Procurement Officer

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Position Title: Procurement Officer
Location: Antananarivo
Country: Madagascar
Deadline Date: March 16, 2025

Job Details

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 individuals who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. WFP is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background or identity. For more information about WFP, visit their official website at https://www.wfp.org and follow their social media channels for updates on their initiatives and impact.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer position at WFP is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of procurement operations and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards. This role involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting on procurement data to optimize processes and support the successful procurement of food and non-food commodities. The officer will work closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and other partners, to align procurement activities with broader programmatic goals. The position requires a proactive approach to training WFP staff on procurement strategies and practices, ensuring that the organization can effectively respond to emergencies and meet the food assistance needs of affected populations. The Procurement Officer will also be responsible for drafting reports and responses to audit recommendations, contributing to the overall transparency and accountability of procurement activities within WFP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing procurement plans and processes that comply with WFP policies and standards.
• Managing procurement programs and operational activities, such as issuing tenders, evaluating offers, and negotiating contracts.
• Tracking and analyzing procurement data to identify areas for process improvement.
• Preparing accurate and timely reports on procurement activities to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborating with internal counterparts and external partners to ensure a coherent approach to procurement that meets food assistance needs.
• Supporting the training of WFP staff in procurement strategies and practices.
• Guiding and supervising junior staff in complex analyses and queries.
• Following emergency preparedness practices to ensure rapid response capabilities in crisis situations.
• Acting in an emergency response capacity as required. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Head of Procurement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Procurement Officer position must possess the following qualifications:

• 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.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in procurement or related fields, particularly with an advanced university degree.
• Experience in procurement activities, including purchasing and vendor research.
• Familiarity with conducting cost analyses and working with vendors or partners is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Procurement Officer position includes an Advanced University degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal, or Accounting. Candidates with a First University degree may also be considered if they have additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training or courses. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of procurement processes and the strategic decision-making involved in sourcing goods and services.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes at least three years of relevant professional experience in procurement or related fields. Candidates with an Advanced University degree are expected to have this level of experience, while those with a First University degree may need additional years of experience to qualify. Desired experiences include familiarity with procurement activities such as purchasing, vendor research, and conducting cost analyses, as well as experience working with vendors or other partners in a procurement context.

Languages:
Fluency in French (level C) is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within WFP and in the region. Additionally, an intermediate level of proficiency in English (level B) is required, as English is often used in international contexts and communications. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Procurement Officer position is a Fixed-Term contract with a duration of one year, renewable upon successful completion of the probationary period. The duty station for this role is Antananarivo, Madagascar. WFP is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits and opportunities for professional development through training, mentorship, and internal mobility. WFP also emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.