Procurement Officer

Job description

Pestalozzi International is a family of nonprofit organizations that offers child-cantered education to disadvantaged children in the Global South, supporting economic growth and social mobility. Recognizing the uniqueness of every child’s fullest potential, we educate beyond the classroom to develop future-oriented vocational skills and nurture emotional, social and mental well-being. Our approach provides for a future generation of compassionate global citizens equipped with the ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ to define their lives according to their potential, not their backgrounds. We see a tomorrow where every child’s innate talent, empathy, and rich diversity of lived experience are nurtured. Where education instils the power to make informed decisions, fuels the fire of ambition, and inspires everyone to shape a brighter tomorrow for all humanity. Our vision is a world where every child has the knowledge, skills, and ambition to develop their nations and to create a better world for us all. We are looking for a Procurement Officer to oversee the following functions under the supervision of the Finance Manager.

Job Title:   Procurement Officer 

Reporting to:   Finance Manager 

Location:   Pestalozzi World, Zambia

Job Purpose 

The Procurement Officer will oversee and optimize Pestalozzi World’s procurement processes to ensure cost-effective, timely, and high-quality supply of goods and services. This role will establish procurement procedures, manage vendor relationships, and work closely with internal teams to align purchasing decisions with operational needs and organizational values.

Key Responsibilities

1.      Procurement Strategy and Process Development

Collaborate with the Finance Manager to develop and implement Pestalozzi World’s procurement policies, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Establish procurement processes and guidelines to streamline purchasing activities, supporting internal teams with effective resource planning.

2.      Vendor Sourcing and Relationship Management

Identify, evaluate, and maintain a reliable and diverse pool of suppliers and service providers.
Conduct negotiations and secure favourable terms and pricing with suppliers while upholding the organization’s standards for quality and ethics.
Manage and strengthen vendor relationships to ensure dependable supply chains and foster long-term partnerships.

3.      Purchasing and Inventory Management

Process purchase requests and coordinate timely procurement of goods and services to meet project and operational needs.
Oversee inventory management, tracking incoming supplies, and managing stock levels to avoid overstocking or shortages.
Work closely with the Finance team to ensure purchases align with budget constraints and financial policies.

4.      Cost Control and Quality Assurance

Conduct market research and cost analysis to maintain a balance between quality and affordability in all purchases.
Ensure that all goods and services meet Pestalozzi World’s quality standards and are delivered on time.

5. Compliance and Documentation

Ensure adherence to Pestalozzi World’s procurement policies, and support compliance with relevant Zambian laws and regulations.
Maintain organized records of all procurement activities, including contracts, supplier information, purchase orders, and other documentation for auditing and reporting purposes.

5.      Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Prepare and present regular procurement reports, detailing cost savings, vendor performance, and inventory levels for management review.
Identify opportunities to improve procurement practices, reduce costs, and increase efficiency through process enhancements.

Qualifications, Requirements and Skills

Educational Background : Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years in procurement, supply chain management, or a related role, with experience in the non-profit sector being an advantage.

Skills

Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
Proficiency in procurement and inventory management software.
Knowledge of Zambian procurement regulations and best practices.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Requirement

Membership with Zambia Institute of purchasing and supply.

Attributes

High level of integrity and commitment to Pestalozzi World’s values of accountability and transparency.
Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with vendors and colleagues.

If you meet the qualifications and requirements, please send your CV and cover letter joint as one with subject heading Job Application-Procurement Officer to pestalozzizambia@pestalozzi.international, do not send qualifications at this stage.

Deadline for receiving applications is 12th September, 2025.