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 improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate position at WFP is crucial for ensuring the efficient and effective procurement of goods and services necessary for the organization’s operations. The role involves providing coordination and administrative services to support procurement projects, which includes identifying potential suppliers, managing purchasing requests, and contributing to negotiations to secure the best terms for WFP. The Procurement Associate will work closely with a team and report to the Deputy Country Director, demonstrating responsibility and initiative in addressing queries and problems with minimal guidance. This position is designed for individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances and contribute to the development of systems and processes that enhance procurement support. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining relationships with internal counterparts and ensuring that procurement activities align with WFP's broader objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide operational coordination and administrative services to support procurement projects and activities, ensuring adherence to standard processes.
• Identify and recommend potential suppliers, compiling necessary data and documents to facilitate supplier selection.
• Review, record, and prioritize purchasing requests, assisting requisitioners to ensure the procurement of appropriate goods and services at the lowest cost.
• Contribute to negotiations with new suppliers regarding terms and conditions of orders to secure the best possible deals for WFP.
• Prepare Purchase Orders, contracts, and supporting documentation for approval, and authorize purchases within delegated authority.
• Resolve issues related to delivered goods by liaising with all parties involved and following standard processes for timely resolution.
• Conduct research, collect, and analyze data to produce reports that support informed decision-making by Procurement Officers.
• Manage and update databases and records to ensure accurate and organized information is available for reporting requirements.
• Maintain relationships with internal counterparts to align procurement activities with wider programs and ensure a coherent approach to food assistance needs. 1
• Supervise support staff, providing guidance to ensure objectives are met to agreed standards and deadlines. 1
• Follow emergency preparedness practices to support WFP's rapid response to crises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being preferred. The role requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible work experience in a relevant business stream, particularly in general administrative work. Familiarity with locally purchased commodities and experience in supplier research and coordination with retailers, wholesalers, and traders are essential. Knowledge of procurement processes and their linkages with logistics-operations" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">logistics operations is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area is highly desirable, as it provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for effective performance in procurement activities.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of progressively responsible work experience in a relevant business stream, with a focus on general administrative work. Candidates should have experience in procurement processes, supplier research, and coordination, as well as familiarity with the operational aspects of procurement in a humanitarian context.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Depending on the location of the post or area of responsibility, fluency (level C) or intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official language may also be required. Additionally, candidates should possess strong oral and written communication skills in the UN language used at the duty station, as well as in the local language if it differs from English.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term contract with a duration of one year, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is specifically open to Sri Lankan nationals only. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve responding to emergencies. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and will conduct rigorous reference and background checks for selected candidates.