ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. The goal of the SFA Foundation is to address the continent’s most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making.

We serve the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas; enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building and reinforcing environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive and producing quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.

The SFA Foundation takes a holistic approach to the development of science. Our programmatic initiatives are crafted to cater to the entire science ecosystem and span across the value chain from early discovery sciences to translation sciences and target cross-cutting gaps.

Our commitment to strengthening the entire research ecosystem is reflected in the creation of major science and innovation programmes implemented through a well-established grant-making scheme, advocacy, and promotion of scientific excellence, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB PURPOSE

The SFA Foundation is undertaking a strategic enhancement of its supplier registration and vendor management systems to strengthen procurement governance, transparency, and efficiency. To support this initiative, we are seeking to engage a Temporary Procurement Officer to assist the Procurement and Supply Chain team in driving this transformation.

The officer will be responsible for reviewing supplier documentation, evaluating vendor submissions, updating the approved vendor register, and contributing to vendor performance assessment and category management frameworks. The role will also support the development of relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The successful candidate will work closely with the procurement team to execute assigned duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supplier Evaluation and Registration

• Developing and reviewing evaluation criteria aligned with the Supplier Registration Document, in collaboration with the Senior Procurement Officer (SPO).
• Evaluating supplier submissions against approved criteria to ensure they meet eligibility and compliance requirements.
• Justifying supplier evaluations, documenting reasons for qualification or disqualification in a structured evaluation matrix.
• Conducting thorough due diligence, including reference checks and background assessments to verify legal and operational credibility.
• Ensuring supplier clarifications are consolidated and addressed during the registration stage to avoid ambiguity or misrepresentation.

Vendor Data Management

• Collect, record, and categorise all supplier registration submissions accurately, ensuring data completeness, consistency, and alignment with predefined procurement categories.
• Conduct thorough evaluations, documenting findings in structured evaluation matrices that include scoring, eligibility, and compliance for each vendor.
• Prepare detailed and summarised lists of both successful and unsuccessful suppliers per category, clearly stating reasons for disqualification where applicable, to maintain transparency and traceability.
• Develop and maintain the List of Registered Vendors (LRI) based on the registration outcomes.
• Ensure the systematic onboarding of successful vendors into procurement systems, while cleaning, archiving, and organising vendor records for easy access and accurate future reference.
• Formally notify vendors of evaluation outcomes.

Vendor Relationship and Performance Management

• Support in conducting performance evaluations for long-term vendors and all vendors on framework agreements.
• Supporting the review and enforcement of Framework Agreements.
• Updating vendor lists based on performance assessments and framework reviews, ensuring underperforming suppliers are flagged or removed.
• Updating recently onboarded vendors in the AVL.

Procurement Process Support

• Supporting the development and renewal of Framework Agreements.
• Support review of Supplier registration SOPs
• Support in the development of Supplier category management SOPs
• Any other procurement activity as assigned by the SPO.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• KISM/ CIPS membership

Experience

• At least three (3) years of relevant experience in a senior procurement role.
• Experience in pre-qualification data analysis, reporting, and development of an Approved Vendor List.
• Experience in supplier category management.
• Experience in an international NGO is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of accounting software, preferably NetSuite, is an added advantage.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Previous experience in contracting and technical evaluation of the pre-qualification of suppliers.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Teamwork: Works as a supportive team member, recognises opportunities to grow the team and proactively builds and manages relationships.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Integrity, professionalism, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS-Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a professional environment.

Personal Attributes

• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

HOW TO APPLY

Should you meet the competencies above, please submit your application by clicking the APPLY button below.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, 25 JUNE 2025

SFA Foundation has a commitment to safeguarding people and environment and this forms part of our background checks.