MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Head, Delivery and Operations (direct line manager), the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the COR thematic programme has proper operational controls, administrative, reporting procedures, and systems in place to effectively ensure operating efficiency.
• The Program Delivery and Operations Officer will also facilitate strong coordination between contract negotiation/execution and project start-up, particularly in procurement and consultants/vendors management. S/he will continue to serve as in integral member of the COR team in tracking project implementation to ensure timely completion of activities and submission of contract deliverables.
• The position will support the implementation of IUCN’s global procurement policy throughout the COR programme and acts as the procurement focal point for the programme. The incumbent will ensure that procurement is carried out efficiently, to a high standard and that IUCN receives the best value for money and respects sustainability, the environment and ethical principles in its procurement transactions.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Procurement;
• Act as procurement focal point for the COR thematic area, the incumbent will ensure alignment of and creation and management of procurement short-, mid-, and long-term goals and objectives.
• Manages procurement requests and leads consultant/vendor onboarding and management in consultation with relevant project manager to include liaising with Regional Procurement Officer to ensure proper supplier set up and timely invoice payments.
• Provide advice and training as necessary and liaise with the Regional Procurement Officer regarding changes and improvements in procurement procedures, templates and tools.
• Conduct overall needs assessment and help establish annual procurement plans for the entire COR programme and for individual projects as required by the project agreements. Identify logistical bottlenecks and propose ways to fill in the gaps. Develop a strategy to optimize purchasing power.
• Set up a procurement monitoring system to follow up the implementation of the procurement plan. Participate in regular portfolio review meetings with programme and project officers.
• Collect information and provide explanations for enquiries from the annual compliance review of procurements under COR.
• When necessary, liaise with donors to resolve differences that occur between the donors’ procurement policies and IUCN’s.
• Manage the entire process for all RFPs and RFQs, their evaluation, negotiation, selection and contracting in full compliance with IUCN, and donors’ rules and regulations,
• Identify service providers; evaluate information regarding legal status and performance (quality, prices, delivery performance) of existing and prospective suppliers.
• Ensure that all required approvals are obtained internally (Country office, Regional Office, Headquarters) as per delegation of authorities and IUCN procurement procedures and externally with the donor as per the relevant conditions in the project agreement.
• Assist administrative/programme/project officers in procurements of lower value as deemed necessary. Review procurement documents and contracts and ensure quality control.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement and operational activities including approved suppliers in relevant databases and systems.
• Programme Delivery & Operations;
• Lead and/or contribute to the development of and/or improvement of project management tools, processes and systems integral to high quality, efficient and consistent implementation, including but not limited to workforce planning/ time allocation tools, reporting and documentation tools.
• Support the smooth implementation of programs, and ensuring compliance with policies and quality assurance standards
• Support the identification and realization of cost-saving and cost-reduction opportunities
• Serve as a key resource for program delivery related tools and systems and troubleshoot systems issues with IT department
• Contributes to project start-up activities in close coordination with Deputy Regional Head, Delivery and Operations to ensure a smooth transition from contract execution to project start-up; serves as integral member of project management teams in ongoing project implementation through to project/contract close-out.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with country teams and other thematic areas to identify issues and/or opportunities for process and systems improvements in collaboration and facilitates follow-up for process and systems enhancements.
• Ensures good records management, according to IUCN and donor policies
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Education;

• Master’s degree in Procurement and Logistics, Business Administration, Project Management or other related fields from an accredited academic institution.

Work Experience;

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in program management support and/or implementation of donor-funded programs, including backstopping of country/field operations
• A minimum of 2 years at mid-level position in procurement and contract management with programmes or projects funded by major multilateral and bilateral donors, such as European Union, USAID, GAC, AFD/FFEM, etc is mandatory.
• Experience in supervising local procurement and logistics procedures is a must.
• Experience in processing tax exemptions and customs formalities.
• Familiarity with the context and local laws and regulations in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving value for money.