Procurement Specialist

Job Title: Procurement Specialist.

Supervisor: Procurement and Operations Manager.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Grade: 8

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 Specialist is responsible for the planning and implementation of all procurement, contracting and disposal processes and activities. The Procurement Specialist shall ensure that these processes and activities are undertaken in a timely and efficient manner, and in accordance with TNS policy and professional best practices and ethical standards.

Main Activities and Responsibilities:  

Coordinate project procurement, including sourcing and acquiring assets and equipment as required. Source quotations, conduct bid analysis, and prepare procurement documents such as Local Purchase Orders (LPOs). Prepare invitations to potential vendors to compete offers for the purchase of goods or services including posting RFQ’s/ RFP’s, placing adverts for consultants and grants. Maintain a filing system for procurements to allow for efficient documentation and process audits - including proposal, evaluation, award documents, official contracts and correspondence of all procurements - and maintain the privacy of all staff, consultants and vendors following TNSK policy and local law. Maintain and update the pre-qualified vendor list, ensuring relevant government and donor compliance of vendors including Tax Compliance Certification, ETIMs and VAT refund ability. Receive and verify invoices, ensuring timely processing and payment to suppliers. Prepare and process payment documents, including pro-forma invoices, LPOs, purchase requisitions, and Goods Received Orders for submission to the finance department. Consolidate and organize contractor engagement documents to facilitate contract procurement and payment processes. Any other duties as assigned by the Procurement and Operations Manager.

Minimum Skills and Experience required

Degree in Procurement, Logistics, Business Administration, Finance, Law or other related field Diploma in CIPS, CPSP-K or equivalent 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.