Procurement Officer

Company Overview

Our client is the principal statutory authority overseeing Liberia's hydrocarbon industry, tasked with managing the country's oil and gas resources to support sustainable economic growth. As the commercial representative of petroleum activities nationally, they lead exploration, production efforts, implement energy policies, and ensure adherence to both international best practices and local laws.

Role Summary

The Procurement Officer position is a leadership role within the procurement department, responsible for managing the complete procurement cycle for a portfolio involving complex and high-value purchases. The role demands strategic thinking, strong technical procurement expertise, and effective people management skills to lead a team comprising two procurement assistants. Ensuring procurement processes comply strictly with organizational policies, Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) regulations and ethical standards is paramount. The role also emphasizes stakeholder collaboration and continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the tendering process for complex, high-value procurements including RFQs, ITBs, and RFPs.
• Develop and implement strategies for category management focused on major spending areas.
• Organize and lead pre-bid conferences, coordinate thorough technical and financial evaluations, and conduct supplier due diligence.
• Prepare and present detailed procurement documentation such as evaluation reports and award recommendations to senior management and procurement committees.
• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, cost efficiency, and mitigate risks.
• Supervise and approve procurement actions undertaken by assistants to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage escalated, atypical procurement requests exceeding standard procedures.
• Ensure procurement operations effectively support departmental needs with timely delivery.
• Maintain updated market and supplier intelligence relating to key commodities and services.
• Oversee and mentor procurement assistants, conduct performance evaluations, and identify training requirements for team development.
• Serve as the procurement policy subject matter expert, ensuring full compliance and thorough audit documentation.
• Detect, address, and mitigate procurement-related risks including fraud and conflicts of interest.
• Recommend and implement enhancements to procurement policies and systems to optimize efficiency and controls.
• Engage internal stakeholders providing expert procurement guidance and support.
• Build, nurture, and manage strategic supplier relationships and resolve disputes.
• Maintain vendor pre-qualification lists and supplier rosters.
• Promote procurement best practices and train non-procurement staff on relevant procedures.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Law, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be acceptable.
• Professional procurement certification such as CIPS or CPSM is highly advantageous.
• At least five years’ progressive experience in procurement, contract or supply chain management, with a minimum of two years at the international level.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-value international tenders through to contract awards.
• Direct experience in supervising and developing procurement staff.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems like SAP or Oracle.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

Additional Information

• Professionalism with strong knowledge of procurement concepts and ethics, demonstrating integrity and impartiality.
• Leadership ability to inspire, guide, and effectively assess a small team’s performance.
• Strong client orientation ensuring effective partnership and alignment with client needs.
• Excellent planning, organizing, and prioritization skills to set and manage goals.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, including concise reporting and negotiation abilities.
• Sound judgment and decision-making based on data analysis and evidence interpretation.

Application Notes: Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, cover letter explaining motivation and relevant experience, contact details for three professional references, and copies of academic and professional certifications.

This position offers competitive remuneration negotiable based on qualifications and experience. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Contact numbers and an email address are available for inquiries.