JOB : AWF AFRICAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION, Cameroon, Senior Procurement and Contracts Officer

Senior Procurement and Contracts Officer
Job category: Finance and Administration
Requisition number: SENIO001174

Posting details
    Full-time
    Locations
    Showing 1 location
    AWF Cameroon
    Yaounde, YAOUN, CMR

Job details
Description

Position Summary

This position will be an integral part of AWF’s global Procurement and Contracts team and will oversee and support all procurement and contracting activities across the organization but with a primary focus on AWF’s Central and West Africa operations in, DRC and Cameroon. In liaison with the supervisor, the role will be responsible for manage procurement processes, oversee contract administration, collaborate with teams on procurement matters and manage procurement risk ensure, compliance with local & Donor regulations and AWF's policies.

Location for this role is Yaoundé, Cameroon with occasional travel to HQ and Field Offices.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Management:

    Undertake business needs assessment, supply market analysis and commercial risk assessment to inform procurement planning and sourcing decisions.
    Identify and assess potential suppliers, ensuring they meet AWF's standards for quality and ethical practices and maintain a robust supplier database.
    Liaise with the HQ based finance team to manage inventory operations and track inbound delivery of procurement.
    Conduct due diligence in the choice of new online vendors and consult with related staff member when necessary to assess possible risks.
    Review field office procurement records to ensure compliance, maintain appropriate purchase documentation and obtain the necessary approvals.
    Ensure due diligence compliance (USG anti‐terrorism regulations) by assuring all vendors are vetted through the established systems and perform past performance check.
    Prepare and issue procurement documents, including Request for Quotations (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), and bid invitations.
    Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and make recommendations to management.
    Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of goods, services, and works, while maintaining high-quality standards.
    Monitor procurement budgets and expenditures to optimize cost savings.
    Collaborate closely with program and project teams to assess procurement needs and provide guidance on specifications.
    Provide audit trail for probity audit and procurement processes, decisions and contractual arrangements.
    Develop and/or assist in developing procurement policies, procedures and guidance documents.

Contract Management:

    Draft, review, and administer contracts, agreements, and purchase orders.
    Ensure that all contracts are compliant with Donor and local laws and regulations.
    Monitor contract performance, adherence to timelines, and deliverables.
    Identify and mitigate contract risks and issues.
    Maintain accurate records of all contracts and agreements.
    Collaborate closely with program teams, legal counsel, and external partners to align contract terms with project objectives.
    Serve as the point of contact for contract-related queries and provide guidance to project managers and partners.
    Conduct internal audits to assess contract management processes and identify areas for improvement.
    Develop and administer contract management plans, negotiate changes and modifications, supplier performance management and compliance requirements through effective supplier relationships to enhance business outcomes.

Compliance, Ethics and Reporting:

    Ensure strict compliance with procurement laws, regulations, and AWF's policies.
    Prepare and submit regular procurement reports to management.
    Conduct internal audits to assess procurement and contract management processes.
    Stay informed about changes in procurement regulations and industry best practices, incorporating them into AWF's processes.
    Ensure strict adherence to ethical and compliance standards in all contract activities,
    Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct within AWF,
    Prepare and submit regular reports on procurement status, performance, and compliance to management.

Team Collaboration:

    Collaborate closely with AWF teams, project managers, and partners to align procurement activities with project objectives.
    Provide training and guidance to staff on procurement and contract management procedures.
    Foster a culture of transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct in all procurement processes.
    Foster strong relationships with stakeholders, promoting AWF's values and principles.

Procurement Risk Management

    Develop risk mitigation strategies for complex procurement arrangements.
    Develop risk mitigation strategies for complex and large procurement projects, ensure appropriate ownership of risk between AWF and the supplier (i.e. allocation of risk where it is best managed). Champion compliance as a key procurement risk mitigation strategy.

Requirements and skills

    Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
    A minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement and contract management.
    Solid knowledge of procurement regulations and practices in Cameroon.
    Relevant knowledge of procurement regulations and policies and procedures for major donor ‐ funded programs.
    Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and procurement software.
    Attention to detail and strong analytical abilities.
    Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
    Fluency in both English and French, both written and spoken, is essential.
    Good coordination, negotiation, persuasion, critical thinking, and time management skills.
    Analytical skills and ability to undertake complex analysis and price comparisons of multiple vendor quotes/bids required; Competency and experience with spreadsheets required.
    Ability to prepare procurement reports providing periodic status updates as necessary required.
    Strong interpersonal skills and self-confidence.
    Ability and willingness to travel sometimes to remote and physically challenging locations.
    Ability to work across a diverse and multicultural environment.
    Interest in Conservation.

CLOSING DATE:  April 25, 2024
All applications must be submitted ONLINE at : https://recruiting.ultipro.com/AFR1000AFWI/JobBoard/20e4eecc-c532-4e6a-bb5f-39ea79059f29/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=c3e392dd-2359-4a94-855b-bbc1b90fdf7f