SENIOR PROCUREMENT OFFICER

Since 2005, the DNDi DRC office has been developing clinical research partnerships with the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other Congolese institutions. DNDi DRC carries out complex operations in resource-limited settings across the region. Bringing together scientific partners from across Africa, it has developed a clinical research platform that has played a central role in the development and delivery of new treatments for sleeping sickness and is now also initiating clinical trials for new treatments for river blindness.  

The Operations Department manages DNDi’s corporate infrastructure globally across eight locations through its Business Development, Procurement, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems and Technology, Legal Affairs, and Project Management Office teams. The Department plays a central role in DNDi’s compliance and performance

To provide Procurement support to DNDi global teams as well as local ones to ensure best value for money in the procurement of goods and services through a consistent and efficient approach with the highest standard of quality. This role is part of the Operations teams, working closely with the Global Procurement team  and Head of Regional Operations .

• To source competitively equipment, medical supplies and services required by clinical study sites and DNDi DRC Regional Office
• To competitively negotiate contracts with suppliers within and outside of the DRC to find the best pricing.
• Regularly conduct procurement committee meetings to discuss and decide collectively on the choice of winning bidders and make changes on Procurement processes (where needed)
• To work closely with Logistics in the scheduling and coordination of shipment and delivery
• To ensure a high level of compliance in the management of outsourced projects
• To ensure procurement documentation is properly filed and archived when appropriate.
• Keep records of all the various transactions and purchases and include all requisition forms and Purchase Orders in orderly manner.
• To liaise suppliers and service providers to establish and maintain a sound business relationship.
• To maintain an updated list of dedicated and preferred suppliers and continuously appraise our suppliers to ensure the right caliber are maintained in the list.
• To coordinate the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of procurement tools, as well as logistic tools relating to procurement, contract management and movement of goods
• To handle any other procurement tasks as assigned
• To participate in efforts geared towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations in accordance with the policies and procedures as laid down in the organization’s Quality Manual.
• To continuously review and update internal procedures to adapt to the market realities.
• To lead the process of reviewing procurement SOPs to ensure alignment with both regional and international procedures.
• To schedule and conduct training for all DRC Regional Office staff on procurement issues.
• To organize annual workshop with DNDI local suppliers to train them on DNDi ways of conducting business, including ethical standards.

• Senior Procurement Officer reports to Head of Procurement,
• Dotted reporting line to the Head of Regional Operations, WACA Regional Office
• Works closely with DNDi’s Finance, R&D and Operations teams located in the DRC office and in different other regions.
• Collaborators, counterparts, and service providers are mainly in the functional area in and outside DNDi to get information, guidance, and feedback or to enlist cooperation. Works on the organization of representation of DNDi at smaller events and with external stakeholders of same equivalent level

• Minimum 6 years’ relevant experience in which at least 3 years at Officer level or equivalent
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure
• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable
• Graduate or post graduate degree

• • Applied knowledge and experience in specialized areas.
  • Ability to contribute to design and implementation phases.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to manage operational complexity in a focused scope.
  • Well organized, time sensitive and structured
  • Very good analytical skills
  • Ability to contribute to the project delivery under minimum supervision
  • Ability to manage middle sized projects with budget management under supervision
  • Provide specialist services to operational line or project team
  • Ability to solve non-routine problems on a case by case/project basis
  • Has certain autonomy for taking actions and decisions
  • Ability to interact with external stakeholders
  • Ability to be a self-starter, suggest new initiative, with capacity to prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Fluency in English (speak, write and understand English) and French
• Proficiency in local languages desirable
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organisation. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristic.