20-030 | Procurement Specialist

Role: Procurement Specialist

Level of effort: Fulltime, 40 hours

Salary: 49,000 – 66,000 EUR annual—gross base salary

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

Reports to: Regional Director for Africa

Duty Station: Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), Nairobi, Kenya

WHO WE ARE

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization working as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local level, in partnership with the public and private sectors. GCA works across key areas including food security, water, infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and finance, promoting scalable and innovative approaches to climate adaptation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Overview

To support the delivery of its expanding portfolio in Africa and globally, GCA is strengthening its operational capacity in procurement and contracting. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Procurement Specialist to join our team in Nairobi, Kenya. The Procurement Specialist is a key member of the global procurement team, which comprises two procurement officers based in the Netherlands, a procurement officer together with the Procurement Specialist based in Kenya, under the technical leadership of the Global Lead for Finance and Administration."

We encourage applications from professionals with a strong background in procurement, a passion for sustainability and digital transformation, and a commitment to operational excellence and transparency.

Areas of responsibility

The Procurement Specialist plays a key role in ensuring the effective, timely, and compliant procurement and contracting services across GCA’s operations. The role includes strategic oversight and operational execution across procurement categories and contracting modalities. The position’s main responsibilities include:

       i.          Ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and timely procurement and contracting services across all GCA activities at global and regional levels.

      ii.          Providing oversight across key procurement categories including goods, services, consultancy, logistics, financing arrangements, and strategic partnerships.

    iii.          Driving improvements in procurement systems, tools, and supplier management practices.

    iv.          Supporting the design and implementation of procurement policies, templates, and internal controls in alignment with international best practices and GCA standards.

Key tasks

1.     Strategic Procurement and Contracting

1.1.  Lead and manage complex, high-value, or strategic procurement and contracting processes.

1.2.  Develop and manage supplier contracts, in coordination with program teams, legal, finance, and external stakeholders.

1.3.  Draft, review, and quality-check terms of reference (ToRs), specifications, and solicitation documents.

1.4.  Ensure procurement data is correctly recorded in internal systems and ensure timely contract close-out and documentation.

1.5.  Support the development and maintenance of procurement policies, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and templates

2.     Knowledge Management and Market Intelligence

2.1.  Support the development and maintenance of procurement dashboards and tracking tools for internal monitoring and reporting.

2.2.  Conduct market research and analysis to inform sourcing strategies and value-for-money assessments.

2.3.  Support training, onboarding, and knowledge-sharing activities across the procurement and operational teams.

2.4.  Maintain digital knowledge platforms, procurement guidance materials, and templates.

3.     Internal Control, Audits, and Administration

3.1.  Support task allocation, workload balancing, and team coordination within the procurement unit.

3.2.  Sign procurement documentation within delegated authority thresholds and ensure consistency in application of policies and procedures.

3.3.  Support internal and external audit readiness by ensuring complete, accurate, and compliant procurement documentation and records.

3.4.  Support and coordinate digital and physical records management, in line with document retention policies and sustainability standards.

4.     Supplier and Stakeholder Engagement

4.1.  Maintain and enhance GCA’s supplier and consultant database and lead supplier due diligence efforts.

4.2.  Provide advisory support and build strong relationships with program teams and support functions.

4.3.  Serve as a point of contact for key suppliers and partners and contribute to supplier performance reviews.

4.4.  Represent the procurement function in internal working groups and external forums, as appropriate.

5.     Cross-cutting and General Responsibilities

5.1.  Contribute to the rollout of digital procurement tools and sustainability criteria across procurement processes.

5.2.  Participate in institutional planning processes and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.

5.3.  Carry out other duties as assigned by the Regional Director for Africa or senior management.

5.4.  Proactively identify professional development opportunities in consultation with management.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

§  Advanced degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

§  Postgraduate qualifications or membership in a recognized procurement body (e.g. CIPS, CIPSM, SAPICS) are highly desirable.

§  Additional procurement certifications or training are added advantage.

Experience:

§  Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement and contracting, including experience in international organizations or INGOs.

§  Proven expertise in end-to-end procurement operations and contracting, especially in complex and multi-stakeholder environments.

§  Familiarity with international procurement standards, sustainable procurement practices, and digital tools.

Skills and Competencies:

§  Strong proficiency in procurement software and digital systems (e.g. UNIT4 Business World, Microsoft 365, Power Apps, SharePoint, etc.) required.

§  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of French or other languages is an advantage.

§  Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

§  Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with a collaborative and service-oriented mindset.

§  Commitment to integrity, accountability, and continuous learning.

WHAT WE OFFER

Joining our team means contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. You will have the opportunity to tap into the extensive expertise available at GCA and its partner organizations worldwide. Furthermore, you will play a role in shaping international policies and global action on climate change, working at the highest governmental levels, and collaborating with governments on all continents.

At GCA, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued.

GCA does not discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Join us and contribute your unique perspective to our collective success.