Procurement Officer

Job description

Bangweulu Wetlands Management Board

PO Box 450098, Mpika, Zambia

Tel. +260 954141267

bangweulu@africanparks.org

www.africanparks.org

Job Title: Procurement Officer
Location: Lusaka, Zambia (Country Office)
Reporting To: Finance Managers – Bangweulu Wetlands

Job Purpose

The Procurement Officer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all procurement activities across African Parks’ operations in Bangweulu Wetlands. Based at the Lusaka Country Office, the officer will ensure procurement processes are transparent, cost-effective, and in compliance with African Parks’ procurement policies, donor requirements, and Zambian procurement regulations. The role supports efficient sourcing of goods and services to facilitate conservation efforts in the three parks.

Key Responsibilities

1. Procurement Strategy and Planning

Develop and implement annual procurement plans in coordination with project teams from the three parks.
Standardize procurement procedures across the sites to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Forecast procurement needs, identify procurement risks, and advise on strategic sourcing opportunities.

2. Sourcing and Vendor Management

Identify, prequalify, and maintain a database of reputable suppliers and service providers.
Solicit competitive quotations, evaluate bids, and negotiate contracts to ensure value for money.
Monitor supplier performance and build strong vendor relationships to support conservation activities.

3. Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure all procurement processes align with African Parks’ policies, donor requirements, and applicable Zambian laws.
Maintain complete and auditable procurement documentation for all purchases.
Support audits by providing procurement records and addressing queries from internal or external reviewers.

4. Coordination and Stakeholder Support

Work closely with the Finance Managers and operational teams in Bangweulu Wetlands
Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of goods to often remote park locations.
Liaise with customs agents and government agencies for clearance and regulatory approvals when needed.

5. Reporting and Record Management

Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement trackers and contract registers.
Generate regular procurement reports for internal and donor use, including purchase analysis and supplier performance summaries.
Track and report on procurement KPIs and ensure continuous process improvement.

6. Capacity Building and Continuous Improvement

Provide procurement training and support to park-based staff to build internal procurement capacity.
Recommend process improvements and automation opportunities for procurement systems and tools.
Promote ethical sourcing and sustainability in procurement activities.

Key Competencies

Strong knowledge of procurement principles, Zambian procurement laws, and donor procurement guidelines
Proven experience managing multi-location procurement functions
Excellent negotiation, analytical, and contract management skills
Ability to work under pressure and coordinate across diverse operational settings
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including with rural field-based teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement tracking systems (ERP experience is an advantage)