• As a Procurement Officer at CORAT Africa, you will play a pivotal role in managing the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of high-quality goods and services to support both our learning environment and hospitality facilities. This includes overseeing the entire procurement process, maintaining vendor relationships, and implementing strategies that align with industry standards, organizational policies, and relevant regulations. The role also involves negotiating contracts, ensuring timely delivery, and upholding compliance, all while addressing the unique needs of our operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement Strategy and Planning
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Create procurement plans tailored to the institution’s academic calendar and hospitality service requirements.
• Collaborate with department heads (e.g., hospitality, catering, and housekeeping) to forecast demand and identify procurement needs.
• Conduct market research to identify innovative, high-value, and quality solutions.
• Identify potential suppliers through market analysis, ensuring procurement activities are optimized.
• Prepare and manage annual procurement plans and budgets.
• Vendor Management
• Identify, evaluate, and maintain strong relationships with potential and existing suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations to ensure compliance and service quality.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to secure favorable agreements for the organization.
• Maintain relationships with key vendors to ensure continuity of services.
• Develop and manage a preferred vendor list for various goods and services.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
• Procurement Process Management
• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
• Manage procurement of diverse goods and services, including food supplies, kitchen equipment, housekeeping materials, office supplies, and learning resources.
• Issue purchase orders, track deliveries, and follow up with vendors to ensure timely fulfillment.
• Maintain proper documentation for all transactions, including detailed records of orders.
• Address procurement-related discrepancies and resolve issues promptly.
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Monitor and manage risks associated with procurement activities.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions.
• Promote ethical sourcing and sustainability practices, especially in food and hospitality-related procurement.
• Reporting and Documentation
• Prepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and cost savings.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of procurement processes and decisions.
• Conduct periodic stock checks and audits to ensure inventory control and accurate reporting.
• Implement waste reduction and cost-efficiency strategies, particularly for perishable goods.
• Assist in procurement process audits to ensure transparency.
• Collaboration and Coordination
• Liaise with all departments for procurements operations.
• Coordinate with the hospitality team for special events, ensuring timely procurement of required materials and services.
• Support sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives in procurement processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on procurement policies and procedures.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders to facilitate communication and collaboration.

Requirements

• Personal commitment to Christ, good standing in Church and key values of integrity, Stewardship, Decency and Courtesy.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Desired work experience: At least two (2) years’ experience in a procurement or a related role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Comprehensive understanding of procurement regulations and best practices.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Attention to detail, integrity, and adaptability.
• Customer-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, 25th January 2025.