Procurement Specialist

Heifer International is looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to join their operations team in Kenya. This is an exciting opportunity for a mid-level professional passionate about procurement, administration, and contributing to sustainable development initiatives.

• Position: Procurement Specialist
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Experience Level: Mid-Level (3–5 years)
• Salary Range: Competitive, based on experience

About Heifer International

Founded in 1944, Heifer International is a globally recognized nonprofit organization committed to ending hunger and poverty while supporting environmental sustainability. With operations in multiple countries, Heifer partners with smallholder farmers and communities—especially women and youth—to create sustainable food and income sources through agricultural and livestock development.

Heifer International is actively working towards closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million smallholder households by 2030. This mission is being driven through the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach, which empowers local communities to take charge of their development in a self-sufficient and environmentally conscious manner.

In Kenya, Heifer aims to reach over 625,000 farmers as part of Heifer Africa’s broader goal of supporting 6.745 million families. The organization fosters a culture of accountability, professionalism, innovation, and inclusivity—making it a leading place to build a meaningful career in the nonprofit and development sector.

Job Description

The Procurement Specialist plays a central role in ensuring seamless operational support for Heifer International’s activities in Kenya. Reporting to the Operations Department, the incumbent will be responsible for both procurement and administrative tasks. This hybrid function involves managing vendor relationships, coordinating logistics, handling procurement documentation, and ensuring compliance with both internal policies and donor requirements.

This role is pivotal for maintaining the efficiency of Heifer Kenya’s internal systems, overseeing office operations, and driving best practices in resource management. It requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Administration (45%)

• Manage daily office operations and ensure high productivity and service levels.
• Coordinate travel logistics including booking flights, accommodations, and ground transport through approved vendors.
• Administer fleet operations: schedule regular maintenance, manage insurance, and rental services.
• Maintain secure and confidential document storage and file management systems.
• Oversee the allocation and distribution of office equipment and tools.
• Maintain up-to-date vendor documentation and transaction records.
• Plan and facilitate internal meetings, workshops, and event logistics.
• Prepare and track budgetary and administrative expense reports.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management and Occupational Health & Safety standards.
• Assist in the execution of special internal projects as assigned.
• Maintain records related to asset tagging, registration, inventory checks, and disposal processes.

Procurement (55%)

• Develop and implement annual procurement plans aligned with program and operational needs.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, analyze quotations, and ensure value-for-money sourcing decisions.
• Draft technical specifications and performance benchmarks for procurement processes.
• Coordinate and document procurement activities including RFPs, RFQs, bids, and contracts.
• Ensure organizational and donor compliance in all procurement-related transactions.
• Troubleshoot procurement issues and liaise with vendors to resolve service delays or product issues.
• Advise internal teams on procurement risks and recommend appropriate mitigations.
• Maintain procurement files, supplier databases, and purchasing records for audit readiness.
• Source and onboard new vendors to maintain a competitive supplier ecosystem.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate reordering of essential office and project supplies.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform any other tasks related to procurement and administration as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant work experience in procurement, logistics, or administrative support roles.
• Professional certification in procurement such as CIPS or an equivalent qualification is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in the NGO or development sector.
• Familiarity with donor procurement guidelines (e.g., USAID, EU, or UN agencies).
• Experience with ERP or procurement software systems.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Benefits and Compensation

Heifer International offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Generous leave policy including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays
• Retirement plan contributions
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture

How to Apply

If you are a driven professional with a passion for community development and operational excellence, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application through Heifer International’s official career portal.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

For more job opportunities at Heifer International and to explore other careers in nonprofit and development in Kenya, visit the official Heifer International careers page.