African Parks (AP) is a non-profit organisation that takes on direct responsibility for rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas, in partnership with governments and local communities.

By adopting a business approach to conservation, supported by donor funding, African Parks aims to make each park sustainable in the long-term, thereby contributing to economic development and poverty alleviation. Currently African Parks in Malawi manages Majete Wildlife Reserve, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park.

African Parks – Liwonde invites suitably qualified, experienced and passionate Malawians to fill the following vacant position.

Position : Procurement Officer
Reports to : Finance Manager
Location: Liwonde National Park

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Review purchase orders to ensure that they are complete, accurate and conform to Organization policies and procedures.
• Undertake procurements according to the procurement policy and procedures of the organization and/or donor, following the correct authorization process, in compliance with ethical practices and adhering to all the relevant laws and regulations.
• Support the development and implementation of annual procurement plans.
• Monitor contractor/suppliers performance to ensure that contractual obligations are being met.
• Analyze departments/programs’ procurement needs and/or past consumption patterns to establish a procurement strategy that minimizes stock outs across all departments and programs.
• Ensure that suppliers meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Decide on the best and economical sourcing method while considering delivery time and impact: on program implementation and in accordance with laid down standard operating procedures.
• Undertake bid/quotation evaluation process and vendor selection for items and services as required by the procurement policy and all other relevant procurement regulations and best practices.
• Undertake pre-qualification process and annual review of the suppliers’ database.
• Provide support and respond to supplier’ and internal customers’ inquiries and queries.
• Track the local procurement orders and keep team leaders informed on the status of their orders.
• Arrange tender committee meetings
• Manage staff performance of subordinates through establishment of measurable objectives and fair and unbiased performance systems, handling unsatisfactory performance with appropriate performance improvement plans and coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities.
• Prepare and manage contracts with suppliers, assessing suppliers’ performance and advise management where necessary.
• Work closely with both programs and the finance teams to ensure that adequate documentation (purpose for purchase, quotations, purchase orders, delivery notes, and invoices) are submitted for each purchase and are well filed for long term records.
• Perform additional tasks at the request of the Park, Finance /Filed Operations Managers.

Qualification and Experience

• Must have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in procurement in a busy institution.
• Maintain high level of personal integrity and reliability.
• Ability to balance the priorities and objectives of Liwonde National Park.
• Ability of protect the procurement systems and supply chain of Liwonde National Park.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Good analytical, problem solving skills and decision-making aptitude.
• Proactive approach and ability to work on tight deadlines.
• Ability to work well with a culturally diverse team and exhibit high diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to live and work full-time in a rural setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Applicants should send their Current Curriculum Vitae with names of two traceable referees and a motivation letter to The Human Resources Manager, Liwonde National Park, Box 41, Liwonde or email: recruitMalawi@africanparks.org not later than 12th July 2024. Only shortisted candidates will be contacted through mobile phone.

African Parks is an equal opportunity employer, female candidates who are qualified are encouraged to apply.