Procurement Associate
Organizational Context
The WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office operates in a complex environment across 14 Small Island Developing States, facing high disaster risks due to natural hazards, geographic dispersion, and climate change impacts. WFP's work focuses on strengthening national and regional capacities for emergency preparedness and response, including logistics, telecommunications, and disaster risk management, supporting government-led systems and humanitarian partners.
Job Purpose
The Procurement Associate will provide essential coordination, administrative, and research support to ensure the efficient and effective procurement of goods and services within WFP's Pacific operations. This role is crucial for supporting WFP's mission of saving lives and building pathways to peace by ensuring timely access to necessary resources. The associate will assist in identifying and vetting potential suppliers, managing purchase requests, and contributing to negotiations to secure the best terms and costs. They will prepare purchase orders and contracts, resolve delivery issues, and maintain accurate procurement databases. By supporting procurement activities and aligning them with wider programmes, the Procurement Associate plays a vital part in WFP's ability to respond effectively to emergencies and achieve its humanitarian objectives in the region.
Responsibilities
The Procurement Associate plays a crucial role in supporting efficient and effective procurement operations. Key responsibilities include providing operational coordination and administrative services for procurement projects, ensuring adherence to standard processes for acquiring goods and services. This involves identifying and recommending potential suppliers, compiling necessary documentation for supplier selection, and reviewing, recording, and prioritizing purchasing requests to secure the best value for the organization. The associate will also support negotiations with suppliers on terms and conditions, prepare purchase orders and contracts for approval, and manage the swift purchase of goods and services. Problem-solving related to delivered goods, data analysis for reporting, and maintaining accurate databases are also vital. Furthermore, the role requires maintaining relationships with internal counterparts to align procurement with broader programs, supervising support staff, and adhering to emergency preparedness practices to facilitate rapid deployment of resources during crises. A secondary school education is required, with post-secondary qualifications in related fields being desirable.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of six years of progressive professional experience in procurement, supply chain management, finance, logistics, contract management, business administration, or a related field. Must have demonstrated experience in procurement operations, sourcing, evaluation, contract administration, and supply chain processes.
Skills
Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, Logistics, Finance, Business Administration, Data Analysis, Reporting, Negotiation, Stakeholder Management, Emergency Preparedness, Cross-cultural Communication, Problem-Solving, Planning, ERP Systems, Microsoft Office Suite