Procurement Officer III

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Procurement Officer III to deliver efficient, compliant, and value-driven procurement of goods and services while supporting strategic sourcing, supplier management, and digital procurement processes in line with ILRI policies, donor requirements, and best practices.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

A. Procurement Operations & Planning

• Execute end-to-end procurement processes (requisition to contract award) in line with approved procurement plans and budgets
• Support development and monitoring of annual procurement plans and category sourcing strategies
• Ensure compliance with procurement authorization matrix and segregation of duties (SoD)

B. Sourcing & Tender Management

• Coordinate prequalification, tendering, and evaluation processes for goods, services, and works
• Prepare solicitation documents (RFQs, RFPs, ITBs) and manage e-sourcing platforms
• Provide market intelligence, benchmarking, and cost analysis to inform sourcing decisions

C. Contract & Supplier Management

• Draft and manage contracts, SLAs, and framework agreements in collaboration with Legal
• Ensure proper contract documentation, annexation, and lifecycle tracking
• Support supplier onboarding, due diligence, and periodic performance evaluation
• Monitor supplier compliance with contractual and ethical standards

D. Digital Procurement & Data Management

• Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/OCS and other digital systems
• Contribute to development and use of dashboards and tracking tools (procurement KPIs, cycle times, savings, compliance)
• Ensure complete and audit-ready procurement records

E. Compliance, Risk & Audit Support

• Ensure adherence to ILRI procurement policies, donor regulations, and audit requirements
• Identify procurement risks (sole sourcing, poor specifications, contract gaps) and escalate as necessary
• Support audit processes by providing timely and accurate documentation

F. Logistics & Order Fulfilment

• Track orders, deliveries, and logistics arrangements in coordination with Stores/Logistics
• Ensure timely delivery and conformity to specifications

G. Stakeholder Engagement & Service Delivery

• Act as a procurement focal point for assigned departments/projects
• Provide guidance on procurement processes, timelines, and compliance requirements
• Support internal customer satisfaction and service improvement initiatives

H. Continuous Improvement & Other Duties

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, policy updates, and digital transformation
• Perform any other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• At least 7 years working experience in a busy procurement environment, experience from a research organization would be an added advantage.
• Relevant professional certification; Membership with recognized professional bodies like CIPS and KISM.
• Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply (equivalent recognized certification) is Preferred
• Strong knowledge of procurement methods, sourcing strategies, and contract management
• High level of understanding of compliance, audit requirements, and donor-funded procurement
• Experience with ERP systems and e-procurement tools
• Analytical skills for cost analysis, supplier evaluation, and reporting
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• High integrity, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure
• Data-driven mindset with ability to use dashboards and reporting tools

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG15 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 24 November 2026. The position title and reference number REF: C/2373/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

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