Procurement Specialist (Ref: DDG-P4D/TAAT/PS/12/17)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Procurement Specialist.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) is a program initiated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as part of its Feed Africa Initiative. The main objective of the program is to improve the business of agriculture across Africa by raising agricultural productivity, mitigating risks and promoting diversification and processing in 18 agricultural value chains within 8 Priority Intervention Areas. The program will be implemented by IITA in close collaboration with other CGIAR Centers, FARA, AGRA, national agricultural research and extension systems and private sector partners. It will involve close partnership between the AfDB and other developmental partners such as the World Bank, BMGF, USAID and others. This position shall be part of the Program Management Unit (PMU) team. The PMU will oversee day-to-day implementation of project fiduciary and administrative activities; organize the transfer of project resources to the institutions leading the commodity value chains; coordinate the compilation and review of reports from value chains and enablers for submission to the Bank; and elaborate/implement administrative and financial management guidelines/template to be used across.

Position Responsibilities:

The tasks of the procurement specialist will include:

Main Responsibility
Reporting to the TAAT Program Manager, the Procurement Specialist will ensure the effective and efficient conduct of all value chain procurement activities within the Program, in full compliance with the requirements and procedures of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Fiduciary and
Lead, guide and manage an innovative and effective value chain team of procurement officers in establishing procurement procedures for the project in accordance and consistent with AfDB Procurement Policy Framework (October 2015 edition and as amended from time to time).
Prepare a Procurement Plan for the Program, in close collaboration and consultations with other members of TAAT value chains in participating institutions and countries.
Serve as the subject matter expert for the procurement of all planned procurements under the TAAT programme, demonstrating high level of confidentiality and integrity devoid of any form of conflict of interest at all levels of the procurement and contracting stages.
Undertake the preparation and updating of annual procurement plans to be included in the Program Quarterly and Annual Work Plans and Budgets.
Ensure timely procurement of relevant items (goods, works and services) as identified in the TAAT Program Framework Document and approved Procurement Plan and in accordance with AfDB requirements.
Assist Procurement officers prepare Standard bidding documents and coordinate the preparation of relevant inputs to standard bidding documents, such as TORs, specifications and Bills of Quantities.
Supervise bidding/tendering processes for the procurement of works, goods and services following AfDB procrement Rules and Procedures.
Lead the evaluation committee and arrange for bid opening and service contract and negotiation meetings, including recording of proceedings in accordance with AfDB and Institutional requirements.
Supervise the preparation of draft procurement notices in liaison with Institutions and coordinate the evaluation of bids and consultants’ proposals including preparation of bid evaluation reports, recommendations for award and draft contract documents in accordance with AfDB requirements.
Participate in project management meetings and AfDB supervision missions, including the preparation of all information required for the meetings and missions; in particular the procurement records for facilitating post-procurement reviews.
Ensure that value chain Procurement Officers keep and maintain up-to-date procurement records, certifying that bidding tender evaluation processes are documented in accordance with AfDB requirements.
Mentor as appropriate procurement officers in the TAAT programme to ensure compliance with AfDB Fiduciary and Procurement Policy Framework.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the TAAT Program Manager or IITA management.
Educational Qualifications and Experience
Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Science, Law or any other relevant discipline.
Certification in Procurement & Supply - For example, UK CIPS Level 4 or above; US ISM CPM or CPSM certification; or equivalent certification or work experience is desirable.
Core Competencies
At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience with at least 3 at the international level.
Sound knowledge of logistics and international trading practices and some sectors related to the CGIAR’s mandate is an advantage.
Ability to lead a team of professionals in the execution of major projects.
Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.
Working knowledge of AfDB and/or CGIAR procurement rules and procedures will be added advantage.
Duty Station: Ibadan, Nigeria

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.

Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers

Closing Date: 15th January 2018

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.