Procurement NGO job requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree in a related field like supply chain management or business, relevant work experience (often 2-4 years or more in the NGO sector), and strong skills in negotiation, communication, and computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office Suite). Professional certifications like CIPS are often preferred or required, along with experience in contract negotiation and a strong understanding of NGO or humanitarian procurement policies.
Education and professional qualifications
Degree: A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, logistics, or a related field is frequently required.
Professional Certification: A CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) certification, or equivalent, is often a key requirement, notes Corporate Staffing Services and UN Talent.
Master’s Degree: A master’s degree can be an advantage for senior roles.
Experience
Years of Experience: A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in procurement is common, with some senior roles requiring 5-7 or more years, according to Corporate Staffing Services and UN Talent.
NGO/Humanitarian Experience: Previous experience working in the NGO or humanitarian sector is highly desirable, notes Corporate Staffing Services and UN Talent.
Specific Roles: Experience in a similar role, such as Procurement Officer, Coordinator, or Manager, is often required for mid-to-senior level positions.
Skills and competencies
Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills are essential for securing favorable terms and pricing from suppliers, says Corporate Staffing Services and Procurement Tactics.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are needed for managing relationships and articulating complex information.
Computer Literacy: Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with supply chain management software are crucial, say UN Talent and ReliefWeb.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and prepare reports for performance improvement is often required.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong collaboration, relationship management, and influencing skills are important for working with internal and external stakeholders, notes Corporate Staffing Services and ACCA career navigator.
Time Management: The ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks is vital, especially in fast-paced environments, says Corporate Staffing Services and CIPS.
Other requirements
Language: Fluency in English is almost always required, and fluency in