ILRI seeks to recruit a Laboratory Procurement
Assistant. The job holder will be responsible for the timely procurement
of laboratory goods for ILRI and hosted institutions, ensuring quality and cost
effectiveness. The incumbent will promote and maintain a high level of
communication and liaison with ILRI laboratories, users and with suppliers.
This position is within the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA)
Hub.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works
to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing
countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East,
West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia.
CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a
food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are
members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner
organizations.
ILRI also manages the Biosciences eastern and
central Africa (BecA) Hub, the centre for excellence in modern
plant and animal biology in Africa. BecA is an initiative developed
within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)/
African Union African Biosciences initiative. It consists of a Hub based on the
ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of regional nodes and other
affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout the region. The BecA
Hub facilities are world class, including a range of molecular, plant
transformation, and genomics laboratories and equipment (e.g. 454 sequencing,
Biosafety level 3 laboratory, plant growth facilities). The Hub hosts and
conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock areas where new developments
in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems
constraining Africa’s development. Capacity building is a major goal of
all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their
intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of
Africa’s natural resources.
Responsibilities
- To
coordinate the daily purchases of all laboratory consumables and equipment
for all lab users while ensuring compliance with ILRI procurement
procedures and regulations;
- To
offer and source alternative products in relation to cost and specific
scientific needs in consultation with the Technology Manager, Assistant
Technology Manager and other users;
- Responsible
for speedy processing of requisitions, sourcing of quotes, generating of
purchase orders focusing on timely delivery of goods and services in the
most cost effective manner and in conformity with customer needs in the
laboratories;
- To
support purchases of laboratory supplies and biological materials for
scientific training workshops, hosted institutions and other ILRI
outstations;
- To
coordinate with the Technology Manager on procurement planning/budgeting,
sourcing and consequent updating on status to lab users;
- To
track in-coming shipments of lab commodities, alerting users of any
delays, reviewing completeness and accuracy of shipping and confirming
arrival of the right quantity and quality of delivered consignments;
- To
expedite outstanding purchase orders to ensure delivery requirements are
met;
- To
provide laboratory users with regular updates on pending order status;
- To
carry out price survey and maintaining a vendor and price list for
commonly used items;
- Maintain
auditable records for all procured laboratory items, including approved
budgets and supporting documentation: purchase requisitions, quotations,
bid evaluations, purchase orders, and related documents;
- To
assist in updating of procurement procedures and recommend changes to
related ILRI’s standard practices; interprets policies and procedures to
users;
- To
participate in tender committees (CAPEX);
- Assist
in vendor management;
- To
perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
- Bachelor
of Science Degree in Laboratory Technology or related field;
- At
least 2 years work experience in Biosciences research;
- Training
in procurement and a member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and
Supplies will be an added advantage;
- Experience
with regulations that govern donor-funded procurement preferred;
- Computer
proficiency (Email, Internet, Word, Excel, Access; good in computerized
procurement software);
- Ability
to communicate effectively with scientists and multiple interdisciplinary
teams;
- Good
presentation and oral/written communication and skills;
- Creative
and dynamic person who can operate both individually and as part of a
team.
Terms of Appointment
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at
ILRI’s Nairobi campus. The position is on a 2 year contract with the
possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued
funding.
Job level and salary
This position is job Grade 2C with a starting salary of KES
116,417 per month. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.
How to Apply
Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document explaining 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. Applications should be submitted online to the Human Resources Director at our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before midnight Nairobi time on 27 September 2013. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document explaining 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. Applications should be submitted online to the Human Resources Director at our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before midnight Nairobi time on 27 September 2013. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.
