Procurement Specialist

Background:

Land O'Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to helping communities around the world thrive through agriculture. Affiliated with Land O'Lakes, Inc., Venture37 has more than 40 years of experience implementing agricultural development projects in more than 80 countries around the world. Venture37 strengthens economies by improving local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. It delivers integrated solutions that help build and improve food and agriculture systems through more competitive markets, more resilient systems, healthier and more nutrition-secure communities, and more inclusive societies.

Project Description:

Empowering Local Systems in Agriculture (ELSA) is a 5-year project funded by USAID under Farmer-to-Farmer Leader Award. ELSA aims to establish sustainable local systems that provide affordable and consistently available agricultural inputs and create inclusive market channels in the agricultural sector. To achieve this, ELSA will build implementing partners’ capacity and provide direct technical assistance (TA) to input suppliers to improve input distribution and agribusinesses' market access. Venture37 will supplement this TA with co-investment grants for selected agribusinesses to reduce the risk of their investments.

Position Summary:

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for implementing procurement and administrative activities such as coordinating procurement, performing reception duties, providing general administrative support as well as facilitating visitor logistics including arranging ground travel and lodging for Venture37 projects in Lebanon. This position will also support the grants management and finance and accounting team with procurement and administrative support. This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.

Primary Responsibilities:

The main duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Implement the Venture37 procurement policy, procedures and practice as detailed in the Operating Manual and in compliance with donor regulations.
• Conduct procurement of goods and services and support ELSA’s in-kind grant component by managing the procurement process from solicitation to delivery of goods. In collaboration with the Finance Department and Grants and Compliance Specialist, ensure quality and quantity are in compliance with technical specifications.
• Coordinate with the Grants and Compliance Specialist on budget analysis for in-kind grants, ensuring alignment with procurement policies and financial guidelines.
• Coordinate with program teams to understand specific project needs and provide procurement solutions that align with project goals.
• Regularly report on procurement activities, cost savings, and potential risks to leadership for informed decision making.
• Provide training and support to staff on procurement policies and best practices to maintain consistency across the organization.
• Facilitate and track international and local procurement related shipping and imports.
• Arrange in-country lodging and transportation for all visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Maintain project documentation, provide general office logistical support, including coordinating driver and vehicle schedules. Assist in preparation of vouchers.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Local candidates with the minimum qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Associate degree in business or another related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in technical procurement and/or administrative field support.
• Familiarity with USAID and U.S. Government regulations and rules.
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor tasks.
• Proven attention to detail throughout work history, including managing and organizing electronic and hard copy files that are subject to review or audit.
• Good time management and willingness to work occasional long hours and travel to the field as required.
• Ability to work in a team as a good communicator.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Fluent in spoken and written English and Arabic.