- Job Title: Procurement Specialist
- Organisation: RTI International
- Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
RTI International is a non-profit organization headquartered in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. Founded in 1958, RTI provides research and technical services, initially funded by $500,000 from local businesses and the three North Carolina universities forming the Research Triangle.
About USAID Project:
The USAID/Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience Activity (B4R) provides technical assistance to communities, the government of Uganda, and the private sector to conserve and manage biodiversity in target ecosystems. This fosters lasting environmental and economic sustainability, as well as increased community and household resilience. The Activity closely collaborates with key government agencies, including the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA), in five target landscapes within Uganda.
Job Summary:
The Procurement Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting all project procurement needs. This includes developing procurement specifications, drafting RFAs and RFPs, engaging with vendors, reviewing bids, and ensuring procurement processes adhere to both RTI and USAID regulations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop detailed procurement plans to ensure timelines are met and devise appropriate strategies for project technical needs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders on procurement needs, offering guidance to develop specifications, budgets, and optimal procurement mechanisms following USAID and RTI regulations.
- Manage procurement processes end-to-end, from developing specifications to drafting RFPs, RFIs, EOIs, supporting evaluation processes, and creating POs and agreements.
- Prepare shortlists, bid analyses, evaluation forms, and justification memos in compliance with USAID procurement regulations.
- Maintain positive relationships with vendors and partners, ensuring timely deliveries and invoice submissions.
- Ensure complete and compliant documentation for procurement purchases and payments submitted to the Finance office.
- Maintain an updated database of pre-qualified vendors, following standard RTI procurement processes and guidelines.
- Track all contracts, managing timely renewal/modification processes.
- Maintain proper filing of procurement documents in SharePoint according to RTI standard filing systems.
- Foster a working relationship between the project and vendor community, ensuring quality and timely supplies at the best value.
- Coordinate the disposition of project assets when necessary.
- Manage procedures for the retention, protection, retrieval, transfer, and disposal of project procurement records.
- Evaluate vendor performance periodically and conduct ad hoc onsite visits for compliance validation.
- Ensure all procurement actions align with RTI and USAID Rules and Regulations, as well as ethical standards.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field and 3 years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree in Business Development, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management and 5 years of relevant experience in mid or senior-level procurement roles.
- Experience conducting procurement processes end-to-end, including developing scopes of work, evaluating bids, and drafting RFPs, RFIs, EOIs, Purchase Orders, and other agreements.
- In-depth knowledge of USAID procurement regulations is essential.
- Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Professional qualification in Supply Chain Management is an added advantage.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing strategies.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Flexibility for occasional travel within project operational areas and ability to work collaboratively.
- Dependability, reliability, and high integrity.
How to Apply:
All candidates should apply online using the link below:
Note: Please ensure to submit all required information through the provided online application. We appreciate your interest in joining RTI International. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.
