Procurement Assistant II (International) at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Slot: 2

Duties
International Sourcing and Supplier Management:

• Conduct foreign market research to identify potential suppliers and suitable products.
• Assess potential suppliers based on quality, reliability, financial stability, and other relevant procurement criteria.
• Conduct vendor audits and maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier records.
• Negotiate pricing, contractual terms, delivery schedules, and other conditions with suppliers to secure competitive and favourable deals.

Purchasing and Procurement Operations:

• Process foreign purchase orders, ensuring accuracy in product specifications, quantities, pricing, and other relevant details.
• Monitor the progress of purchase orders and proactively resolve issues relating to shipment, delivery, or order fulfilment.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance/Quality Control teams to establish and maintain appropriate product quality standards.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, supplier documentation, and related correspondence.
• Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, supplier performance, and relevant market analysis.

Stakeholder and Compliance Management:

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with suppliers and relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Logistics, Finance, Research, and Technical units to ensure effective procurement and supply chain operations.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, Institute procurement policies and procedures, and country-specific import requirements.

Market and Strategic Analysis:

• Stay informed of economic and geopolitical factors that may affect international sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, pricing, and supply chain operations.

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Trade, or a related field. Professional Certification in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, such as CIPS, CIPSMN, is an added advantage.
• The candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in international purchasing or procurement roles.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must have:

• Proficiency in procurement software, supply chain tools, and Microsoft Office applications
• Demonstrated experience working with global suppliers and a sound understanding of international trade.
• Familiarity with international logistics and supply chain operations.
• Experience in supplier management, purchase order processing, procurement documentation, and international sourcing is required.
• Ability to analyse market data and make informed procurement decisions.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to secure favourable commercial deals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective supplier engagement, stakeholder interaction, and reporting.
• High level of accuracy in processing purchase orders and maintaining procurement records.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address procurement, supply chain challenges, and develop timely solutions.
• Effective time management and prioritisation skills.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across different functional areas and with international suppliers.