Procurement Specialist at RTI International

The Effective Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (E-WASH) project, is seeking to recruit an experienced, organized and energetic Procurement Specialist in our Abuja Office who will be part of a dynamic team implementing the ambitious 4-year USAID-funded E-WASH project in Nigeria. Under the direct supervision of the DCOP, the Procurement Specialist will provide overall management of project procurement function and needs including but not limited to procurement processes (local and international) and transport of procured goods. The Procurement Specialist will provide leadership and coordination of the entire procurement component for the E-WASH Program by ensuring compliance with RTI’s corporate procurement policies and procedures as well as procurement SOPs in Nigeria., as well as its remote site offices.

• Perform all phases of sourcing activity to ensure best value and within required lead times for a variety of requirements in Nigeria, including analysis of overall budgetary impact for all types of procurement transactions
• Take the lead in the preparation and implementation of the annual procurement plan supported with budget and time tables.
• Effectively negotiate with suppliers on a wide variety of commodities and services for the best overall value to the project
• Coordinate issuance of purchase orders in accordance with company policies and procedures
• Contribute to supply chain management efforts up to and including logistical support from the ordering point through delivery of the required goods and/or services
• Coordinate freight forwarding efforts with the RTI Logistics Office and Home Office Support Team as required
• Prepare and issue, RFQ(s) for assigned procurements such as materials, equipment, commodities, and services, ensure prudent evaluation of bids, award and negotiate contracts on the basis of best value
• Understand and ensure compliance with legal guidelines, Federal Export Control (if applicable), contracting principles, sourcing and price/cost analysis requirements
• Assist the Home Office Support Team in the preparation of requirements of federally-funded contracts for consent to subcontract, source and origin waivers and budget approvals for nonexpendable property
• Identify any funding gaps and work with the DCOP and Finance Manager to mobilize additional resources.
• Develop and submit weekly and monthly reports to the Finance Manager and DCOP on procurement for submission to RTI home office.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the DCOP.
• Identify the supply base for E-WASH through supplier prequalification and management of the supplier base
• Supplier relationship management through supplier performance appraisals to mitigate supply chain risks for RTI

Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

• Master’s degree and 3 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 6 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• An understanding of and commitment to RTI’s mission and values
• Additional professional training in procurement and logistics management preferred
• Knowledge of USAID procurement policies and regulations a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and procurement software;
• Strong organizational, reporting and management skills
• Organized, attentive  to detail, has ability to multi task and a high personal drive
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to build effective relationships with all clients, peers, and stakeholders
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within a team.
• Competence in strategic sourcing methodology and negotiations
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented setting;
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to coordinate activities with officials from host country governments, US Government, NGO’s and other agencies;
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Applications
• Experience in general business administration and financial management;
• Willingness to travel frequently to the field offices.
• Experience in West Africa Region Africa, preferably in Nigeria.