Procurement Officer

BACKGROUND

Africa HCD+ is a platform funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and will have the capability to serve as an African voice for advocacy, accountability, and transparency on HCD. It seeks to accelerate political commitments, decision-making and funding for key priorities towards realising SDGs #1-6 in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to incubate regional advocacy and technical assistance hub on Human Capital Development towards increasing African Government's commitment, funding, and accountability to HCD. The platform, through increased HCD advocacy, focuses on five pillars: (i) Health and Health Security; (ii) Nutrition and Food Security; (iii) Education, Skills Development, and Labour Participation; (iv) Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion, and Digital Transformation; and (v) Gender transformative HCD.

Also, HCD sits across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in many African governments. Hence, there has not been any organisation that holds an integrated vision for HCD. This makes an HCD-focused institution like the Africa HCD+ highly critical to further supporting the HCD agenda on the continent. HCD+ focuses on four strategic objectives: (i) Creating transparency on the HCD performance across the continent; (ii) Advocating with heads of state and decision-makers to make HCD a priority; (iii) Ensuring effective coordination and collaboration with stakeholders and decision-makers; and (iv) Selectively driving the implementation of flagship programmes in education, health, and economic inclusion. The programme has since commenced its activities in Abuja.

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The Procurement Officer is responsible for providing frontline technical leadership and guidance to all supplies of goods and services for organisation. Will provide central role in the interpretation and enforcement of the policies and procedures contained in the company’s procurement manual; including strategic advice to the Chief Operation Officers and the Chief Executive Officer in the decision-making process regarding purchases of goods and services for the HCD+. S/he will oversee and supervise any junior staff/employees and all activities relating to supplying goods and services for the organisation.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Will be leading the evaluation of suppliers and their proposed products and services for tendering to the company.
• Provide technical leadership in negotiating contracts and ensuring that approved purchases are cost-efficient and of high quality.
• Will supervise junior staff and all activities relating to the supplies of good and services for the company
• Will lead the preparation of annual and semi-annual procurement plans for the purchase of equipment, services, and supplies.
• Provide frontline leadership in enforcing the company's procurement policies and procedures, and ensuring follow-up and coordination of related activities during operations.
• Coordinate the review, analysis and approval of products and services to be purchased for the organisation.
• S/he will manage inventories and maintain accurate purchase and pricing records.
• Will work closely with admin, HR and finance departments, as well as Project Teams
• Will maintain and update supplier information such as qualifications, delivery times, product ranges, and related requirements
• Play central role in maintaining good supplier relations and negotiating contracts.
• Constantly undertake operational market research and evaluation of prospective suppliers and supply options.
• Will provide overall guidance in approving purchases and maintaining accurate records.
• S/he will prepare budgets, cost analyses, and reports relating to forecasted and actual purchases of goods and services.

REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

• A relevant degree in procurement, or related fields, with 9-11 years of relevant experience/progressive responsibility in procurement, internal controls, and project operations at the senior level
• ACA or ACCA membership is an added advantage
• Proven ability to develop and manage large procurement responsibilities and in-depth knowledge of market research and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising project operations, procurement, subgrants and subcontracts, auditing, and accounting/finance.
• Analytical and forward-thinking problem solver with high ethical standards and professionalism.
• Proven recorded in maintaining good supplier relations and negotiating contracts.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in establishing operations and procurement systems.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, oral, and written communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a Team.
• Proficient in Microsoft programmes, i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., and can use various commercially available procurement and accounting software programmes.
• Strong in leadership, versatility, and integrity.

LANGUAGE

• Fluency in English language or French Language is required and a working knowledge of the other.