The Lead, Procurement - Africa Region is responsible for providing comprehensive technical and operational support to the procurement teams across various country offices within the Africa region & technical support to the Regional office. This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient, effective, and compliant acquisition of goods, services, and works, aligning with organisational policies, donor requirements, and best practices in procurement. The incumbent will act as a strategic partner, fostering capacity building, standardisation, and continuous improvement in procurement processes throughout the region. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and guidance

●        Implement procurement strategies: 

Implement procurement strategies that align with the overall organisational objectives and country-specific needs. This involves analysing market trends, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains, and promoting sustainable procurement practices.

●        Support in policy and procedure development: 

In liaison with the Global Operations team, participate in the development, review, and dissemination of procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines tailored to the individual countries’ or regions’ context, ensuring compliance with BI overall standards, donor regulations, and local legal frameworks.

●       Risk management:

Identify, assess, and suggest mitigation measures on procurement-related risks across the region, including financial, operational, reputational, and compliance risks. Participate in developing the risk management framework and contingency plans.

●        Performance monitoring and reporting:

    Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for regional procurement operations. Monitor performance against these KPIs, analyse trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for senior management that highlight achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement

2. Technical support and capacity building

●        Complex procurement management:

 Directly manage complex and high-value procurement projects/tasks at the Regional Office so as to achieve the required efficiency.

●        Technical expertise and advisory support: 

Provide expert technical advice and guidance to country office procurement teams on complex procurement projects, contract negotiations, vendor     management, and dispute resolution. This includes support for high-value procurements, establishment of framework agreements, and other complex or     specialised acquisitions.

●       Training and development: 

    Design, develop, and deliver targeted training programmes and sessions for Country Office procurement staff on procurement-related topics, including best   practices, donor compliance, ethical procurement, and procurement software and tools. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

●       System implementation and optimisation:

Support the implementation and optimisation of the ERP procurement system and other digital platforms across the region. Provide technical assistance for   data management, reporting, and system utilisation.

●        Emergency Procurement Support:

Provide in-country, on-the-ground procurement support, short-term or long-term, as and when requested.

●        Knowledge Sharing:

   Facilitate the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative procurement approaches across country offices.

EXPERIENCE:

•  Minimum of 10 years of progressively managing procurement and supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or advisory role within an international organisation or multinational organisation.
• University degree in Procurement or Supply Chain or related Field
• Professional certification in CIPS or other relevant proffessional ceritification is required
• Extensive experience working in the African context, with a deep understanding of local markets and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing procurement strategies, policies, and procedures and in providing mostly remote technical support to dispersed teams.
• Proven track record in managing complex procurement processes, including high-value contracts and framework agreements.
• Experience in capacity building, training, and mentoring procurement professionals

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & KEY COMPETENCIES

• Procurement technical skills: ability to develop effective procurement plans for high-value and/or complex procurement projects and conduct effective negotiations.
• Strategic thinking: Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for regional procurement, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of international procurement principles, best practices, and legal frameworks.
• Leadership and management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and manage diverse teams remotely.
• Communication and interpersonal skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Strong analytical capabilities to assess complex situations, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Ethical conduct: Unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all procurement activities.
• Adaptability and resilience: Ability to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments, demonstrating flexibility and resilience.