The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is offering an Associate Procurement Officer position in Geneva, Switzerland. The role is suited to professionals who have experience in procurement, contract management, or data analysis and want to work in an international organization.
This position involves much more than purchasing goods and services. The successful candidate will support procurement planning, tender processes, supplier management, contracts, purchasing data, and internal procurement procedures.
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The role also includes working with different teams and helping staff understand procurement requirements.
Applicants with a relevant master’s degree and at least two years of progressively responsible experience may find this opportunity particularly relevant.
Strong English and French skills are required, while experience with ERP systems, Power BI, or international organizations can strengthen an application.
About the Organization
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is an international organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its workforce operates in an international and multicultural environment. The vacancy is within WMO’s Procurement Section and supports the organization’s purchasing and contract-related activities.
WMO states that it is committed to diversity and a balanced workforce and welcomes applications from qualified women and men, including people with disabilities.
Position Overview
The Associate Procurement Officer will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Procurement Section. The position focuses on managing and supporting procurement activities for organizational and project requirements.
The work covers several stages of the procurement process. This includes understanding purchasing needs, reviewing specifications, handling tenders, assessing supplier offers, preparing documentation, supporting contracts, and monitoring procurement information.
The position also has an internal support element. The officer will help colleagues understand procurement procedures, provide briefings and training, manage procurement-related correspondence, and serve as a focal point for certain contracts and supplier records.
Key Responsibilities
A major part of the role is planning procurement activities and helping requesting teams identify suitable purchasing solutions. The officer will review technical specifications and consider factors such as accuracy, availability, pricing, and possible alternatives.
The position also involves managing formal and informal tender processes. This includes evaluating bids, proposals, and quotations against the relevant requirements and helping ensure that purchasing decisions are competitive and compliant.
Another important area is procurement documentation. The officer will prepare and organize materials such as purchase orders, contracts, amendments, reports, and other correspondence. Purchasing information will also need to be collected, presented, and used for procurement spend reporting.
Supplier and contract management are additional responsibilities. The officer will conduct market and supplier research, support supplier creation within the WMO ERP system, manage assigned contracts, and review supplier performance assessments connected with those contracts.
The role also includes administrative coordination. The successful candidate may serve as Secretary of the Procurement Committee on Contracts, manage the procurement email inbox, and make sure correspondence reaches the appropriate procurement officers.
In addition, the officer will provide training and briefings to relevant staff when procurement procedures or requirements change.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Education
A master’s degree or equivalent is required in a relevant field such as:
- Business administration
- Public administration
- Commerce
- Law
- Supply chain management
- Logistics
- Procurement
- A related field
A first-level university degree may be accepted instead when combined with two additional years of qualifying experience.
A procurement qualification such as CIPS Level 3 or an equivalent certificate is considered an asset.
Professional Experience
Applicants need at least two years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, and/or data analysis.
Some additional experience is considered desirable rather than mandatory. This includes at least one year of experience in report design or Power BI.
Experience working for an international organization, NGO, or similar institution is an asset. Familiarity with procurement or supply-chain functions within an ERP system, such as Oracle or a similar platform, is also an advantage.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English and French, both spoken and written, is required.
Knowledge of another WMO official language is an advantage. WMO’s official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Skills Needed
The vacancy emphasizes a combination of procurement knowledge, analytical ability, communication, and professional judgment.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively with different teams. The role also requires an understanding of stakeholders and the ability to engage with people involved in purchasing activities.
Decision-making and problem-solving are important because procurement work can involve reviewing specifications, comparing offers, considering alternatives, and handling different requirements.
The position also places importance on integrity and accountability. Cultural awareness, an inclusive mindset, innovation, and digital agility are among the competencies identified for the role.
Salary & Benefits
The position is funded from the regular budget.
The stated annual net base salary on initial appointment is US$56,046. In addition, the vacancy lists an annual post adjustment of US$47,471 on the initial salary.
The employer also states that there is a possibility of renewal, subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance following an initial one-year probationary period. The probation period may be extended up to a maximum of two years.
The statutory retirement age is 65. WMO states that candidates must be at least 18 years old and must be able to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching the mandatory age of separation.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the WMO e-recruitment system.
Applicants should use the official recruitment route and should not submit the same application through multiple channels. WMO no longer accepts applications by post or email.
Only candidates in whom WMO has further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete a written test and/or attend an interview.
Applicants should also be aware that WMO does not charge processing fees at any stage of recruitment, selection, or hiring. Candidates should be cautious of anyone requesting payment or bank account information while claiming to represent the recruitment process.
Tips Before Applying
Before submitting an application, carefully compare your education and professional experience with the stated requirements. In particular, check whether your background covers procurement, contract management, or data analysis.
Your CV should clearly show relevant responsibilities and achievements rather than simply listing job titles. If you have worked with an ERP system, Power BI, procurement processes, or contracts, make those areas easy for the recruiter to identify.
Because English and French are required, applicants should also make their language abilities clear in their application.
Finally, review all application information before submitting it through the WMO e-recruitment system. Make sure your documents accurately represent your qualifications and experience.
Conclusion
The Associate Procurement Officer position in Geneva offers an opportunity for procurement and related professionals to work within WMO’s Procurement Section in an international setting. The role combines purchasing activities, tender evaluation, contract administration, supplier coordination, reporting, and support for internal teams.
Candidates who meet the education, experience, and language requirements should review the official vacancy carefully and submit their application through WMO’s online recruitment system. Those whose background closely matches the requirements may wish to prepare carefully for the possibility of a written assessment or interview.