Procurement and Operations Specialist

Company profile
SoCha LLC (a portmanteau of Social and Change) is an independent company that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. Working across Asia and Africa, SoCha offers Monitoring, Evaluation, Analysis and Learning solutions to bi-lateral, multilateral, and philanthropic foundation donors. SoCha emphasizes the use of robust and rigorous analytical and data collection methodologies to inform decision making. We work actively with clients to ensure the social and economic consequences of policy making decisions are understood and appreciated in non-technical terms.

Background
SoCha, LLC is preparing a response to the Request for Task Order Proposals for the Monitoring, Reporting, and Capacity Strengthening Contract for the Sahel (MRCS). This award will mainly support USAID/Sahel Regional Office (SRO) in Niger and Burkina Faso, and provide limited assistance to Mauritania, Chad, and The Gambia.
This mechanism will advance USAID/SRO’s commitment to program effectiveness across all sectors, and to make informed strategic and management decisions. The MRCS will primarily work in Burkina Faso and Niger to carry out third party monitoring (TPM) in predominantly insecure areas and provide outputs and outcomes verification, conduct  evaluations/studies/ assessments, support stakeholders to have functioning M&E working groups at country level and capacity strengthening specifically in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of appropriate offices/structures of the Governments of Niger and Burkina Faso (GoN and GoBF), as well as sub-national state institutions, local civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and implementing partners.

SoCha seeks an experienced Procurement and Operations Specialist. 

*** This is a designated local hire position – Suitably skilled and qualified Burkina Faso Citizens and residents are encouraged to apply. *** 

Scope of Work

Logistics & Procurement

• Oversee all logistical and procurement activities on the project, support, and follow-up on procurements, and ensure compliance with relevant procedures related to travel, as well as aligning with SoCha and USAID policies and regulations. 
• Plan and support all logistics for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities, and other project activities. 
• Ensure effective operations by coordinating with drivers, venues, suppliers, activity-specific logisticians. 
• Mobilize personnel and consultants by arranging travel and accommodation. 
• Maintain and update the project’s calendar of activities. 
• Coordinate and ensure provision of procurement support for all project activities.
• Collaborate with technical and program teams and staff to draft contracts with vendors and service providers related to logistical. 
• Draft Requests for Quotations/Proposals, coordinate proposal reviews, and write selection memos in accordance with USAID and SoCha LLC policies. 
• Foster and manage all relationships with vendors and service providers and ensure compliance with the terms of their contracts or service agreements. 
• Oversee the drivers on the project and ensure all logbooks and requirements are maintained

 Operations

• Oversee all operations activities on the project, support, and follow-up on procurements, and ensure compliance with relevant procedures related to travel, as well as aligning with SoCha and USAID policies and regulations. 
• Coordinate and ensure provision of administrative support for all project activities.
• Oversee the administrative staff on the project, as well as the day-to-day running of the office.

 The tasks outlined above are indicative, but not exhaustive for the role and other tasks may be assigned by supervisors. 

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree. 
• 5+ years of experience serving in a related position, overseeing logistics and procurement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel. 
• Experience in conducting comparative cost analyses. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID procurement rules and regulations. 
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to organize, manage, prioritize, and follow through on multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. 
• Proven capacity to take initiative and willingness to learn new skills as needed. 
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. 
• Experience in negotiating vendor contracts (including price levels, terms of delivery, etc.)
• Proficient in both English and French (spoken and written). 

Location
SoCha office in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
How to apply
Suitably skilled and qualified applicants should upload their CV via https://jobs.socha.net/procurement-and-operations-specialist-burkina-faso-2022-03-15/. Applications close on March 15, 2022. Candidates will be reviewed on rolling basis and may be selected before the closing date.