Procurement Officer

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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position at WFP involves providing operational coordination and administrative services to support procurement activities and projects in accordance with WFP's procurement procedures and policies. The role is crucial for ensuring the effective procurement of goods and services, which includes tasks such as issuing tenders, conducting evaluations, submitting procurement cases to relevant committees, drafting contracts, and preparing Purchase Orders. The officer will also be responsible for conducting market assessments and identifying efficient sourcing strategies. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure that procurement processes align with WFP's mission of delivering humanitarian assistance effectively and efficiently.

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 support supplier selection.
• Review, record, and prioritize purchasing requests, assisting requisitioners to procure appropriate goods and services at the lowest cost.
• Contribute to 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 approval, ensuring swift procurement processes.
• Resolve issues related to delivered goods by liaising with all parties and following standard procedures for timely resolution.
• Research, collect, and analyze data to produce reports that inform decision-making by Procurement Officers and align procurement activities with broader programs.
• Manage and update databases and records to ensure accurate and organized information is accessible for reporting requirements.
• Maintain relationships with internal counterparts to ensure a coherent approach to meeting 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 demonstrate familiarity with locally purchased commodities, goods, and services, particularly in cash-based and in-kind donations. Knowledge of procurement processes and their linkages with logistics-operations" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">logistics operations is essential. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates should also possess excellent negotiation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a related functional area is preferred, providing candidates with foundational knowledge relevant to procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in procurement processes, including conducting supplier research and coordinating with retailers, wholesalers, and traders. Familiarity with the procurement of goods and services in a humanitarian context is highly desirable. Experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships will be advantageous for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Depending on the location of the post, fluency or intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language may also be required. For field positions, fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and the local language, if different, is essential.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Kampala, Uganda. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be provided in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.