Senior Procurement Officer Full Time NEW

Job Description
To lead and oversee all aspects of the procurement process and the procurement activities of the Institute to ensure compliance with applicable procurement laws, regulations, policies and procedures and adherence to the principles of accountability, transparency and value for money. Work includes development, implementation and monitoring of the procurement plan, formulation and updating of organizational procurement policies and procedures, planning and directing the work of the procurement staff, management of the tender’s process, evaluation of the performance of contractors, and provision of cost information in the budget development process.
Key and Critical Responsibilities
Leads the Procurement Unit, supervising and providing guidance to staff, and evaluating and reporting on their performance.

Develops, implements and monitors a procurement plan.

Ensures that all procurement activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures and adhere to the principles of accountability, transparency, and value for money.

Manages the tendering process of the Institute, leading the development and preparation of Request for Proposals (RFPs), Terms of Reference, Scope of Works documents for pre-qualification of bidders and other tender documents, including terms and conditions and evaluation criteria.

Develops and updates procurement procedures and recommends improvements.

Ensures the safekeeping and maintenance of procurement records and vendor databases.

Facilitates the evaluation of proposals and the recommendation for the award of contracts.

Prepares procurement contracts and manages the performance of contractors and consultants, where applicable.

Negotiates commercial terms and conditions for purchases, where appropriate.

Participates in the development of NIHERSTs budget estimates by advising projected costs of supplies, materials, equipment, and services.

Prepares reports and other documents on procurement matters, as required.

Represents NIHERST on committees and at meetings and other fora related to procurement matters.

Performs related work as required.

Key Competencies
Considerable knowledge of the relevant local laws and regulations, policies, methods and procedures governing the purchasing of supplies from both local and foreign sources
Knowledge of tender procedures and the preparation of associated documents
Considerable knowledge of the sources of supplies, equipment, materials and services, their availability and market prices and trends
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertinent to procurement in the Public Service and international lending agencies
Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of staff engaged in performing procurement duties
Ability to develop and implement a procurement plan
Ability to identify, analyse and solve problems and make appropriate recommendations
Ability to analyse and interpret data and prepare comprehensive reports
Negotiation skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of Software