BACKGROUND
The USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) activity is designed to bolster the U.S. Government’s ability to boost trade and investment to, from, and within the African continent. The continent-wide activity is USAID’s flagship effort in support of the Prosper Africa initiative and will expand and accelerate two-way trade and investment between African nations and the United States. ATI is the primary contracting mechanism for Prosper Africa.
Prosper Africa is a U.S. Presidential level, national security initiative aimed at strengthening the economic and strategic partnership between the US and Africa. By increasing two-way trade and investment to transformative levels, Prosper Africa aims to secure strategic sectors, diversify global supply chains, and counter the influence of malign players and practices. Examples of its intended impact include measurable increases in and improvements to jobs, income and livelihoods; access to finance and enabled financing ecosystems; physical, health services and digital infrastructure; climate positive technology and solutions; diversified supply chains; and the policies and agreements that ensure trade and investment enabled environments.
Prosper Africa was announced by the NSC in 2018 as a whole of government initiative, linking 17 US federal agencies under the mandate to advance the Biden Administration’s strategy for Africa. The Prosper Africa Executive Secretariat (PAES) is charged with coordinating the tools and resources of the interagency as well as with programming and leveraging appropriated funds and other resources.
Prosper Africa’s strategy, which underscores the need for data-driven interventions in priority sectors and geographies, is based on the following pillars:
- Advancing deals by driving investment transactions and trade opportunities,
- Unlocking opportunities by transforming the landscape for increased trade and investment flows, and
- Expanding engagement by directing attention to market opportunities and advancing U.S. soft power diplomacy across Africa.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Procurement Officer will support the Operations Department and contribute to the day-to-day procurement of ATI goods and services, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations and best practices. With guidance from the Senior Partner Manager the Procurement Officer will work closely with operations Teams and support procurement processes to award work to vendors and assist the operations department in fulfilling the needs of the ATI Activity.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Contracts and Procurement
- The Procurement Officer should maintain the integrity of the procurement process, including accurate procurement documentation.
- Ensure the assigned field‐initiated procurement processes comply with DAI, FAR, and AIDAR regulations for goods and services.
- Determine the most reasonable, fair, and expeditious procurement alternatives for each activity and participate in activity work planning, and proactively conduct market research in support of anticipated operations and technical needs.
- Act as a non-voting member of the procurement selection committee and ensures that the committee works collaboratively to evaluate proposals and documenting the vendor selection process.
- Conduct vendor negotiations, negotiate purchase order terms, and write negotiation memoranda or source selection memo.
- Initiate and maintain partnerships with external vendors by negotiating purchase order contracts and subcontracts with appropriate sources of equipment, supplies, services, and travel.
- Ensure that all procured goods are delivered on time and inspect and accept goods and verify services offered.
- Prepare and issue solicitations and amendments, service level agreements, blanket purchase agreements, purchase orders, modifications, and requests for operations subcontractor consent, as necessary.
- Maintain and track all local procurement and operations subcontractor data in TAMIS and ensure close‐out documentation is accurate and completed in a timely manner.
- Monitor, track and expedite the ATI’s procurement activities assigned and the delivery status of goods/services.
- Coordinate and expedite purchases either locally or internationally, collaborating with the Home Office if necessary.
- Train local staff in aspects of the procurement process, including evaluation committees.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Senior Partner Manager or Chief Financial Officer.
Compliance
- Ensure procurements are managed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI procurement policies. Maintain procurement records in ATI and DAI Home Office systems, ensuring quality of procurement and contracts records in compliance with USAID and DAI regulations.
- Support internal audits including but not limited to finding requested documents and correcting files as necessary.
- Support the maintenance of the ATI CRM system that assigns points of contact, technical expertise, geographic presence, contact information, and other information necessary to streamline network expansion efforts.
- Support the development and usage of ATI’s data gathering and analytics, specifically as it relates to procurement and partner network related data.
REPORTING
The Procurement Officer will report to the Senior Partner Manager or designee.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a field relevant to the position.
- 6+ years of progressively responsible procurement and logistics coordination experience.
- Service oriented.
- Knowledge of USAID procurement and logistics regulations.
Desired:
- Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g. procurement, local purchase order agreements, etc.)
- Familiarity with computer-oriented procurement systems.
- A well-organized organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
- Ability to work in a fast-moving, fluid team setting with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills including writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.
ABOUT DAI
DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.
DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.
DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.
How to apply
APPLICATION LINK: https://fs25.formsite.com/DupOTo/tchnxxmif2/index
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Fill out the required information, and upload CV. Please indicate what location you are applying for. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews will be conducted soon. Please note, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the urgency to fill-up positions, only shortlisted applicants will receive notification on next steps.
Interested candidates should submit their application no later than June 30, 2024.
