Procurement Officer
Organizational Context
WFP re-established its Caribbean presence in Barbados in 2018, supporting 22 countries and territories. The office focuses on capacity strengthening in areas like supply chain management and climate risk financing. In crises, WFP provides direct assistance and logistical support, working with partners to deliver essential aid when national capacities are exceeded.
Job Purpose
The Procurement Officer will ensure efficient, transparent, and cost-effective procurement of goods, services, and works for WFP's operations in the Caribbean. This role involves supporting programmatic and operational objectives by managing procurement activities, including tender issuance, offer evaluation, and contract negotiation, in compliance with WFP policies. The incumbent will also analyze procurement data to identify process improvements and contribute to accurate reporting. A key aspect of this position is supporting emergency preparedness and response, ensuring rapid procurement of essential supplies during crises. The officer will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, guide junior staff, and contribute to training initiatives, ultimately strengthening WFP's procurement capabilities and its ability to deliver timely humanitarian assistance.
Responsibilities
The Procurement Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the World Food Programme's (WFP) mission by ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement processes for essential food and non-food commodities, services, and works. Key responsibilities include contributing to the development of procurement plans and processes, adhering to WFP policies and standards. This involves managing operational activities such as issuing tenders, evaluating offers, and negotiating contracts. The role requires tracking and analyzing procurement data to identify areas for process improvement and generating accurate, timely reports to inform decision-making and optimize performance. Collaboration with internal counterparts and external partners, including suppliers, is vital for aligning procurement activities with broader WFP programs and meeting food assistance needs. Additionally, the Procurement Officer supports staff training on strategic procurement approaches, guides junior staff, and ensures preparedness for emergency responses by facilitating the rapid deployment of necessary goods and services. In the Caribbean context, this role may involve supporting regional emergency response activities and deploying to affected countries as needed, potentially requiring work beyond regular hours.
Work Experience
The role requires at least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in Supply Chain and Procurement. This includes experience with purchasing, vendor research, conducting cost analyses, and working with vendors or other partners. An advanced university degree in a relevant field is preferred, or a first university degree with additional experience and training.
Skills
Procurement Planning, Vendor Management, Cost Analysis, Contract Negotiation, Emergency Response Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Data Analysis, Reporting, Training, Supervision