Procurement Officer (Category Officer) SC8

WFP

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

These jobs are found in Headquarters (HQ), Regional Offices (ROs) or Country Officers (COs). Job holders shall report to a more senior Procurement Officer/Manager, or the Country/Deputy Country Director, Deputy Regional/Division Director, or the Head of Supply Chain or the designate.

Job holders are part of a team and typically manage small procurement teams. They operate in an environment where the complexity of procurement activities and operations is moderate e.g. involving varied range of goods, services, and food under markets segments and established categories and local, regional and global procurement.

Procurement is a pillar of the end-to-end supply chain, requiring cross- functional collaboration with many/relevant/other functions to ensure efficient sourcing, supplier performance, pipeline coverage, and seamless integration with logistics and distribution operations. Procurement activities align with broader supply chain strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and service delivery.

JOB PURPOSE:

To implement and support the development of sourcing strategies, focusing on operational excellence, compliance, risk management in line with global procurement strategies and organizational goals. Focus is on business partnering for an integrated approach to meet corporate needs and support the related operational requirements.

Title: Procurement Officer (Category Officer)

Level: SC-8

Salary: Starting from AED 36,359.99 per month (inclusive of pension), plus medical insurance and other entitlements.

Duty station: Dubai, UAE

Duration of Employment: 12 months with possibility of extension.

The Procurement unit in Dubai is an outposted office under WFP HQ Supply Chain Division, Procurement unit. The team based in Dubai manages Procurement of various non-food items and reports to Headquarters. This position is advertised as a Procurement Officer and will perform the role of the Category Officer reporting to the Category Manager.

The incumbent shall be responsible for:

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

1. Manage end-to-end procurement requests, ensuring seamless integration of procurement processes, proactive risk mitigation, and alignment with cross-functional teams. Identify and secure reliable sources of supply in full compliance with procurement policies and regulations.

2. Provide guidance and technical advice to business units fostering proactive collaboration to address procurement needs, resolve challenges, and align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.

3. Identify and implement procurement best practices for contract management to ensure compliance, process efficiency, and improved service delivery.

4. Support procurement decisions by considering financial viability, risk factors, and cross-functional alignment for sound financial planning.

5. Collaborate with Supplier Relationship Management Team and relevant stakeholders to improve suppliers KPIs and implement process enhancement plans.

6. Guide and supervise junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with simple analysis and queries.

7. Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor specific risks.

8. Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency procurement needs.

Category Management

9. Support the development and implementation of category strategies to align procurement activities with market realities, category priorities, and business needs.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

14. Candidate should have knowledge and skills in International Procurement of non-food items mainly in categories related to Information Technology, Fuel including Jet A1 Fuel and/or Vehicles (Trucks and Light vehicle).

15. Establish cross-functional teams consisting of the client unit, legal, Supplier Relations Management, Country Offices and technical experts to drive procurement processes and orchestrate collaboration to ensure all aspects of the process are properly addressed.

16. Participate in the Negotiation of contract terms in favour of the organization to secure cost savings and challenge suppliers to achieve lean supply chains.

17. Conduct thorough and complex data analysis for high-value categories. Identify key drivers, challenges, and develop solutions and strategies to maximize efficiencies and streamline procurement processes.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

Experience in procurement and category management from strategy design to sourcing project implementation through tendering or direct contract negotiation.

Understanding of public procurement processes including sourcing tools and strategies, solicitation methodologies, evaluations to contract award and monitoring.

Experience engaging with business units on their requirements, providing technical advice and informing strategy alignments.

Experience in identifying risks within procurement and broader processes, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance to standards.

Experience conducting market analysis and supplier segmentation.

Experience conducting cost analysis and benchmarking to inform decision-making.

Well-versed in the use of procurement ERPs and data business intelligence/data visualization.

Education:

Advanced University degree in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal or Accounting or other relevant field, or First University degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience and/or training/course.

Professional certification such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 2) or equivalent is desired.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of operational experience in procurement. Experience in Procurement of Information & Technology, Fuel or Vehicles category is an added advantage.

Language:

Fluency (level C) in English language,

Multilingualism is an asset to engage with different contractors at global level.