Senior Procurement Specialist

About WorldFish

WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for their livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org

About the Position

The Senior Procurement Specialist is a key role and holds overall responsibility in the procurement of goods and services at WorldFish. The successful candidate will be highly driven, with a pro-active and autonomous approach to their work. The incumbent will be required to work closely with country research and project leads, finance leads and other stakeholders, to ensure timely sourcing of goods and services that offer the best value for money in accordance with WorldFish's procurement policy and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the entire procurement process which includes but not limited to the followings; preparing RFQs, obtain quotations, make evaluations, recommend suppliers, liaising with procurement committee, issuing purchase orders, delivery follow-up, and inventory management in accordance with WorldFish policies, donor regulations and the enforcement of procurement control via implementation of all relevant procurement processes and methods.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead complex procurement projects, including negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers.
• To provide guidance and support on procurement activities especially in system related tasks, and to take lead and assist country office in trouble shooting procurement issues.
• Serve as a point of contact for procurement-related inquiries and escalations.
• Analyze market trends and identify cost-saving opportunities to optimize procurement processes.
• Review and approve procurement plans, purchase orders, and contracts.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement risk mitigation strategies within the procurement process.
• Prepare and present procurement reports and analyses to senior management.
• Lead procurement-related initiatives, such as process improvements and technology implementations.
• Foster positive relationships with suppliers and stakeholders to enhance procurement outcomes.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in procurement management.
• Provide technical advice and collaborates with various departments, notably in procurement planning, defining procurement needs & strategies, analyzing and evaluating of various factors affecting price, technical specifications, implementation schedules and methodology in management & maintenance.
• Track saving costs through better negotiations with suppliers and finding alternative suppliers.
• Generate and provide procurement information, statistics, reports and assist in procurement operation process improvements, systems development and implementation.
• To lead in procurement operation process improvements, systems development and implementation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to procurement staff, assisting in their professional development.
• Perform other duties as may be required from time to time.

The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Logistics or Finance or Procurement or CIPS Level 6 qualifications.
• At least 5 years working experience in relevant sector and in a reputed establishment.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of procurement practices and procedures, policy, and systems and clear understanding of donor procurement guidelines relating to respective projects.
• Ability to work on own initiative and deadlines, produce accurate and detailed reports, have good organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential correspondences matters from time to time.
• Demonstrate an excellent service approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
• A team player with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organizing, planning, analyzing and problem-solving skills.
• Strong in negotiations, communication, and persuasion skills.
• Goal-oriented, organized team player.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, attention to details and manage time efficiently.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Working knowledge of ERP system and procurement systems.
• Experience and high level of competence in the use of relevant IT and able to produce detailed reports and data analytic, in particular, experience of working with spreadsheets and other analytical tools.

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave, and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by no later than 24:00 (MYT), 28 May 2024.

Location: The post holder will be based in Penang, Malaysia. This position will involve international travel.

The screening will startimmediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued, and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diverse dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status, or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.