Procurement Officer - Consultancy Level II at World Food Programme (WFP)

WFP’s operations depend on the efficient and effective purchase and supply of a vast range of goods and services. One of the critical functions of the Procurement Unit in the Regional Bureau for Eastern Africa is to procure goods, services, and food commodities to support WFP operations in the region. The contracting of retailers and financial service providers also constitutes a major component of the procurement activities for operations where cash transfers are provided to empower beneficiaries with the choice to address their essential needs in local markets. Finally, as the second line of defence, the Regional Procurement Unit provides oversight and regular technical guidance on complex and high-value procurement cases.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

The Procurement Consultant will be responsible for leading on and providing technical advice and oversight to procurement field operations of moderate complexity, partnering with the key supply chain functions to ensure an integrated supply chain approach to meeting the food assistance needs of beneficiaries. 

• Consolidate and analyse data from which to inform sourcing strategies for the operations or plan specialist procurement initiatives that support effective and cost optimizing purchase decisions.
• Provide oversight, guidance and support to Country Offices on implementing best practice procurement policies and procedures, ensuring a strategic, forward purchasing approach to procurement in compliance with wider WFP policies, standards and regulations.
• Lead the implementation of procurement projects of moderate to high complexity (e.g. issue tenders, evaluate offers and negotiate/award contracts), to ensure successful procurement of food and non-food commodities or services.
• Collate information and draft appropriate responses to recommendations to support auditing of procurement activities and ensure conformity with compliance rules.
• Identify, develop and maintain strong relationships with all relevant suppliers and vendors to enable WFP to maximize the value of the service delivered.
• Work in close collaboration with cross functional counterparts (Programme, Logistics, Finance, etc.) to align procurement activities.
• Coordinate and prepare accurate and timely reports of procurement activities to contribute to a WFP wide view that enables informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders, leading to performance optimization.
• Manage individual procurement officers or small procurement teams ensuring appropriate development and enable high performance.
• Build capacity of WFP staff and external partners to take a strategic and proactive approach to the procurement of CBT services e.g., through provision of training sessions.
• Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor the management of procurement specific risks.
• Undertake field missions to support the CBT procurement activities in the region on a need basis.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal or Accounting or other relevant field, or First University degree with an additional relevant work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience:

• Minimum of at least five years of relevant professional experience in NFI Procurement, Supply Chain Cash-Based Transfers. Previous exposure to non-profit and private sector would be an advantage. .
• Good understanding of WFP operations and strategic objectives related to the position.
• Good writing skills and ability to summarize the key messages clearly. Ability to deliver trainings.

Skills:

• Experience coordinating or leading a procurement teams.
• Experience in engaging in policy and strategy discussions and providing input into these.
• Ability to analyse and identify opportunities for and propose solutions to quality improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English

Closing date: 13 May 2022