Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Description:

Creative Associates International Cameroon Limited (Creative Associates) is implementing USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives program in Cameroon: Programme d’Appui à l’Initiative Communautaire (PAIC).  The two-year program is working to strengthen inter-community relations through local initiatives.  All positions, including positions based in Yaoundé, are full time and require a willingness to travel throughout northern Cameroon.

Position Summary:

The Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing the acquisition of goods and services for program activities implemented through grants under contract, including directly managing and overseeing all aspects of the procurement process and the procurement team including solicitation of quotations, evaluation of tenders and bids, pre-qualification of suppliers. S/he ensures all procurements comply with Creative’s policies and procedures and USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) and Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), the US government’s Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the regulations which apply to PAIC activities and awards.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Procurement Manager reports to the Operations Manager and supervises Maroua-based Procurement Officers.

Expected Outcomes:

• Expert-level contributions to the team;
• Regulatory and fiscal oversight of procurements and other assigned projects;
• Technical leadership and management of the project;
• Dynamic representation of Creative before clients and critical audiences;
• Mentorship and nurturing of staff in the Maroua office.

Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

General

• Manage and oversee procurement processes. Supervise Procurement Officers and Procurement Staff to ensure they are establishing hard copy and electronic files for ongoing procurements for tracking purposes and sending completed procurement files to Yaoundé monthly.
• Participate in regular PAIC team meetings to report on the progress of activity implementation and any issues related to procurement of goods and services.
• Contribute to the development of and ensure compliance with all approved PAIC procedures and manuals (e.g., Activity Manual; Activity Cycle Flowchart; Field Procurement Guide).
• Develop and refine procurement guidelines to maximize competition and transparency in procurement process while ensuring best price for goods, services and works required within tight deadlines. Ensure procurement files comply with Creative’s policies and procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring confidentiality throughout procurement and vendor selection process.
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring processes for procurement staff as required.
• Train and mentor staff according to their needs.
• Implement Creative’s performance monitoring system for all procurement staff and establish standards and expectations of performance.
• Provide weekly reports to Operations Manager (OM). Additional assignments, as instructed by the Operations Manager and/or Chief of Party.

Procurement

• Establish, lead, and implement procurement processes and logistics to support activity implementation for the project, strictly following all rules and regulations including:
  • ADS (Automated Directive System)
  • FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations)
  • CFR (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations)
  • AAPD (Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directive)
  • Local Cameroonian Law
• Determine the most reasonable and expeditious process for procurement in compliance with Creative policies and procedures and USAID regulations.
• Provide policy guidance on procurement for all staff, grantees, local partners, and beneficiaries.
• Support Procurement Officers and other staff through training and mentoring to ensure compliance in drafting all required procurement documentation, as appropriate.

Logistics

• Ensure the smooth running of necessary logistics for activity implementation by working with and supporting the Activity Management Teams.
• Provide the Operations Manager (OM) and other leadership support to manage logistics.

Sub-contracts

• Responsible for the drafting, negotiating and management of Short-term Technical Assistance Consultancy Agreements, Fixed Price Service Agreements, and subcontracts.
• Review all payment requests for ongoing subcontracts and make sure that all the required forms are appropriately and consistently filled out and requested before being submitted to finance.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Four-year university degree in procurement, supply chain management, industrial engineering, business administration, finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) years general work history is required. Minimum of four (4) years professional experience in procurement and logistics management for a USAID- or other international donor-funded program(s) or project(s) required.
• Minimum three (3) years of direct and indirect supervisory experience, managing teams in complex and challenging field operational contexts.

• Understanding of budget and cost control management essential; Strong knowledge of donor procurement rules and regulations required. Experience with a USAID program with a large and high volume small grants component preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to solve challenging and complicated logistical issues. Excellent record keeping and documentation skills are required.
• Understanding of USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS), Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), and the US government’s Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the regulations which apply to PAIC activities and awards required.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Far North of Cameroon.
• Strong ability to use and develop management and tracking systems.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills required. Problem solving, stress management and time management skills are required.
• Proficient at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.  Prior experience using MS Access and web-based database applications preferred.
• Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.
• Written and spoken fluency in French and high proficiency in English desired.
• The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds.