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 extreme weather. 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 Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Associate position at WFP is crucial for supporting the organization's procurement services, ensuring that goods and services are acquired efficiently and effectively. The role involves operational coordination and administrative services to facilitate procurement projects and activities, adhering to standard processes. The Procurement Associate will work under the leadership of the Head of Supply Chain and the direct supervision of the Procurement Officer, contributing to the procurement of goods and services at the lowest cost to WFP. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying potential suppliers, managing purchasing requests, and resolving issues related to delivered goods. The Procurement Associate will also be responsible for maintaining accurate databases and records, producing reports for informed decision-making, and supervising support staff to ensure objectives are met. This role is vital in supporting WFP's mission to provide timely and effective humanitarian assistance, particularly in the Pacific region, which faces unique challenges due to natural hazards and climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Associate will undertake a variety of key responsibilities, including:

• Providing operational coordination and administrative services to support procurement projects and activities, ensuring adherence to standard processes.
• Identifying and recommending potential suppliers, compiling necessary data and documents to support supplier selection.
• Reviewing, recording, and prioritizing purchasing requests, providing support to requisitioners to facilitate the procurement of appropriate goods and services.
• Contributing to negotiations with new suppliers on terms and conditions of orders to secure the best terms and lowest costs for WFP.
• Preparing Purchase Orders, contracts, and supporting documentation for approval, and approving purchases within delegated authority.
• Resolving issues related to delivered goods by liaising with all parties and following standard processes for timely resolution.
• Researching, collecting, and analyzing data to produce reports that enable informed decision-making by the Procurement Officer.
• Managing updates and further developing databases and records to ensure information is accurate and accessible.
• Maintaining relationships with internal counterparts to align procurement activities with broader program objectives. 1
• Supervising support staff, providing guidance to ensure individual and team objectives are met. 1
• Following standard emergency preparedness practices to support WFP's rapid response to crises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate or diploma in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Logistics, or a related field being desirable. Professional certification in procurement and supply chain management is considered an advantage. The role requires strong knowledge of procurement processes, compliance requirements, and risk management principles, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate or diploma in relevant fields such as Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or Logistics is desirable. Professional certifications in procurement and supply chain management would enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement, supply chain management, finance, logistics, contract management, or business administration. Candidates should demonstrate experience in procurement operations, sourcing, evaluation, contract administration, and supply chain processes. Familiarity with Coupa systems and procurement platforms, including data analysis and reporting, is essential. Experience in international, development, humanitarian, or complex operational environments is desirable, along with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN language or a relevant local language is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The Procurement Associate position is offered as a Service Contract at level SC6, with a duration of 6-12 months. The duty station is in Suva, Fiji. WFP emphasizes a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which can be referenced 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.