Global Procurement and Compliance Associate Opportunity at One Acre Fund

Introduction to One Acre Fund:

Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers in Africa. With operations spanning across six core countries, we impact over one million farmers annually. Our mission is to provide agricultural services that significantly enhance farm productivity, ultimately transforming the lives of the communities we serve.

About the Role:

Are you an experienced procurement professional with a passion for optimizing cost savings and ensuring compliance? We are seeking a Global Procurement and Compliance Associate to join our team. As a key member of the Global Supply Chain Division, you will play a pivotal role in driving strategic enhancements across multiple countries.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cost Optimization:
   • Implement initiatives to reduce spot purchasing costs by 5-10% across all countries and product categories.
   • Focus on process transparency and fraud mitigation.
2. Procurement Support:
   • Provide expert guidance to growth countries, offering assistance in system support, procurement planning, tendering, and inventory management.
   • Advise on procurement strategy to support new programs.
3. Cost-Conscious Culture:
   • Foster a team culture that is cost-conscious, enabling cost reduction and avoidance strategies.
   • Enhance systems for precise cost tracking.
4. Audit and Controls:
   • Ensure robust audit and control processes, collaborating with stakeholders to address findings.
   • Close control gaps for enhanced compliance and efficiency.
5. Process Improvement:
   • Implement efficiency-boosting initiatives.
   • Integrate best practices and automation for optimized procurement processes.

Career Growth and Development:

At One Acre Fund, we believe in constant learning and development. You will have access to mentorship, training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in career reviews every six months, where we discuss your aspirations and career goals.

Qualifications:

To excel in this role, you should possess:

• A Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 5+ years of experience in procurement, operations, audit, or supply chain management
• Experience in audit or controls management
• Project management experience (desirable)
• Stakeholder management experience (required)
• Language: English (required), French, Kinyarwanda, or Swahili (asset)

Preferred Start Date:

As soon as possible

Job Location:

Kigali, Rwanda, or Nairobi, Kenya

Benefits:

Health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits

Eligibility:

This role is open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya and Rwanda.

Application Deadline:

23 January 2024

Note: One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or for tests during the interview process. Please report any suspicious communication to globalhotline@oneacrefund.org.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our mission. We aspire to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected, contributing to exceptional impact for the farmers we serve.

Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant:

1. Showcase Procurement Achievements:

Provide specific examples of how you’ve optimized procurement costs in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to achieve tangible results.

2. Emphasize Stakeholder Management Skills:

Highlight instances where you effectively collaborated with stakeholders to address audit findings and enhance compliance.

3. Demonstrate Process Improvement Expertise:

Share experiences of implementing efficiency-boosting initiatives and integrating automation for optimized procurement processes.

4. Showcase Cost-Conscious Culture Contribution:

Discuss your role in fostering a cost-conscious team culture and enhancing systems for precise cost tracking.

5. Highlight Multilingual Skills:

If applicable, emphasize your language proficiency, especially in French, Kinyarwanda, or Swahili.

6. Discuss Project Management Experience:

If applicable, provide examples of successful project management in the procurement or supply chain domain.

7. Communicate Growth Country Support:

Detail your experience assisting growth countries with procurement planning, tendering, and inventory management.

8. Address Cost Reduction Strategies:

Discuss strategies you’ve employed to achieve cost reduction and avoidance across multiple countries.

9. Illustrate Compliance Enhancement:

Share instances where you successfully addressed audit findings, closing control gaps for enhanced compliance.

10. Showcase Continuous Learning:

Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development, aligning with One Acre Fund’s culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the eligibility criterion for this role?

This role is open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya and Rwanda.

2. Are there language requirements for the position?

English is required, and proficiency in French, Kinyarwanda, or Swahili is an asset.

3. What benefits are offered with this position?

Benefits include health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits.

4. How can I apply for this role?

To apply, submit your application before the deadline on 23 January 2024.

5. Is there any cost associated with the application process?

No, One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money during the interview process.

6. How often are career reviews conducted at One Acre Fund?

Career reviews are conducted every six months, providing an opportunity to discuss aspirations and career goals.

7. Can I apply if I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Kenya or Rwanda?

This role is specifically open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya and Rwanda.

8. How diverse and inclusive is the workplace at One Acre Fund?

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our mission. We are committed to creating a workplace where all staff feel valued and represented.

9. How can I report suspicious communication during the application process?

Report any suspicious communication to globalhotline@oneacrefund.org. Do not send applications or materials to this email address.

10. What is the preferred start date for this role?

The preferred start date is as soon as possible.

Sample Cover Letter:

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Global Procurement and Compliance Associate position at One Acre Fund, as advertised. With over five years of experience in procurement, operations, and supply chain management, I am confident in my ability to drive strategic enhancements and cost optimization across multiple countries.

In my previous role as [Your Previous Position], I successfully led initiatives that resulted in a 10% reduction in spot purchasing costs. My expertise in process transparency and fraud mitigation aligns perfectly with the goals of One Acre Fund. I am impressed by your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I am eager to contribute to your mission of empowering smallholder farmers.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of One Acre Fund. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]