Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP has been operational in Armenia since 1994, initially focusing on emergency operations and gradually transitioning to resilience building and recovery programming. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a global presence, operating in numerous countries and employing a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position at WFP involves a critical role in managing procurement operations to ensure the efficient acquisition of food and non-food commodities and services. The officer will be responsible for supporting procurement programs, issuing tenders, evaluating offers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with procurement standards. This role requires a strategic approach to procurement, including data analysis for process improvement and collaboration with internal teams to align procurement activities with broader WFP programs. The officer will also be involved in training WFP staff on procurement strategies and practices, ensuring that the organization can respond effectively to emergencies while maintaining operational efficiency. The position is essential for driving performance optimization and ensuring that procurement activities meet the needs of the communities served by WFP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: supporting procurement programs and operational activities by issuing tenders, evaluating offers, and negotiating contracts; analyzing data to provide recommendations for process improvements; preparing accurate and timely reports on procurement activities; ensuring compliance with procurement rules and regulations; collaborating with internal counterparts to align procurement with wider programs; training WFP staff on procurement strategies; supervising junior staff and providing guidance; following emergency preparedness practices to ensure rapid response capabilities; acting in an emergency response capacity as needed; and performing other related duties as required. The role is pivotal in managing end-to-end procurement operations and ensuring that WFP can deliver effective humanitarian assistance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal, Accounting, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. Candidates should have at least one year of postgraduate professional experience, with a strong background in handling procurement transactions and coordinating procurement processes with other units. Knowledge of UN system policies and procedures is desirable, and candidates with specific procurement experience or related fields such as finance, accounting, or legal compliance will be preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the Procurement Officer position include an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal, or Accounting. A first university degree combined with additional relevant work experience and training may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of procurement operations and ensuring compliance with organizational standards.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of postgraduate professional experience in procurement or a related field. Candidates should have experience in handling routine transactions related to the purchase of commodities, goods, or services, as well as developing timelines and cost reports for suppliers. Demonstrated experience in coordinating procurement processes with other teams, such as logistics and administration, is also necessary. Candidates with specific procurement experience or experience in finance, accounting, contracting, or legal compliance will be preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) and Armenian is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Proficiency in these languages is important for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 12 months. The successful candidate will be expected to manage procurement operations effectively while maintaining emergency readiness to deploy assistance during crises. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.