Procurement Manager

World Learning has an immediate vacancy for a Beirut-based “Procurement Manager” for the USAID-funded Quality Instruction Towards Access and Basic Education Improvement (QITABI) in Lebanon. This position is for a Lebanese national.

Background: 

The USAID-funded Quality Instruction towards Access and Basic Education Improvement (QITABI) project, aims to expand equitable access and improve learning outcomes for vulnerable students in Lebanese public schools. The project will have an immediate focus on alleviating the strains to the system that are resulting from the continuing inflow of Syrian refugee children into Lebanese public schools.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Lebanon (MEHE), QITABI will improve facilities, services, and teaching as well as effectively engage communities and school councils to improve learning and increase the chances of youth remaining in the education system.

The project has three components:

Component 1: Improving reading outcomes for primary level public school students  

Component 2: Expanding access to safe and relevant education for vulnerable public school students

Component 3: Strengthening management system to better direct and monitor education

Primary Responsibilities:

The position is responsible for all procurement and contracting services to ensure effective and timely provision of these services through the effective implementation of all projects’ procurements.  Other responsibilities include the following:

1. Compliance: The Procurement Manager will ensure that all procurement and contracting decisions function according to World Learning policies and USAID regulationsProcurement & Acquisition: Manage the procurement of goods and services for project operations including the following:

• Have a good understanding of the existing procurement policies and procedures to ensure that the project’s team receives uninterrupted supply of goods and services necessary for the program implementation
• Establish and implement a monitoring system that will ensure value for money and that prices paid for goods and services are in line with the local market prices
• Ensure that procurement processes are conducted in a transparent and competitive manner and are properly documented in compliance with WL and USAID regulations
• Work with requestors to ensure that specifications are accurate, samples are provided where necessary and deliverables are complete and correct in accordance with the contract terms. Ensure that prior to all procurement actions, required approvals are obtained
• Plan and organize all bid solicitation processes including drafting and issuing requests for quotations, developing bid evaluation criteria and guiding committee members on the processes adopted
• Take lead in screening and reviewing bids and quotations and setting points of negotiation
• Perform cost and price analysis and oversee the preparation of purchase orders and/or contracts for all acquisition needs
• Ensure that all procurement records are properly maintained and secured. This includes the maintenance of procurement files and the preferred vendor tracking system as well as other relevant documentation
• Manage the relationship with vendors to ensure completeness of deliverables. This includes ensuring that all vendor complaints and concerns are addressed promptly
• Work closely with the Finance Team to ensure the execution of payments’ terms as outlined in the purchase orders and contracts. 
• Supervise the Senior Procurement Officer and provide support and guidance on procurement actions
• Submit a weekly report to the DFO
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor degree in a relevant field. Master degree is an added advantage
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in procurement including knowledge of strategic sourcing, negotiating and contracting; at least four years of experience should be with a USG or other international organization in an English-language work situation
• Thorough knowledge of USAID and its contractual, procurement and reporting requirements is essential
• Possession of good judgement, strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills and attention to details in addition to good interpersonal and communication skills and good command of English language is a must
• Possession of computer skills with hands-on experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and other relevant Advanced Computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Have a high level of integrity and ethical behavior