Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative is a youth-led, impact-driven, result-oriented, non-profit and non-governmental organization that is committed to alleviating the sufferings of the vulnerable and most marginalized people in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization aims to bring about positive changes and to inspire the victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters, especially women and children, to attain self-reliance and sufficiency while providing access to equal opportunities through advocacy, collaborative networking, capacity building and empowerment. We seek to enhance the ability of our clients to make integrated and right decisions through the many and varied programs that will help them physically, psychologically, and intellectually grow and thrive.

RIA commenced operations fully in Oct. 2020 in Borno State complimenting the efforts of partners and humanitarian actors by providing humanitarian support to unreached internally displaced populations hosted in IDP camps, camp-like settings, host communities and returnee populations. We are working consciously hard to improve lives in the following thematic areas, education in emergencies, protection: child protection, gender-based violence and peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and software component of WaSH.

Job Overview/Summary:

This role involves various procurement functions including providing support in Strategy & Planning, Advisory and Support, Sourcing, Negotiation and Contracting, Supplier Performance, Knowledge Management, Supervision, and Relationship Management. The Procurement Assistant will execute these duties in accordance with RIA and Donor Standard Operating Procedures, and other relevant policies.

Reporting and Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:                            Procurement Officer,
Position directly supervises:             Procurement Intern.

Indirect Reporting:                              Operations Manager, Executive Director. 
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal:

External: Vendors, Contractors, Donor staff, Consortium Staff, Government agencies and regulatory bodies

Major Responsibilities:

Procurement Planning:

• The Procurement Assistant is responsible for working closely with Procurement Officer, internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective procurement planning and preparation to support program implementation. Supply chain planning includes
• Preparing and implementing procurement plans
• Implementing all RIA’s procurement SOPs
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data
• Monitor supply market and conduct market surveys & analysis.

Procurement:

• Support with implementing procurement plan & strategies and ensures all program procurement needs are met on time following RIA and donors’ standards. This includes: –
• Support in the development of procurement specifications – Processing approved Purchase requests through the procurement software and ensuring data accuracy.
• Request for quotations/proposals.
• Participate in tender meetings & evaluations.
• Prepare bids analysis and other bidding documents for approval.
• Conduct negotiations with suppliers that is transparent and documented.
• Demonstrate value for money in procurement.

Contract Management:

• Preparing and executing contracts for recommended bidders
• Timely renewal of running contracts.
• Execute contracts against set performance indicators
• Responsible for managing contracts and supplier performance to ensure that terms & conditions, standard operating procedures are adhered to. 

Supplier Management:

• Support with managing supplier relationships and performance to ensure that there is precise record keeping. This includes: –
• Maintain suppliers file and documentation
• Documents supplier performance
• Maintain supplier performance score cards.

Compliance and Ethics:

• Assist in implementing donor rules & regulations for all procurements (including any specific departmental procurement task assigned), Identifying and analyzing compliance risk in procurement processes through: –
• Implementing due diligence for suppliers, this includes conducting reference checks, supplier visits etc.
• Provide consistent and constructive support to other departments to ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• identifying and reporting procurement red flags,
• Implementing internal and external audit corrective action plans (CAPs).

Reporting & Knowledge Management

• Compile monthly procurement reports.
• Maintain a complete audit trail for all procurement process documentation.
• Keep an up-to-date Supplier list with key supplier details; maintain Supplier Admin & Bid Logs.

Job Specification:

Education:

• A minimum of HND and B.Sc. in Business Administration, Public Administration, or any relevant field.
• Must possess a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Procurement/Supply Chain management
• Competency in Microsoft suites (MS word, excel, PPT, outlook)
• Must have cognate skills in computer appreciation.
• MUST possess a high level of integrity and with good interpersonal skills
• Ready to work in difficult environmental conditions

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Attention to details and communication abilities.

• Standards of Professional Conduct:  The RIA Initiative and its workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the i-CHAIR values – Code of Conduct.  These are Integrity, Compassion, Humanity Accountability, Impact and Respect.  In accordance with these values, the RIA Initiative operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Gender-equality, Whistleblowing, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.
• Gender Equality: RIA Initiative is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
• RIA Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• RIA Initiative considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.