The Ciheb Initiative is a local nonprofit established by Board of Directors to carry out programs to strengthen health systems and improve the human condition in Malawi. Ciheb Initiative activities are funded generally by U.S. government entities through cooperative agreements. The Ciheb Initiative has received PEPFAR funding from the US government /CDC for Accelerating Malawi’s PEPFAR Laboratory Logistics and Infrastructure for Quality (AMPLIFY 2.0). This cooperative agreement aims to achieve and maintain HIV epidemic control. AMPLIFY 2.0 will strengthen the laboratory efficiency, capacity, and quality through improving laboratory infrastructure, improving laboratory data utilization for decision making, training human resources, and adhering to quality management systems.

Applications are therefore welcome for the following vacant position to Malawian Nationals on fixed term basis.

 1 x Procurement Officer (Lilongwe)

Position Description

The Procurement Officer performs activities involving all aspects of procurement transactions, from initiation to award recommendation. The Procurement Officer will be knowledgeable of all procurement rules and restrictions as applied by local and US Government federal entities. She/he has responsibility for the quantification, vendor engagement, procurement processes, contract execution and procurement of all goods and services required. The Procurement Officer will ensure an uninterrupted supply of health and non-health commodities to fulfill the objectives of the Malawi program. The chosen candidate must be able to communicate effectively with program/technical teams and orient others on procurement policy.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Compile annual procurement plans in coordination with Project Leads
2. Preparing solicitation/tender documents and evaluation of bids in accordance with Ciheb and Donor requirements
3. Evaluate bids/proposals for contract awards and debrief unsuccessful vendors.
4. Update weekly Procurement Tracker and budget monitoring tool
5. Serve as a liaison between Ciheb and vendor community, supplying end users with information on sources, discounts, pricing and delivery provisions.
6. Conduct market research to determine if sole sources are justified and to develop new sources for supplies and services.
7. Communicate on and settles any differences on critical points and specific contractual provisions.
8. Track service contract execution and expiration to ensure that ongoing contracts do not lapse and are renewed in a timely manner.
9. Follow up with vendors on open purchase orders to ensure deliveries are timely done with invoices paid for.
10. Periodic vendor account reconciliations to ensure payments are made for all delivered goods and services.
11. Ensure that all the relevant documentation is kept in soft copy and assisting in external and internal verification of these documents.

 Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in business administration, Purchasing/Procurement, Economics, Finance or a related field is required.
• Those with CIPS Graduate Diploma will have an added advantage.
• Must be an active member of Malawi Institute of Procurement & Supply (MIPS).
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the field of procurement
• Prior experience with a U.S. Government-funded organization is required; prior experience in the health sector is preferred
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving approach are required
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience engaging with local and international vendors on procurement of goods and services required
• Fluency in English and effective communication skills are required
• Proficiency in MS suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe

Mode of Application

Suitable candidates should apply by sending a resume, motivational letter, copies of certificates and contact details of at least 3 current / former employers to the following email address: Recruitment_Malawi@cihebinitiative.org.

The closing date for receiving applications for the positions is 30^th November 2024.

Ciheb Initiative in Malawi is an Equal Opportunities Employer