Procurement Associate

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 pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate position is crucial for the efficient and effective procurement services within the World Food Programme's Dubai office. This role involves providing coordination and administrative support to procurement projects, ensuring that standard processes are followed to facilitate the procurement of goods and services. The Procurement Associate will work closely with the Supplier Relationship Management Team and Category Officers to identify potential suppliers and support the selection process. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. The Procurement Associate will also be responsible for preparing purchase orders and contracts, negotiating with suppliers, and maintaining accurate records to support decision-making processes. This role is essential in ensuring that WFP can deliver timely and effective humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide operational coordination and administrative services to support procurement projects and activities, ensuring compliance with standard processes.
• Collaborate with the Supplier Relationship Management Team and Category Officer to identify and recommend potential suppliers, compiling necessary data and documents for supplier selection.
• Review and prioritize purchasing requests, providing support to requisitioners to ensure appropriate procurement at the lowest cost.
• Assist in negotiations with new suppliers on terms and conditions of orders to secure the best terms for WFP.
• Prepare Purchase Orders, contracts, and supporting documentation for stakeholder approval, and approve purchases within delegated authority.
• Resolve issues related to delivered goods by liaising with all parties and following standard processes for timely resolution.
• Conduct research and data analysis to produce reports that inform decision-making by Procurement Officers.
• Manage and update databases and records to ensure accurate and organized information is available for reporting.
• Maintain relationships with internal counterparts to align procurement activities with broader program objectives. 1
• Supervise support staff, providing guidance to ensure objectives are met. 1
• Follow emergency preparedness practices to support WFP's rapid response to crises. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being advantageous. A CIPS Level 2 Certification or equivalent is also preferred. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's mission and values, and possess the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a relevant field is preferred, and candidates with a CIPS Level 2 Certification or equivalent will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least six years of progressively responsible work experience in a relevant business stream, with a focus on general administrative work. Experience in procurement processes and supplier management is highly desirable. Familiarity with public procurement processes and logistics-operations" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">logistics operations will also be beneficial for candidates applying for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Multilingualism is considered an asset, as it enables effective communication with various contractors and stakeholders at a global level.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Dubai, UAE, and is open to UAE nationals and individuals holding a valid UAE residency visa. The initial duration of employment is 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The salary starts from AED 22,456.81 per month, which includes pension contributions, along with medical insurance and other entitlements. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.