The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking for a for a highly skilled, results-oriented Logistics Specialist, to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

About CIP

CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes, sweetpotatoes, Andean root and tuber crops, and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in locations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.

About the role

The selected candidate will be part of the Logistics team under the supervision of the Logistics Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support to global logistics operations, following standard processes and ensuring an effective service delivery.
• Build strong working relationships with global partners and senior managers to drive alignment of functional objectives.
• Support the Logistics unit on Drafting of tender documents, ITT, RFP, solicitation and comparison of bids, organizing and taking minutes during procurement committee meetings and processing of purchase orders and contracts.
• Interact with the logistic team, to identify best approaches for handling operational transactions to optimize service levels, maintain supply-chain efficiency, or minimize cost.
• Support management of logistics suppliers, enabling them to become virtual extensions of the company to improve value delivered to the organization. Source and evaluate suppliers locally and globally through market research, networking, and supplier databases to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Design and implement improvements to standard global processes across the organization to create and spread logistic best practices.
• Respond to variety of technical queries/requests for support, to ensure timely and accurate resolution of all enquiries with a high standard of client service mind-set.
• Compile data and provide report on logistics elements (e.g supply chain management, strategic sourcing or distribution, supplier management, transportation,) to monitor significant trends, emerging opportunities and challenges in the areas of responsibility.
• Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.
• Oversee bidding processes, ensuring transparent evaluations, bid preparation, and contract negotiations.
• Any other duties assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor´s degree in Business Administration, Procurement, or related field.
• Procurement Certification from KISM or CIPS or equivalent
• At least 5 years of professional experience in a similar position.
• Experience in International Procurement.
• Experience in Managing procurement with multi-donors.
• Strong procurement and supplier management skills.
• Strong client service orientation and displaying a good-natured cooperative attitude with internal and external clients.
• Knowledge of ERP software’s and administration of products and suppliers master files.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Advance written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.