Procurement Assistant - FARA

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex continental organization responsible for coordinating and advocating for Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D). FARA serves as the technical arm of the African Union Commission on matters relating to agriculture, science, technology, and innovation. Established in 1997 by the Sub-Regional Organizations, including CORAF/WECARD, ASARECA, and SADC-FANR, FARA was created to strengthen Africa’s fragmented agricultural research systems and promote a unified approach to agricultural development across the continent.

Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, FARA serves as the entry point for agricultural research initiatives in Africa with continental or multi-regional reach. The organization provides a platform for stakeholders in AR4D to shape the sector’s vision and agenda and mobilize responses to key continental development frameworks, particularly the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

Job Responsibilities

To support the smooth functioning of its operations, FARA seeks to engage a Procurement Assistant to provide procurement and administrative support to the organization under the supervision of the Human Resource and Administration Head. The Procurement Assistant will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in the recruitment process for consultants and experts, including preparation, design, and distribution of advertisements.
• Prepare solicitation documents such as Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid evaluation summaries, and purchase orders in line with FARA’s procurement procedures and donors’ policies.
• Support the sourcing, due diligence, evaluation of suppliers/vendors and the preparation of contracts in accordance with the applicable procurement guidelines.
• Participate in and provide administrative support during contract negotiation meetings.
• Maintain, update, and systematically archive procurement files, supplier databases, and related records to ensure accuracy and easy retrieval.
• Regularly update the online procurement system and vendor database with contact details, categorization, and performance history.
• Monitor task allocation within the procurement function and follow up on pending actions.
• Support contract management activities, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Support arrangements for meetings, workshops and official events at FARA premises.
• Provide general clerical and administrative support, including filing, correspondence, photocopying, scanning, and record-keeping.
• Carry out other administrative tasks as may be assigned.

Required Skills or Experience

The successful individual is required to meet the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree in procurement, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is required.
• Professional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management such as CIPS will be an added advantage.
• Candidates must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in procurement or a related field.
• The candidate must have a good working knowledge of donor procurement policies and procedures (e.g. World Bank, AfDB, EU etc..), as well as the ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks within set timelines.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and address complex issues positively.
• The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence and professionalism, sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, nationality, and age differences, as well as high standards of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines is essential.
• Proficiency in at least one foreign language will be an added advantage.

Compensation

FARA offers competitive terms of employment. FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.

Duration

One (1) year, subject to performance and organisational needs (3 months probationary period inclusive)

Location

The successful candidate shall be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra

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