Senior Procurement & Travel Officer (APRM) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Procurement & Travel Officer (APRM)

Requisition ID: 1647
Location: Midrand, South Africa 
Reports to: Head of Corporate Services
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Division: Corporate Service
Number of Direct Reports: 5
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• To be responsible for evaluating suppliers, products, and services, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that approved purchases are cost-efficient and of high quality as well as to coordinate all travel related functions of the APRM.

Main Functions

• Provides technical and intellectual support in the management of various elements related to the area of expertise
• Identifies best practices and monitors effectiveness of the Office’s support to APRM
• Assists in the development of the strategies and business continuity plan and contributes to their implementation
• Contributes to development of guidelines, policies and manuals that can guide programmes, system improvement initiatives and overall decision making by higher management in the respective area of expertise.
• Provides support to the implementation of initiatives related to area of specialization.
• Assists in the organization of thematic networks, make contributions during consultations and meetings
• Contributes in development of materials and provide necessary training and support to Organization Units as required.
• Provides technical guidance on matters relating to system review and implementation project in area of specialization, as required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Supervises staff and all activities of the purchasing and travel related matters
• Coordinates the preparation of procurement of goods and services and travel plans
• Ensures compliance with the AUs procurement and travel policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Reviews, compares and analyses for the procurement of goods and services
• Manages vendor data and relations as well as pricing records.
• Leads the contract negotiation process in line with the AUs guidelines
• Researches and evaluates prospective vendors.
• Leads the processes of preparing budgets, cost analyses, and management reports as required
• Coordinates with the Finance Section, regarding payment to vendors
• Ensures validity of budget allotment and object expenditure codes assigned
• Oversees and maintains accurate financial information in consultation with the Finance
• Section;
• Ensures that the established Invitation to Bid (ITB) system is complied with and that the airline tickets are purchased at the most competitive market prices.
• Coordinates with the Travel Agent to obtain and arrange the travelers flight plan, tickets, hotel reservations and travel insurance.
• Reviews and approves Purchase Orders before they are shared with vendors.
• Arranges logistics for conferences, workshops, and training in line with APRM procedures and policy.
• Verifies all travel invoices received from the Travel Agent ensuring compliance with rules and regulations and alerting management in cases of non-conformity.
• Performs any other duties

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree Procurement / Supply Chain, Business Management or related field with 7 years progressive work experience in procurement management and administration of which 3 years  should be at supervisory level.
• Certification in CIPS will be an added advantage
• Working knowledge of SAP is required

Or

• Bachelor’s Degree Procurement / Supply Chain, Business Management or a similar field with 10 years progressive work experience in procurement management and administration of which 3 years should be at supervisory level.
• Certification in CIPS will be an added advantage
• Working knowledge of SAP is required.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of and deep understanding of the procurement standard practices, procedures and technicalities
• Ability to interpret and implement procurement policies
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills
• Good analytical skills
• Good Interpersonal    
• Computer skills:
• Good communication skills orally and written
• Excellent planning, organizing and coordination skills
• Ability to work with a diverse team

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• .Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), a Housing allowance of US$ 21,832.68  (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
2nd May, 2023.