Procurement Officer

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

Scope of Work

USAID BIODIVERSITY (Jal Jangal)

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) will conserve nature, enhance human well-being, and safeguard Nepal’s biodiversity to improve the health of ecosystems, fight environmental crime, and improve the ability of communities to prepare for and adapt to impacts caused by climate change and natural disasters. The activity will achieve measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape while increasing resilience to climate change and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. To accomplish this, USAID Biodiversity will implement activities aligned with three mutually interrelated and reinforcing objectives: Improve the health of ecosystems (Objective 1), Strengthen environmental crime control and natural resource safeguards (Objective 2), and enhance the climate resilience of natural and human systems (Objective 3).

1.  Objectives of the assignment 

The Procurement Officer will play a critical role in the Procurement Team. S/he will play a pivotal role in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in procurement processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls. The Procurement Officer will be responsible to ensure that complete procurement related backup documentation is provided prior to submission to the Finance Team. S/he will be responsible for procurement and contracting across a variety of industry sectors, managing solicitations, and price/cost/reasonability analyses, and performing any other related duties as assigned by the Procurement Manager. 

2.  Tasks & Responsibilities

Essential Duties

Reporting

Assist Procurement Manager to develop acquisition planning reports. 

Monitor and track procurement activities, payment status and delivery status of goods/services.

Audit

• Ensure complete backup documentation for procurement purchases is submitted to the Biodiversity Finance Team as and when required
• Perform and assist regular spot audits of procurement files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance. 
• Assist and collaborate in external or internal audits as necessary.

Policies & Procedures

• Ensure integrity, fairness, accuracy, and openness in procurement processes.
• Ensure DAI/USAID and FAR policies, and procedures are followed and enforced.
• Help Biodiversity staff become more familiar, and understand, DAI policies and procedures as related to procurement by conducting trainings or other methods as necessary.
• Work with the infrastructure team to ensure infrastructure policies are upheld as outlined in Field Operations Manual. 

Procurement Management Systems

• Enforce use of DAI’s operations & procurement system (TAMIS), etc. 
• Maintain electronic procurement records & files in various DAI’s system platforms.
• Train other Biodiversity staff in the use of procurement systems, as necessary. 
• Track procurement plan periodically to ensure timely procurement of goods and services

General Acquisition & Procurement Responsibilities

• Manages procurement processes for all admin, logistic and technical activities, including determining procurement requirements, ensuring the most appropriate procurement methods are used, and ensuring transparent processes are utilized.
• Create payment request on timely manner for all the procured items in DAI System. 
• Oversee solicitation bids and quotes from vendors in adherence with policies & approved requisitions and quarterly procurement plans.
• Monitor, track and expedite all Biodiversity procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services.
• Ensure pricing information is accurate and aligns with acquisition policies.
• Conduct price/cost/reasonability analysis. 
• Review requisition documentation, cost estimates, statements of work, etc.
• Help non-procurement staff understand the requirements for submitting accurate and thorough requisitions, cost estimates, statements of work, or to determine other technical specifications.
• Determine source selection methods for complex procurement to ensure compliance.
• Serve as a non-voting chairperson on evaluation committees in accordance with DAI policies/procedures and thresholds. 
• Ensure compliance with DAI, USAID and RFAR requirements on sub-contract closure and /termination. 
• Assist Biodiversity staff in coordinating meetings, facilitating discussions, and developing briefings in support of the source selection process.
• Prepare cost evaluation data, and source selection documentation. 
• Through market research efforts, identify and qualify potential suppliers (and products/services). Ensure that beneficial, ethical, and open supplier relationships are created and maintained according to procurement policies.
• Maintain procurement file system in DAI’s system.
• Work closely with various home office support staff.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Director of Operations, or Procurement Manager. 

3. Qualifications  

• University degree in relevant field required
• Procurement and logistics experience, preferably with an international donor-funded organization. For a candidate with a master’s 4 years of professional work experience is required, for a candidate with a bachelor’s 8 years of relevant technical experience is required. (Subtract one year of relevant experience—3 years with MA or 7 years with BA—for persons of excluded groups)
• Computer literate with e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet experience
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to respond effectively to time sensitive demands and inquiries
• Fluency in English and Nepali is required
• Knowledge of USG and FAR regulations and procurement and acquisition aspects of USAID-funded activities

Application link:

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/1pq9dy5lt7/index

Application instructions:

Please select the position for which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on the next steps.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than September 8, 2023. 

Women and persons from excluded groups are encouraged to apply.

Consistent with DAI’s commitment to attracting and retaining staff from all races, ethnicities, castes and backgrounds, DAI may adjust eligibility requirements to allow for applicants from excluded groups.  In these cases, the Scope of Work and vacancy announcement will clearly indicate the minimum requirements according to the Country Compensation Plan as well as the revised minimum requirements for applicants representing an excluded group. DAI promotes workforce diversity and in Nepal, DAI considers excluded groups to be women, Dalits, indigenous ethnic minority groups, Madhesi, Muslim, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.