Procurement Associate
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. Operating in over 80 countries, WFP provides food assistance to people recovering from conflict, disasters, and extreme weather. The organization emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and professional development, working collaboratively to reach millions globally.
Job Purpose
The Procurement Associate will provide essential coordination, administrative support, and research to ensure the efficient and effective procurement of goods and services for WFP operations. This role involves identifying and assessing potential suppliers, preparing purchase orders and contracts, and resolving issues related to delivered goods. The associate will contribute to negotiations, manage procurement databases, and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with broader program goals. Additionally, the position requires supervising support staff, ensuring adherence to standard emergency preparedness practices, and contributing to the development of sourcing strategies and e-procurement tools to optimize cost-effectiveness and timely delivery of essential resources.
Responsibilities
The Procurement Associate plays a crucial role in supporting procurement projects and activities by providing operational coordination and administrative services. Key responsibilities include identifying and recommending potential suppliers, compiling data for supplier selection, and reviewing purchasing requests to ensure the procurement of appropriate goods and services at the lowest cost. The associate contributes to negotiations with suppliers on terms and conditions, prepares purchase orders and contracts for approval, and resolves issues related to delivered goods. They are also responsible for researching, collecting, and analyzing data to produce reports for informed decision-making, managing and updating databases for accuracy and accessibility, and maintaining relationships with internal counterparts to align procurement with wider programs. Additionally, the role involves supervising support staff, ensuring adherence to emergency preparedness practices for rapid response, preparing annual procurement reports and plans, and overseeing the implementation of sourcing strategies and e-procurement tools. This position requires initiative, judgment, and the ability to adapt and improve processes, contributing to the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
Work Experience
Requires at least six years of experience in procurement management and services.
Skills
Procurement Management, Supplier Research, Data Analysis, Database Management, Report Preparation, Negotiation, Contract Management, Administrative Services, Coordination, Emergency Preparedness, Logistics Coordination, Financial Management, Team Supervision