Senior Manager, Procurement at MEBS Global Nigeria

MEBS Global provides a variety of in-country support and local assistance as well as cargo transportation and logistics management services with primary focus in emerging markets and conflict, post conflict environments in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. MEBS Global maintains 12 offices in 11 countries including 2 offices in Nigeria.

MEBS Global has been awarded the Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) on behalf of the Government of Nigeria (GoN), building on previous efforts to enhance its visibility and involvement in warehousing and distribution operations. MEBS is expected to manage the warehousing and distribution of malaria commodities in the 13 Global Fund supported states.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Manager, Procurement

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Position Type: Full time
Job Level: Management
Reports to: Deputy Project Director
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
Grade Level: Aligns with country salary structure

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Senior Manager, Procurement is responsible for overseeing the procurement process services from external suppliers to meet the project's needs. The Senior Manager, Procurement will identify and evaluate potential suppliers according to Global Fund project objectives with a focus on best-in-class operators who will improve the existing supply chain operations.
• The Manager and his team will negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
• The Senior Manager, Procurement will manage, and issue procurement tenders will be evaluated and awarded by a Procurement Board.
• The Senior Manager, Procurement will play a crucial role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services required for the successful implementation of the Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7).
• This position requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in procurement, supply chain management, and a deep understanding of the complexities within the global health sector.
• The Senior Manager, Procurement shall report directly to the Deputy Project Director, in collaboration with the Project Director and the Project Management Unit (PMU).
• As need arises shall report directly to the Project Director and the Project Management Unit (PMU), in the absence of the Deputy Project Director.
• S/he shall also work closely with the US and Nigeria Support Units for Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7).
• S/he will assist in setting up with oversight over MEBS procurement processes in MEBS Nigeria.
• S/he will collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Suply Chain Operations, TQM, ERP/MIS/IT, Finance and Compliance/Audit) and contribute significantly to the project's success by ensuring the efficient and compliant procurement of essential health supplies for the targeted communities.

Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with the objectives and timelines of the Malaria Component of the Global Fund grant.
• Conduct thorough needs assessments in collaboration with program managers and other stakeholders to identify procurement requirements and forecast demand accurately.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and product/service specifications to inform procurement decisions and mitigate risks.
• Develop procurement plans and schedules to ensure timely delivery of goods and services while optimizing cost-effectiveness and quality.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers/vendors based on their capabilities, capacity, financial stability, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers/vendors to ensure alignment with project goals, promote collaboration, and drive continuous improvement.
• Negotiate and establish favorable terms and conditions with suppliers/vendors, including pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, warranties, and service level agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance against contract terms, including delivery performance, quality standards, and compliance with regulatory requirements, and take corrective actions as needed.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with relevant procurement regulations, policies, and procedures, including donor requirements, local laws, and ethical standards.
• Conduct due diligence on suppliers/vendors to verify their legal and regulatory compliance, integrity, and reputation.
• Identify and assess procurement-related risks, including supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and compliance issues, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with legal counsel, compliance officers, and other stakeholders to address legal and regulatory issues and mitigate compliance risks effectively.

Process Improvement and Innovation:

• Evaluate existing procurement processes, systems, and tools to identify opportunities for improvement, efficiency gains, and cost savings.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, automation solutions, and best practices to streamline procurement operations, reduce cycle times, and enhance transparency.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the procurement team by encouraging creativity, experimentation, and knowledge sharing.
• Leverage emerging technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, to enhance procurement effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including program managers, finance teams, technical experts, and logistics specialists, to align procurement activities with program goals and objectives.
• Communicate effectively with external stakeholders, including suppliers/vendors, donors, regulatory authorities, and auditors, to ensure clarity, transparency, and accountability in procurement processes and decisions.
• Provide timely updates, reports, and insights on procurement activities, expenditures, trends, and performance metrics to internal and external stakeholders, as required.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the organization to leverage expertise, resources, and insights for optimal procurement outcomes.

Leadership and Talent Development:

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Set clear expectations, goals, and performance targets for team members, and provide regular feedback, coaching, and recognition to support their professional growth and development.
• Identify talent gaps and development needs within the procurement team, and develop strategies to address them through training, recruitment, and talent management initiatives.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the procurement team, ensuring equal opportunities and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all team members.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor and evaluate procurement performance, including cost savings, efficiency gains, supplier performance, and compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of procurement processes, contracts, and documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and present regular reports, dashboards, and insights on procurement activities, expenditures, trends, and performance metrics to senior management, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Use data-driven insights and lessons learned to inform decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous improvement in procurement practices and outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned by the project director

Evaluation Method:

• Annual performance appraisals
• Quarterly documented feedback and mentoring discussions
• Quarterly score card of work plan tasks and achievements
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Certification in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management by reputable and recognized international and local Nigeria entities, the following but not limited to the following - Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM), The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), The Association of Supply Chain and Logistics Management Professionals (ASCLMP) or other similar entities with all-encompassing training/certification curriculum that covers procurement, logistics and supply chain management
• With a Master’s degree, minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in procurement, with at least 3 years of experience managing procurement activities in the global health sector, preferably with donor-funded projects. With Bachelor degree, minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement, with at least 5 years of experience managing procurement activities in the global health sector, preferably with donor-funded projects.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement principles, practices, regulations, and standards, including familiarity with multilateral or bilateral donor procurement guidelines (e.g., Global Fund, USAID, DFID etc).
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex procurement processes and high-value contracts, including competitive bidding, negotiations, and contract management, preferably in the health sector.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to achieve project objectives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to lead cross-functional teams, inspire confidence, foster teamwork, and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in e-procurement software and tools (ERP systems or other related e-procurement tools), as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to analyze data, generate reports, and make data-driven decisions.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong written and verbal English language skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Interpersonal Competencies: ability to work with other team members, flexibility, decisiveness and personal integrity.

Language:

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing).

Application Closing Date
16th February, 2024

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and Cover Letter, addressing the position requirements to: ngrecruitment@mebs-global.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.