quotations and bidding as appropriate in close coordination with staff originator and unit head, and follow-up with suppliers as needed. 
• Scrutinise obtained quotations/bids; make concise comparative charts and facilitate the institutional approval process with supportive documents while maintaining transparency.
• Issue purchase orders and contracts to concerned suppliers based on approvals and follow-up for quicker delivery.
• Maintain strong documentation and systematic filing system for each procurement. 
• For procurement of goods of a technical nature, consult and coordinate with the relevant internal and external experts for identification and clarification of the technical specifications of required goods or equipment.
• Conduct periodic market exploration/survey for frequently required goods and keep abreast with new technology and products.
• Maintain good business relationships with ICIMOD’s present and potential suppliers.
• Liaise with the ICIMOD Store in receiving delivery of goods and maintaining inventory.
• Liaise with the Finance Unit for quicker payment of dues to the suppliers.
• Assist in other administrative work as assigned by the Administration and Logistics Unit Head.
• Work as a team player within ICIMOD to support work-related activities and promote institutional goals.

Minimum qualifications and experience 

ESSENTIAL

• Master’s degree in marketing, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a similar organization.
• Proven knowledge of inventory management.
• Proven knowledge of computer hardware, renewable energy, auto/mechanical engineering, etc.) would be an additional asset.
• Strong orientation in interdisciplinary approaches. 

DESIRABLE

• Experience of working in an international multicultural setting
• Knowledge of other regional languages spoken in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region would be an advantage.

Remuneration
Remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a provident fund, health insurance, severance pay, children`s education grant, and paid leave (30 days holiday and 10 days public holidays per year). 

ICIMOD’s core values 
Our core values are integrity, neutrality, relevance, inclusiveness, openness, and ambition. These values are an expression of our culture and are central to the guiding beliefs and principles of our work and behaviour. Our core values will lie at the heart of ICIMOD operations and delivery. They will underpin everything we do and frame how we work with our partners. They reflect our founding intentions and the balances we seek to hold, while equipping ourselves for the future.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safeguarding 
ICIMOD's human resource selection process is based on the qualifications and competence of the applicants. As an employer, ICIMOD is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offers equal opportunities to applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including but not limited to gender, age, national origin, religion, race, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or social status. ICIMOD strongly encourages applications from all eligible individuals, especially women from all parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

ICIMOD is dedicated to establishing and upholding a safe and nurturing work environment, where all its employees can participate fully and meaningfully without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Any type of abuse or harassment, including sexual misconduct, by our staff, representatives, or stakeholders, is not condoned or tolerated.

Method of application 

Applicants are requested to apply online before September 22, 2023 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time) through Mero Job

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.