Experience

UNOPS has decades of experience providing procurement services. By cooperating and pooling knowledge with other United Nations agencies and development organizations UNOPS identifies supply solutions.

Extensive local knowledge network

UNOPS is active in more than 50 countries globally, with a network of six regional offices and more than 25 operations centres. A United Nations organization, UNOPS has ready access to conflict and post-conflict zones that are off-limits to other service providers.

Its extensive experience working in some of the most challenging locations in the world uniquely positions UNOPS to operate to appropriate global standards, anywhere.

Integrity

UNOPS rigorously reviews all stages of procurement and applies stringent ethical principles.

Quality

While cost-effectiveness is always paramount, UNOPS never compromises the quality of items it procures. All goods undergo vigorous sample inspections and technical/quality approval before contracts are awarded and UNOPS requires pre-shipment inspections by the manufacturer. These are carried out by certified, independent agencies.

Price performance

As a self-financing United Nations entity, UNOPS combines its not-for-profit status with private-sector business efficiencies. The organization relies entirely on the quality of its services to generate income. With significant, global buying power, UNOPS enjoys considerable leverage with suppliers, passing cost-benefits to clients.

UNOPS has established Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with suppliers for many goods and services, thereby guaranteeing highly competitive prices. UNOPS conducts secondary bidding exercises with suppliers when quantities and delivery locations (unavailable when the LTA was established) facilitate better pricing.

In-country logistics

To ensure efficient, effective storage and flow of supplies from the port of entry to the final recipient, UNOPS can establish new transfer systems and support existing ones.

Capacity development

UNOPS offers knowledge, purchasing capacity and logistics expertise to clients. Where appropriate, UNOPS transfers capacity to governments so they can progressively assume responsibility.

Rapid, reliable delivery

UNOPS recognizes that timely procurement supports project success. UNOPS therefore monitors supplier performance to ensure punctual delivery. If suppliers deviate from their obligations, UNOPS assesses the need to impose liquidated damages.

UNOPS can also expedite procurement processes. Where orders are placed pursuant to LTAs there is no need for further bidding, meaning much faster procurement and delivery to the client. In addition, some goods are available via the UNOPS e-procurement portal, UN WebBuy, which allows users to check prices at ease and track orders. Because UN WebBuy is online UNOPS can evaluate and respond to supplier offers at the speed of the Internet.

Flexible service provision

UNOPS services are as comprehensive as clients require. They include consulting, technical advice, provision of expertise, transfer of know-how or technical data, instruction and training.