Procurement Specialist

About Chemonics

Chemonics International is an international development company based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to promote meaningful change around the world to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. Since 1975, we have worked in 150 countries around the world, and we are currently implementing 118 projects in 84 countries. Our main partner is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and we also work with foreign donors such as the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Global Fund. We have more than 4,000 staff in our project offices around the world, and more than 500 staff based in our headquarters in Washington, D.C.

1.  Project Background

The Community Support Program (CSP) in Lebanon is a multi-year project funded by USAID to support municipalities and underserved and vulnerable communities in providing better services and enhanced economic opportunities to improve lives and reduce tensions that contribute to conflict and violence, primarily in Lebanon’s North, South, and Beqaa regions.

2.  Summary of Position

The Procurement Specialist assists with the implementation and realization of the project's technical activities by establishing, implementing, and monitoring the procurement of goods and services. The Procurement Specialist utilizes relevant Chemonics' resources, including corporate procurement manual and templates, for this purpose. The Procurement Specialist ensures that procurements are solicited using adequate price competition, and that they comply with all relevant USAID regulations and Chemonics policies.

3.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures that all procurements are compliant with USAID regulations and project policies.
• Works directly with local, regional, or international vendors and service providers to obtain quotations and/or initiate procurements of requested commodities and services.
• Issues solicitations (i.e. RFQs, RFPs, EOIs, etc.) on behalf of CSP’s technical activities and participates in selection panels to ensure transparency and compliance at all steps.
• Also assists CSP operations staff on the procurement of commodities and professional services for the field offices.
• Liaises with vendors and subcontractors and serves as their point of contact throughout the procurement process; arranges bidder meetings, compiles clarification questions from bidders, works with the CSP technical teams to prepare responses, coordinates evaluation committees, etc.
• Makes efforts where possible to streamline the procurement process through establishing appropriate agreements with vendors.
• Monitors contracts and purchase orders issued to vendors and follow up as necessary to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
• Maintains the overall integrity of the procurement filing system by ensuring that appropriate documentation is included in each procurement file.
• Maintains the project's commodity management tracking system for vendors and subcontractors to provide accurate information for office inventory.
• Develops procurement related approval documentation for submission to USAID.
• Provides procurement status reports and inventory summaries as requested by project staff.
• Assists in providing training to project staff on procurement policies and procedures.
• Travels as required to inspect equipment at delivery sites.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned by supervisor and Deputy Chief of Party of Operations, or equivalent.

4.  Minimum Qualifications

• At least 3-4 years of professional experience, 2 of which in a similar position.
• Experience working on community development (service delivery, livelihoods, etc.) preferred.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations related to procurement and subcontracts is required.
• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required.
• Organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills are required.

5.  Place of Assignment

The Procurement Specialist will be based in the project’s main office in Beirut, Lebanon, and travel throughout the country as needed.

6.  Reporting

The Procurement Specialist will report directly to the Senior Grants, Subcontracts, and Procurement Manager, or equivalent.

 Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants that can legally work in Lebanon will be considered for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination.