Asistente de Adquisiciones

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, employing thousands of individuals who are committed to its mission. The organization focuses on providing food assistance to those in need, particularly in areas affected by hunger and malnutrition. WFP's vision is to create a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that embodies its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to strive for a world where no one goes hungry. To learn more about WFP, visit their official website and follow them on various social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The position of Asistente de Adquisiciones involves executing and applying appropriate guidelines, processes, and procedures to sustain the efficient and effective delivery of procurement services. This role is crucial in supporting the operational needs of WFP by ensuring that the procurement of goods and services is conducted in a timely and efficient manner. The Asistente de Adquisiciones will work closely with professional staff to facilitate the acquisition of necessary resources for effective field operations. The position requires a proactive approach to managing procurement activities, ensuring compliance with WFP standards, and maintaining effective communication with internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting WFP's mission to provide food assistance and will be expected to contribute to the organization's goals by ensuring that procurement processes are streamlined and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct timely and efficient administrative procurement activities to assist professional staff in acquiring goods and services for effective field operations.
• Collect data and prepare and distribute documents to support procurement programs and operational activities, ensuring adherence to standard processes (e.g., issuing tenders, evaluating bids, and negotiating/awarding contracts).
• Review, record, and prioritize purchase requests, ensuring all supporting documentation is received and funds are available for the acquisition of goods and services.
• Coordinate and supervise the issuance of purchase requests, verifying the receipt and inspection of products, and implementing follow-up measures to ensure supplies reach the headquarters and field operations.
• Gather, compile, and present information in standard formats to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure consistency in the information presented to stakeholders.
• Update, manage, and maintain relevant databases and records to ensure information is accurate, organized, accessible, and meets reporting obligations.
• Maintain contact with internal counterparts to sustain the harmonization of procurement activities with broader programs and ensure a coherent approach to addressing food assistance needs.
• Provide technical support and/or assign work to other support staff to assist them in carrying out standard tasks in accordance with agreed standards and timelines.
• Apply standard emergency preparedness practices to assist WFP in responding quickly and delivering food and resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications for this position include the completion of secondary education. A certificate in a relevant field of study beyond secondary education is desirable. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of procurement processes and standards, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, and be able to work in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have completed their secondary education. A post-secondary education certificate in a relevant functional area is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position, particularly in procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in a relevant functional area, particularly in procurement or supply chain management. Experience in conducting procurement activities, analyzing data, and preparing reports is essential. Familiarity with working with suppliers or other third parties is also desirable. Candidates should have experience using procurement systems such as WINGS (SAP), ITS, Smartsourcing, Intend, etc.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. Proficiency in English is desirable and would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international colleagues and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Service Contract/SC-5 and is based in Havana, Cuba. The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on organizational requirements. The role is full-time, and WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. The organization does not charge any fees during the application process and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.