Pathfinder Overview:
Pathfinder International is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health. We place reproductive health care at the center of all that we do—believing that it is not only a fundamental human right, but is critical for expanding life opportunities for women, families, communities, and nations.
In Uganda, our areas of intervention include Reproductive maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), Women led climate resilience (WLCR), Adolescent and youth economic empowerment, and communicable and non-communicable disease control.
Pathfinder’s bold vision is a future where everyone, even in the most challenging environments, has what they need to be healthy, thrive, and live to their full potential.
Pathfinder has received funding from the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO – Kampala, to implement the ‘Empowering Women for Better Reproductive Health Outcomes Programme’ (EMPOWER) from February 2025 to January 2030. EMPOWER will be implemented in 80 districts in Uganda, to strengthen public sector health systems capacity to deliver maternal health services, mentor health workers on family planning and maternal, child health, and generate demand, while tackling myths and misinformation about family planning, and harmful traditional practices and gender norms that deny women agency over their own bodies.
The interventions are aimed to contribute to a reduction in preventable deaths of mothers, babies, and children, and women and girls’ empowerment through choices about whether and when to have children.
Job Purpose
The Procurement Officer is responsible for managing procurement processes to ensure effective, transparent and accountable support to Pathfinder International in Uganda. The incumbent will be responsible for vendor and contract management to ease the operational buying process and for supplier's onboarding and supplier relationship. S/he will monitor market trends, carry out due diligence checks, negotiations and report savings to the project. Provide technical advice and guidance to program/support teams on procurement of goods and services and on best procurement practices. Anticipate procurement bottlenecks and resolve them ahead of time.
Key Performance Areas
Major Activities / Responsibilities
Procurement
· Execute procurement activities in line with Pathfinder International's approved guidelines and procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency.
· Maintain and update the supplier database regularly to ensure a reliable source of information for current and potential suppliers.
· Maintain and share a weekly procurement tracker that details the status of requested items and their expected delivery dates.
· Organize the collection of the required number of quotations for all relevant procurement activities to ensure competitive pricing and compliance.
· Ensure timely payment to suppliers according to contract terms and provide proof of payment. Compile payment files and coordinate with the Finance and Administration Manager for checks before final submission to budget holders and finance for processing.
· Manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring goods and services are delivered on time and meet required standards. Follow up with suppliers as necessary and liaise with finance to resolve any payment-related issues.
· Maintain a well-organized filing system for all procurement documents to facilitate easy reference and audit purposes.
· Adhere to all Pathfinder International policies, including child protection, code of conduct, fraud prevention, health and safety, and equal opportunities.
· Serve as secretary to the local procurement committee
Contracting
· Provide advice on contract allocation to budget holders.
· Organize procurement committee meetings, document decisions, and draft purchase orders (POs) based on committee proceedings for managerial review and approval.
· Ensure all supplier contracts clearly outline payment terms, timelines, and conditions. Manage contracts from initiation to completion, ensuring compliance with Pathfinder International policies.
· Carry out any other procurement-related duties as assigned by the line manager, in line with job responsibilities and development plans
Minimum Education and Work Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Accounting or related field.
• Professional certification in Procurement or Logistics (e,g CIPS, CILT) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years proven experience in procurement, logistics, supply chain management, or related roles in INGOs.
• Familiarity with FCDO regulations and compliance requirements is a plus
Minimally Required Job-Specific Competencies:
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for supplier and stakeholder engagement.
• Working under Pressure: Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail and accuracy in managing contracts and financial transactions.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Problem Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Minimally Required Organizational Competencies:
• Software Applications: Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Organization culture: Proven experience of working in matrix organizations.
• Self-Leadership: Must be organized, dependable, results oriented and able to work independently and achieve results, with very minimal supervision
Safeguarding and Protection
Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with for us and expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting and checks. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Pathfinder International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Closes 28th February 2025