Afghanistan: Procurement Director

* THE APPLICATION DEADLINE is **December 7, 2015 ***

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, Asia plays a crucial global role. Would you be excited at the prospect of employing your knowledge and skills to improve lives, expand opportunities, and help societies flourish across this dynamic region?

You could have this opportunity at The Asia Foundation. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, we address critical issues affecting Asia in the 21st century: governance and law, economic development, women’s empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation. We work with innovative leaders and communities to build effective institutions and advance path-breaking reforms. Together with our partners, we are committed to Asia’s continued development as a peaceful, just, and thriving region of the world.

The Asia Foundation’s Afghanistan Office in Kabul is seeking a Procurement Director. The Procurement Director is responsible for managing procurement operations in the Kabul, Afghanistan office. Responsibilities include acquisition of goods and services and the selection of vendors. He/she will lead a unit that promotes zero tolerance for any violation of procurement policy and procedure.

Reporting to the Deputy Country Representative, Operations, the Procurement Director provides overall strategic guidance on all procurement policies and procedures, in accordance with: the Foundation’s mission, policies, and procedures, Afghan laws and regulations, and donor requirements. He/she recommends, develops, institutes, and implements procurement systems, policies, and procedures and will recommend necessary actions for strengthened procurement. The Procurement Director will train and manage staff to ensure that the entire unit functions to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and that all procurement activities strictly adhere to the highest possible standard of transparency and accountability.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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  Bachelors in business administration, public administration, finance, or other relevant discipline

  
  


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  Seven to ten years of experience in procurement or related field at a management level

  
  


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  Five years of experience with an international organization

  
  


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  Familiarity with USAID and other donor procurement requirements

  
  


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  Strong leadership skills

  
  


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  Excellent communication skills – both oral and written

  
  


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  Superb negotiating skills

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced work environment

  
  


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  Knowledge of Dari or Pashto will be an asset

  
  


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  Ability to work with a multi-national staff

  
  

Duties and Responsibilities

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  Ensures the highest levels of integrity and professionalism

  
  


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  Ensures overall adherence to The Asia Foundation’s procurement policies and procedures

  
  


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  Ensures compliance with donor procurement regulations

  
  


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  Ensures compliance with all Afghan laws and regulations

  
  


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  Recruits, trains, and continuously evaluates procurement staff to ensure the highest levels of integrity and professionalism

  
  


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  Provides orientation for program/finance staff on procurement policies and procedures in order to promote effective compliance within the Foundation

  
  


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  Recommends to senior management necessary changes to policies and ensures implementation

  
  


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  Develops Requests for Quotations/Proposals, performs price and cost analysis, conducts negotiations, and issues purchase orders/contracts

  
  


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  Prepares monthly procurement reports

  
  


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  Provides leadership and expertise in market analysis, supplier management, and price negotiation

  
  


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  Maintains vendor files and establishes framework for quotation validity

  
  


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  Conducts regular canvasses / surveys of suppliers and maintains documentation supporting the decisions made concerning all vendors, service providers, and suppliers

  
  


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  Ensures proper documentation and recordkeeping for all procurement actions

  
  


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  Provides expert advice on all purchasing decisions

  
  


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  Engages, mediates, and resolves issues in a reasonable fashion, as needed between specific or implied program requirements vendors, service providers, and suppliers

  
  


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  Act as the key person within the TAF – Afghanistan office reducing waste and expenditures. Without compromising quality, constantly seek out ways to drive costs down while at the same time ensuring a high level of integrity, transparency, and accountability

  
  


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  Promote a zero tolerance policy for violations of procurement policy and procedure

  
  

Why work at The Asia Foundation in Afghanistan?

At a critical moment in Afghanistan’s history, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the country’s development and, more broadly, to the development, stability, and growth of the Asia region. You will help promote a more constructive engagement between government and citizens and advance learning and awareness about the country. You will work with and learn from dedicated, smart, and accomplished colleagues and local partners, and, in the process, improve your skills and expertise.