Technology Procurement Specialist P3 - Rome, Italy

at  World Food Programme

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

21 September 2024-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software and complex IT consultancy services. Leverage technical evaluation methodologies and performance benchmarking, verify interoperability testing as well as industry research methodologies to identify best-fit IT solutions.
• Design proposals for optimizing IT sourcing operations, to enhance efficiency and reinforce TEC’s reputation for quality, transparency, ethics and cost-conscious procurement strategies.
• Develop digital capabilities mapping for TEC’s new Vendor Management Platform (VMP) on ServiceNow, driving digitization to maximize its functionalities towards the target state.
• Establish vendor assessment and contract management as standard divisional processes to enhance operational efficiency, ensure consistent vendor performance, and streamline contract administration.
• Lead the implementation and change management of WFP’s new End-To-End Procurement Solution within TEC, driven by Supply Chain. Act as a TEC focal point and change agent to engage stakeholders, train staff and ensure adoption of IT procurement activities impacted by the corporate system change. Coordinate, assess, oversee and support project planning to ensure TEC’s procurement processes fully integrate with the corporate Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) framework.
• Identify sourcing opportunities for process optimization and automation through the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) services to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop TEC’s procurement plan and processes in alignment with industry standard IT Service Management frameworks’ principles from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and TEC’s strategic goals. This plan incorporates cloud adoption and data strategy implementation ensuring IT solutions adhere to Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) guidelines, with a focus on scalable and reliable service design and transition.
• Capture, analyze and document business requirements for IT solutions and services ensuring alignment with procurement strategies. Manage the service catalogue of IT solutions for effective knowledge management and optimized sourcing decisions. Adhere to established processes for Business Relationship Management, Business Analysis, and IT Project Management.
• Work with suppliers to ensure their performance meets Service Level Agreements and quality standards, and promptly resolve IT vendor issues to maintain operational efficiency and service excellence.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders to negotiate and establish contracts and licensing agreements for IT products and services and oversee contract lifecycle management activities.
• Support TEC’s Information Security Branch by embedding cybersecurity protocols into IT contracts, safeguarding against potential threats and vulnerabilities. Develop comprehensive strategies to address risks in IT procurement within digital transformation projects.
• Implement IT category management aligned with strategic objectives, prioritizing investments based on value and business alignment. Conduct price benchmarking and monitor contract renegotiations to maximize cost savings.
• Other responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• University Degree with emphasis in one of the following disciplines: Economics, Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, or another related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in procurement, vendor and contract management.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Category Knowledge, Market & Supplier analysis, Technical Aptitude, Strategy & Category Planning and Innovations
• Procurement Skills (Demand Management, Sourcing method, Negotiation skills, Contracts management, Supplier & risk management.)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and IT skills.
• Teamwork and intercultural management capabilities.
• Proficient in project management, effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Effective time management and multi-tasking abilities.
• Ability to listen and accept constructive feedback;
• Committed to continuous learning and self-development.
• Ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively and independently;

Language:

• International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language.

This role will work in the Resource Management branch of the Technology Division (TECR) and will collaborate closely with the TEC branches ensuring that they have the necessary procurement related guidelines and support, the correct application of procurement policies, principles, procedures, and rules governing WFP non-food procurement.
The incumbent will develop sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software, and complex IT consultancy services. The incumbent will implement procurement processes aligned with industry-standards, ensuring compliance with IT
regulations, WFP’s data protection policies and licensing requirements.