KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Procurement Officer
Sector: Public Financial Management and Accountability
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-term (with possibility of extension)
Position Location: Manila, Philippines
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) program is Australia’s flagship investment of support to the Government of Philippines (GPH) on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 34 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Philippines (GPH). The investment will be the DFAT’s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING will support efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and its forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.  
 
The intended goal of SPRING is to contribute to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
 
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the GPH to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
 
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
 

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
 
Reporting to the Operations Lead, the Procurement Officer will be responsible for the procurement process following SPRING procurement policies and procedures including management of inventory and assets.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Procurement Process & Administration
 

• Responsible for procurement of goods and services following SPRING procurement policies and procedures.
• Ensure consistent value for money spent and consistent level of service by suppliers
• Prepare request for tenders / proposals, manage the process of tender, and negotiate with suppliers
• Prepare Purchase / Service Orders (PO) and process the administrative and financial evaluation of received offers. Finalize procurement processes with drafting of vendor purchase / service orders / contracts and submit them for approval to the supervisor.
• Follow up on orders with suppliers to expedite timely delivery of the goods/services ordered.
• Conduct and administer supplier evaluation reports.
• Participate in market research for new types of available services and goods.
• Contribute to the maintenance of relevant product and supplier catalogues, monitor local advertisements.
• Maintain contracts and supplier database.
• Prepare plans for the purchase of general service and office supplies
• Maintain and update SPRING procurement management files and system.

Asset Management
 

• Responsible for assets hand over to and from staff.
• Carry out periodic control and recording of office assets and inventory to monitor the assets’ location and condition, in coordination with the program IT Officer.
• Participate in analyzing the risk and asset management strategies in accordance with applicable SOPs.
• Conduct periodic assets review regarding the age and condition of office assets, prepare asset replacement plans so that risks and disruptions to work plans can be minimized.
• Maintain accurate database of assets and provide asset management accountability reports on a regular basis.
• Prepare and coordinate with related departments for asset/work tools needs.
• Perform any other task assigned by the Operations Lead to ensure efficient program implementation

 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
 

• Bachelor’s degree in any related field

Minimum Experience
 

• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in the professional services environment, preferably with a development partner (e.g. DFAT Australia) or multinational company in developing and delivering procurement support services including preparation, administration, monitoring of vendor contracts for the provision of goods and services, and program asset management.

Key Abilities:
 

• Strong time management and organizational skills with attention to detail
• High level of integrity, confidentiality in handling public resources
• Computer literacy in standard software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.) is mandatory
• Proficiency in English and Filipino.
• Promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key focus of SPRING. Applicants with knowledge or experience in GEDSI issues will be highly regarded by the selection panel.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by November 12, 2024. This is an ongoing recruitment, and candidates will be reviewed before and leading up to the deadline.
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to <marissa.castillo@cowater.com>, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING Procurement Officer."
 
Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
ABOUT US
 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.