Job Opportunity: Procurement Officer

Announcement |

We are searching for a Procurement Officer who will be responsible for the efficient coordination and management of procurement functions for CIPESA.

See below for further details;

Job Description

Position: Procurement Officer

Organisation: Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Duration: Two (2) years Full time- renewable

Reports to: Programme Manager

About Us: Established in 2004, CIPESA is a leading centre for research and analysis of information aimed to enable policy makers in the region to understand ICT policy issues, and for various multi-stakeholders to effectively use ICT to improve governance and livelihoods. Our work responds to shortage of information, resources and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights and society in Africa. We conduct our work mostly through research, advocacy, capacity development, and convenings.

Main Purpose of Job:

The Procurement Officer is responsible for the efficient coordination and management of procurement functions for CIPESA. The position holder will procure Program supplies, services and equipment, whilst ensuring good practices and maintaining audit-compliant records. You will ensure that all purchases of goods and services are done transparently, at the best available price, and in compliance with Organisational and donor procurement policy and procedures.

Key responsibilities

  1. Procurement: Responsible for implementing the procurement plan and strategy and ensuring all procurement needs are met on time in line with Global Supply Chain best practices (GSC) and donors’ standards, the role holder will:
  • Act upon submission of duly approved Purchase Requests (PR). Educate and support customers to ensure timely submission of approved PRs with sufficient details and realistic delivery target dates.
  • Process approved Purchase requisitions ensuring data accuracy.
    Initiate and process Request for quotations (RFQ) and Request for proposals (RFP).
    Prepare bids analysis and other bidding documents for approval.
    Conduct negotiations with suppliers that are transparent and documented.
  • Receive invoice and control against original order, advance payments/instalments already delivered, request for payment.
    For goods: Facilitate delivery of orders and collect Goods Received Note.
    For services: Facilitate delivery of services and ensure that the period of guarantee, after-sales service is mentioned.
  • Collaborate with all departments by Coordination with finance and programmes to ensure smooth and timely procurement.
  1. Procurement Planning
    Working closely with internal and external partners, you will effectively plan and support programme implementation by:
  • Collecting, organising, and analysing market information and data to enable effective procurement planning.
  • Preparing and implementing procurement plans following related Organisational procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Monitor supply market and conduct market surveys & analysis to ensure value for money in procurement.
  • Create and update supplier and price lists.
  1. Contract Management
    Lead the contracting process so that the terms and conditions, and contracting procedures as provided by Global Supply Chain best practices are followed. To achieve this, you will:
  • Prepare and execute contracts for recommended bidders
  • Ensure timely renewal of qualifying contracts and agreements
  • Execute contracts against set requirements and performance indicators
  1. Supplier Management
    The role will lead supplier relationships and performance to ensure that Suppliers adhere to Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and that there is precise record keeping. This includes: 
  • Maintaining suppliers’ files and documentation
  • Monitoring and documenting supplier performance
  1. Compliance and Ethics
    You will assist in identifying and analysing compliance risk in procurement processes and in implementing donor rules & regulations for all procurements by:
  • Implementing due diligence for suppliers, including by conducting reference checks, and supplier visits.
  • Providing consistent and constructive support to other departments to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Identifying and reporting procurement red flags across the procurement value chain.
  • Implementing corrective action plans (CAPs) in response to internal and/or external audit queries.
  1. Reporting
    You will support timely and accurate reporting by:
  • Preparing and submitting accurate monthly reports to the Programme Manager on time.
  • Supporting with developing and updating the procurement plans as required.
  • Submitting periodic procurement tracking reports for specific procurements assigned. 

Functional skills and knowledge (REQUIREMENTS):

  • Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or Financial Accounting and related fields.
  • 3-4 years of work experience in supply chain operations (Procurement).
  • Experience working with NGOs is an asset.
  • Knowledge of donor procurement and accounting systems is an advantage.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

  • Knowledge of generic procurement procedures and practices.
  • Good collaborator with effective interpersonal and analytical skills who work seamlessly across cultures, organisational units and suppliers.
  • Knowledge and experience in procurement plans, strategies, market analysis techniques, procurement and contracting.
  • Good negotiation skills.
  • Excellent skills in conducting market analysis and sourcing strategies.
  • Ability to work effectively in a matrixed structure 
  • Knowledge of USAID reporting requirements and standards is a plus.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct, Equal Opportunity Policy, and Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these CIPESA operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

Application Process: 

Kindly send applications to  [email protected]  latest September 12, 2023 at 18:00 East African Time (EAST), including a cover letter outlining how you fit the job requirements and your areas of expertise; a CV; names and contacts of three referees and the salary expectations.

CIPESA in 2014

In 2014, we continue to work to promote the inclusiveness of the information society. Under four thematic areas (Internet Governance, ICTs for Democracy, Online Freedoms and Open Data & eGovernance), our projects this year span 8 countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda).  Highlights of our focus, activities and partners are summarised here.

 
 

CIPESA 2014 Projects

ICT4Democracy– iParticipate Uganda. This project has support from Spider to October 2014 and from Sida to December 2014. Activities will include documenting and publicising the benefits of open governance to citizens and the media; training of media and civil society in the use of ICT tools to promote citizen participation; provision of support to grassroots public access centres; policy analysis on Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda; research on ICTs and governance; and research dissemination.
Coordination of the ICT4Democracy in East Africa Network. With funding from Sida (January 2014-December 2014), CIPESA will manage this project which involves the disbursement of funds for the activities of the following partners: the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (Tanzania), iHub Research (Kenya), the Kenya Human Rights Commission, Women of Uganda Network, Toro Development Network, Transparency International Uganda, and CIPESA.
Promoting internet freedoms: This project continues from 2013. It has support from Hivos (January and February 2014), and from the University of Toronto (January 2014-October 2014). Activities will include finalising research on internet freedoms policies and practices in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda; documenting internet rights violations and maintenance of the www.opennetafrica.org portal as the one-stop resource on online freedoms in Africa.
Leveraging Open Data and the Right to Information to Promote Service Delivery: The purpose of the project is to empower citizens in East Africa to use the RTI law to lodge requests and document their experiences through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The project also aims to undertake awareness-raising and network building activities to promote the right to information in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The work is supported by the Open Society Institute from January 2014 to December 2014.

CIPESA, A Snapshot

In 2013, we continue to work to promote the inclusiveness of the information society. Under three thematic areas (Internet Governance, ICTs for Democracy and Open Data & eGovernance), our projects this year span 6 counties (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa and Uganda).  Highlights of our focus, projects and activities are summarised here.