Procurement and Operations Manager

Job Title: Procurement and Operations Manager.

Supervisor: Senior Finance & Administration Manager

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Grade: 9

About TechnoServe: 

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. is a pioneer in leveraging the power of businesses and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty. 

The communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics, and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off. 

Program Overview:  

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) anticipates funding the five-year Feed the Future Local Food Systems (LFS) activity in Kenya. The activity will promote inclusive agriculture-led growth with a focus on climate-smart approaches, strengthen the resilience of people and systems by expanding economic opportunities, improve nutrition of women and children, as well as integrate cross-cutting themes. This activity is anticipated to cover a combination of staple and high value crops. 

The activity will implement solutions including:

Improving resilience of vulnerable populations Building the capacity of food system enterprises Catalyzing investment into local agricultural market systems Establishing strong and transparent relationships between food system actors Improving the availability and affordability of nutritious food products, especially for women and children Expanding employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for youth and women

The Program will have the following teams: Financial and Administrative Team (Nairobi and regions); CLA Team (Nairobi and regions); Technical Integration Team (Nairobi); and Regional Implementation Team (regions).

Job Summary:  

The Procurement and Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement process and ensuring efficient operations within the organization. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that the supply chain meets organizational needs. Additionally, the manager will streamline operational processes, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that the organization's operations align with its strategic objectives. The position requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a keen understanding of both procurement and operational best practices and in accordance with TNS policy and professional best practices and ethical standards.

Main Activities and Responsibilities:  

Develop and manage procurement plans for the LFS project, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and corporate policies. Update procurement plans regularly in collaboration with program management teams. Oversee all LFS procurement and contractual aspects of goods, services, and works in consultation with the Procurement Advisor. Provide guidance and support on procurement issues throughout the entire procurement cycle. Oversee the preparation and management of bidding documents, RFPs, and the evaluation process in coordination with project teams. Participate in negotiations and prepare procurement orders, ensuring timely approvals. Oversee timely processing and payment of suppliers. Conduct market research to track developments and analyze global commodity trends and availability. Ensure traceability of orders and address any delays, discrepancies, or vendor queries. Serve as the focal point for all LFS contracting processes and participate in procurement monitoring and audits. Prepare procurement reports and conduct capacity-building training for LFS staff. Collaborate with Finance to manage the annual vehicle assessment for insurance renewal. Manage the procurement processes of grants from bidding processes up to the selection and award. Supervise inventory control and tracking of project vehicles and equipment including property logs, serial numbers and tags. Manage administrative function of the project including, property/facility management, safety of the work environment, and provision of furnishings and equipment necessary for effective operations. Act as the Security and Safety focal point for the project, ensuring project staff are always updated on security concerns for proper planning of program travel and activities. Management of all leases, contracts and other financial commitments. Any other duties as assigned by the Senior Finance and Administration Manager

Minimum Skills and Experience required

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Proven experience in procurement and operations management, with a strong track record of successful contract negotiations and process improvements. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems. Professional certification is a plus. Membership of a professional body such as KISM, CIPS or equivalent Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement role Demonstrated working knowledge of USAID, DfID and or EU procurement and contract procedures Demonstrated understanding of public procurement legislation, regulations and procedures High level of organization and efficiency Clear and concise communication skills Strong analytical and financial analysis skills Well-developed computer skills in analysis, report writing and presentation Fluent in reading, speaking and writing in English.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.