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 are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer role at WFP is crucial for managing and executing procurement activities that ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of food and non-food commodities and services. This position requires the development of sourcing strategies, leading procurement projects, and providing guidance to Country Offices on best practices. The officer will oversee supplier relationships, quality assurance processes, and compliance with WFP standards while fostering collaboration across the supply chain. The role also involves preparing reports, managing small teams, building capacity among staff and partners, and contributing to emergency response and risk management initiatives. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that WFP can effectively deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need, thereby directly impacting the lives of millions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: consolidating and analyzing procurement data to inform country sourcing strategies and support cost-optimized purchasing decisions; providing oversight and guidance to Country Offices on moderate-value procurement needs, ensuring compliance with WFP policies and best practices; leading procurement projects of moderate complexity, including tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award for food and non-food commodities or services; preparing responses to audit recommendations and ensuring adherence to compliance requirements; developing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to maximize service value; coordinating with inspection and superintendent firms to ensure quality control, specification conformity, and delivery verification; collaborating with cross-functional teams to align procurement activities within an integrated supply chain approach; preparing accurate and timely procurement reports to support informed decision-making and performance optimization; managing and developing procurement officers or small teams, fostering high performance and capacity building; building capacity of WFP staff and partners through training on strategic procurement practices; contributing to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations, and monitoring procurement-specific risks; and acting in an emergency response capacity as required to meet urgent food assistance needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal, Accounting, or another relevant field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses may be accepted. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement processes and practices, as well as the ability to analyze data and make informed decisions. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal, or Accounting. A first university degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant work experience and/or training. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of procurement and supply chain management within a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or a related field. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing procurement projects, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards. Experience in a humanitarian or international development context is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced in these environments. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to analyze data, develop sourcing strategies, and build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a requirement for International Professional level C proficiency. Additionally, candidates should possess intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse WFP workforce.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kampala, Uganda, and the application deadline is set for 15 December 2025 at 23:59 GMT+03:00 East Africa Time. The role is full-time and may involve international travel as part of the responsibilities. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits such as training and professional development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive work environment, and the chance to contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.