Procurement Associate

About the role

The World Food Programme (WFP) is recruiting a Procurement Associate in Suva, Fiji, on a 6-12 month service contract (SC6). Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain and directly supervised by the Procurement Officer, the associate provides coordination, administrative services and research to support efficient and effective procurement services. The Pacific region faces high disaster risk and recurrent natural hazards, so timely, accurate operational information is essential.

Key responsibilities

• Provide operational coordination and administrative support for procurement projects and activities, following standard processes.
• Identify and recommend potential suppliers and compile data and documents to support supplier selection.
• Review, record and prioritise purchasing requests and support requisitioners to obtain goods and services at the lowest cost to WFP.
• Contribute to negotiations with new suppliers on terms and conditions of orders, alongside a senior officer.
• Prepare purchase orders, contracts and supporting documentation for approval, and approve purchases within delegated authority.
• Resolve issues related to delivered goods, liaising with all parties and following standard processes.
• Research, collect and analyse data to produce reports for the Procurement Officer and stakeholders.
• Maintain and update databases and records, and manage relationships with internal counterparts.
• Supervise support staff and follow emergency preparedness practices to help WFP respond quickly to crises.

Required profile

• Secondary school education; a post-secondary certificate or diploma in procurement, supply chain management, business administration, finance, logistics or a related field is desirable.
• Professional certification in procurement and supply chain management is an advantage.
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement, supply chain, finance, logistics, contract management or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement operations, sourcing, evaluation, contract administration and supply chain processes.
• Experience in international, development, humanitarian or complex operational environments is desirable.

Required skills

• Experience with Coupa systems and procurement platforms, including data analysis, reporting and monitoring of procurement activities.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, sourcing, contract management and supply chain processes, able to manage end-to-end procurement independently.
• Sound understanding of procurement policies, compliance requirements and risk management principles.
• Ability to collaborate with suppliers, government counterparts and partner organisations, and to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.