Purchasing Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) – Belgium

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. Médecins Sans Frontières provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict. They do so irrespective of race, religion, creed or political convictions.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Purchasing Officer

Location: Jega, Kebbi
Employment Type: Full-time
Open to: All residents of Nigeria.
Contract Period: Definite (3 Months; extendable)

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Performing the day to day purchasing activities in a particular supply office (coordination or project level) according to MSF protocols and standards in order to ensure an optimal running of the mission / project.

Accountabilities

• Performing on a day to day basis the purchasing activities of a supply office, analysing market sources and competitive pricing conditions among different suppliers in order to ensure an ongoing supply of goods, following the procurement procedures and according to MSF standards and protocols. Including the following activities:
  • Constantly assessing the local market, seeking products and suppliers that offer the best value for money and negotiating prices in order to guarantee the best quality and pricing for MSF goods and commodities. Regularly updating the supplier-item-price data on the supply office and informing the Supply (Activity) Supervisor / Logistics Supervisor of all information or modifications to the data i.e. price, address, items available
  • At the request of the line manager, obtaining different quotations from suppliers according to the MSF Purchasing policy and placing purchase orders to pre-selected suppliers with whom prices have been agreed
  • Requesting invoices or receipts, without delay, for all purchases, checking they are correctly filled and translating information written in local language before approval
  • Managing the administrative and accounting procedures related to purchases: completing purchase orders, checking delivery notes (against orders), managing advances issued by the Finance Department, etc.
  • Updating information on purchase lists after purchases are made
  • Assisting in reception control process with the storekeeper
  • Performing delegated tasks according to his / her activity and as specified in his/her job description.

Context Specific Accountabilities

• Travelling to local markets in Jega, Bernin-Kebbi or Sokoto for Local Purchases / Service Agreements.
• Travelling to ITFC, ATFC sites if required for Local Purchases / Service Agreements.
• Informing superiors of any incident that may occur in the course of his/her work.
• Helping MSF staff carry heavy items, if necessary.
• The list above is not exhaustive, it is a summary, the activities will evolve according to the need.
• This job description may be amended in line with the activities or evolution of the Mission.

Minimum Required Skills and Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in Commerce or Supply related studies.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) required.

Experience:

• Two years experience in Similar Role is desirable (Preferably working experience with MSF or other NGOS).
• Knowledge of tender process, statutory requirements like WHT, purchase orders, BoQs, etc. strongly desired.
• Familiarity with standard concepts and best ethical practices in purchasing process, negotiation with vendors essential.
• Essential knowledge of basic mathematics and use of measuring equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Closing Date
15th June, 2022.