Procurement Head at Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Job Description

Purpose of the Job

• Responsible in undertaking quality assurance of the procurement process and related documentation (as the name suggests, audit before an event) in line with established procedures (SADC Procurement and Grants Policy and Guidelines) whilst ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. transparency, fairness, accountability, ethical standards and promoting competition.
• Supervise the work of the team falling under this position

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide procurement advice and guidance on all aspects of the procurement function
• Plan and monitor quality of work output, reviewing all procurements prior to execution for appropriateness, completeness and accuracy
• Ensure that all solicitation documents prepared by the procurement unit are compliant with the Secretariat procurement policy and guidelines
• Participate in the formulation / revision of procurement strategy, policy, procedures and regulations, and plans
• Independent review of advice provided by the tender committees on the tender process to the Executive Secretary
• Provide adequate procurement support in any appeal processes made by suppliers
• Deliver on job training for user departments in procurement techniques, processes and systems
• Assist in the development Technical Specifications and Terms of Reference, and review them for compliance with the SADC procurement policies and guidelines and best practices
• Ensure that all contractual documents have been reviewed by the Finance and Legal Services before they are sent for execution
• Assist and provide support to the Director of Internal Audit Risk Management during Ex post audit
• Support Procurement Unit during the Ex Post Audit
• Review the eligibility, qualification, evaluation and award criteria for compliance with the procurement procedures
• Participate in Tender Evaluations as Observer in order to ensure compliance with rules and procedures.

Management of the unit

• Schedule work, allocate and delegate tasks to subordinates
• Supervise the subordinates and their work, and appraise their job performance
• Provide advice and guidance as and when required to subordinates
• Provide quality services as per service level agreements
• Prepare progress reports for the Executive Secretary, as and when required
• Research and adopt best practices in own area of work, and maintain high level of knowledge in order to effectively undertake the duties of the post
• Undertake any other duties as delegated by the Executive Secretary

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• At least Masters in Procurement or related field from a recognized institution

Professional Certification

• Procurement management or
• Certified Procurement Professional

Specialised knowledge

• Seasoned knowledge and specialized command of all major facets of procurement policies and practices as applied across a wide range of technical sectors
• Procurement audit principles, practices and techniques
• Proficient in the use of computers and computer software relevant to the position

Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in a similar position conducting procurement in a large organisation either in public sector or regional organization
• Experience in drafting and revising procurement policies and guidelines for large organisations
• Experience in procurement audit will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 4 years in a line management position

Skills Requirements

• Communication and presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Mentoring and coaching skills
• Negotiation, networking and relationship building skills
• Organisational skills (planning, budgeting, time management, work prioritisation)
• Research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Supervisory skills

Competency Requirements

• Apply interpersonal styles/methods to develop and motivate staff
• Capable of maintaining quality whilst working under pressure and adhering to deadlines
• Capacity to motivate and influence people positively and creates a climate where people want to do their best
• Conceptual and practical thinking
• Customer focused
• Decisive
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and largely unsupervised
• Maintain confidentiality and respectful of sensitive situations
• Methodical and organised, with a high level of attention to details
• Organisational awareness with an understanding of how to engage the organisation to get things done
• Professionalism and adherence to good work ethics
• Question status quo / conventional approaches and encourage new ideas and innovations for progress
• Resilience and personal drive, self-motivation
• Results and performance driven
• Team player

Eligibility

The positions are open to qualified applicants who:

• Are 52 years old or younger. This requirement is based on the Organization’s need to recruit staff who can serve for a reasonable period of time before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
• Are from the following eligible Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Applications should be accompanied by the following:

1. a cover letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describing how your qualifications, experience, and competencies are relevant to the position;
2. not more than five (5) pages of updated curriculum vitae;
3. certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s); and
4. duly signed and completed SADC Application Form.

Should you be shortlisted, you will be required to produce evidence of educational and professional qualifications supporting your application, on the day of your interview.

Gender Mainstreaming

SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from female candidates.

If you are results orientated, you have a passion for the transformation and development of Southern Africa and possess the required competencies, please submit your application.

Only applicants who meet the requirements of the SADC Secretariat and being considered for an interview, will be contacted. Should you not hear from the SADC Secretariat within two months after the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.