Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing research, resources, and relationships to ensure that individuals everywhere can access the opportunities necessary for leading full and healthy lives. Established with a mission to improve lives through integrated, evidence-based approaches, FHI 360 employs a diverse staff of over 2,000 experts who work across more than 50 countries globally. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, and economic development, striving to create sustainable solutions that address the needs of communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position is integral to the operations of FHI 360 in the Philippines, specifically supporting the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project. This project, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is a global health initiative aimed at achieving HIV epidemic control and enhancing global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The Procurement Officer will report directly to the Procurement Specialist and will be responsible for executing procurement activities in accordance with established policies and procedures. This role requires a strong understanding of contracting principles and the ability to manage procurement processes effectively, ensuring compliance with both organizational policies and specific funding requirements. The officer will play a crucial role in facilitating the procurement of goods and services necessary for the successful implementation of the EpiC project, contributing to the overall mission of strengthening public health systems in the Philippines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing request quotations, coordinating with the Procurement Specialist to finalize purchase orders, and reviewing invoices before submission to the Finance team for payment. The officer will ensure that all procurement requests are processed in compliance with FHI 360’s policies and specific funding requirements. Additionally, the officer will assist in developing bid specifications, reviewing requisition orders for accuracy, and surveying reliable sources to locate and contact vendors. The role also involves scheduling or expediting deliveries, resolving issues related to shortages or late deliveries, and ensuring that contract terms and company needs are met. The officer will be responsible for reviewing and approving bills for payment, calculating costs of orders, and forwarding invoices to the appropriate accounts. Furthermore, the officer will check shipments to ensure orders are filled correctly and that goods meet specifications, compare prices and delivery dates to determine the best bids among suppliers, update the contract list, and maintain information on all active vendors in the vendor database. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support the procurement function.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of contracting concepts and principles, along with excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to articulate professionally and communicate clearly with clients and staff is essential. Strong organizational and project management skills are required, as well as the capability to manage multiple activities while paying close attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer software is necessary, along with good problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate should be well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to analyze and interpret data effectively. Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills are also critical, as is the ability to thrive in a multicultural environment and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree or its international equivalent in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding procurement processes and regulations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of related work experience, with at least 1 year specifically focused on U.S. Department of State regulations in contracting and procurement, as well as administrative support. This experience is crucial for navigating the complexities of procurement within the context of international development and public health initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the local language. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local vendors and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Manila, Philippines, and may require domestic travel of at least 25%. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all employment practices are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and requires all personnel to adhere to a code of conduct that prevents abuse, exploitation, and harassment. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) to ensure a safe and respectful workplace.