icipe Procurement Manager Job in Nairobi Kenya

icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. 

icipe has 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia.

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position ofProcurement Manager in the Procurement Department.

Ref. No. NRS/69/082014

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya at the icipe Duduville campus. 

This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract. 

A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
 

Overall purpose of the job: To supervise the acquisition of goods and services through safe and correct purchase handling processes that are efficient, cost-effective and in line with icipe’s policies and procedures for procurement.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and lead a team of support staff responsible for acquisition, storage and disposal of goods and services for icipe.
• Communicate with icipe’s Project Leaders/Vote holders/ Scientists, etc. for planning and projecting levels of stock needs.
• Ensure purchase orders are in line with requested goods and services, and that prices were obtained where necessary and their accuracy verified.
• Prepare and/or examine documents for Customs clearance of all overseas orders up to a predetermined limit in line with the Kenyan laws (Customs/ KRA regulations).
• Sign and approve local purchase orders up to a predetermined limit.
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic database of icipe’s inventory, and local purchase orders levels in close consultation with the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA).
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic list of reputable local and international suppliers of bulk supplies or high value goods and services.
• Identify suitable suppliers, monitor their performance in relation to their procurement performance and prepare regular reports for the Director of Finance and Administration.
• Prepare appropriate Tender documents and efficiently manage the tendering process for vehicles, goods and other services as may be desired.
• Act as the Secretary of the Tender Committee, and record minutes and decisions of the Tender Committee in consultation with the DFA.
• Circulate to Management, news, information, etc. on existing or prospective suppliers of goods or services, new legislation, securing procedures, insurance etc., and answer queries on the same.
• Prepare an annual evaluation on the performance of suppliers, and clearing and procurement agents for review by Management.
• Supervise personnel in Procurement Department to ensure efficient utilisation of resources, monitor their performance and training needs and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Spearhead the transition from semi-automated procurement systems to a fully integrated automated online system for all procurement matters.

Knowledge required for performing the job

• Computer proficiency in word-processing, database, presentation, spreadsheet and e-mail software (e.g. MS Office, Outlook, Word, Power Point, Excel, Access) and accounting software (e.g. Sun System, SAP system).
• A good knowledge of chemical goods and their storage, and scientific equipment is essential.
• Proven track record of ethical purchasing practices and procedures is desirable.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, marketing, economics, or equivalent qualifications, followed by advanced diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Management, OR a Master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from a recognised university, or equivalent qualifications.
• 5 years experience in the supply chain management at a senior level in an international or large commercial organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.
• An impeccable track record of integrity in a Procurement environment.
• Previous track record of participation in the automation of Procurement functions will be an added advantage.

Other desirable attributes:

• High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.
• Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.

Reporting

This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration.

Supervises:

This position supervises Procurement Officers.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before the 3rd September 2014. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/69/082014 on the email subject line. Interested applicants should submit: 

(a) a confidential cover letter, 

(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and 

(c) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to:

ProcurementManager@icipe.org

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer