Procurement Specialist

About the Role

The Aga Khan Academies seeks a dedicated and experienced Procurement Specialist to oversee all procurement activities within our organization. This role is crucial in ensuring we acquire goods and services efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with established policies and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and evaluation of service providers, negotiating contracts and agreements to ensure optimal service delivery.
• Collaborate closely with departments to understand their procurement needs, providing guidance on specifications and budget constraints.
• Manage complex procurement processes for goods and services exceeding a designated threshold, including open and closed bidding procedures, document preparation, advertisement dissemination, and vendor selection.
• Coordinate procurement committee meetings, facilitating discussions and decision-making regarding procurement strategies.
• Develop and implement robust disposal processes for surplus assets, ensuring adherence to organizational guidelines.
• Oversee fuel utilization, conducting regular analysis and tracking to optimize consumption and cost efficiency.
• Lead the security and risk management portfolio, conducting comprehensive assessments of all premises and implementing appropriate measures to safeguard staff and assets.
• Provide procurement support to the wider Aga Khan Academies network, including program teams and departments.
• Promote best practices in procurement, encompassing cost optimization, negotiation of favorable commercial terms, supplier relationship management, process efficiency, and benchmarking against industry standards.

Qualifications and Skills

• A Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required. Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications are highly desirable.
• Minimum of five years of proven experience in procurement within a reputable non-profit organization or the private sector, with at least one year at a senior level.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading procurement operations within a highly regulated environment, ensuring strict compliance with policies and procedures.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, particularly across diverse geographical locations.
• Strong self-management capabilities, including attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines and keeping stakeholders informed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and other relevant presentation platforms.
• Commitment to the Aga Khan Academies' values and safeguarding policy.
• Impeccable honesty and work ethic.