Procurement Officer – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Procurement Officer – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations committed to achieving global food security, eliminating hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The organization works to ensure that all people have regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, while supporting sustainable management of natural resources for present and future generations.

FAO is currently recruiting for a Procurement Officer to be based in Abuja, Nigeria, with oversight responsibilities extending to FAO decentralized offices in Nigeria and Niger.

Job Title: Procurement Officer

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Experience Required: 7 years

Application Deadline: 07 May 2026

Organizational Setting

The Procurement Service supports FAO operations by ensuring that goods, works, and services are procured in accordance with the principles of Best Value for Money, transparency, fairness, and efficiency. The Procurement Officer is responsible for executing procurement activities across FAO decentralized offices, including contract preparation, tendering processes, and purchase order management.

The role reports functionally to the Designated Procurement Officer (CSLP) and administratively to the FAO Representative in Nigeria.

Job Purpose

The Procurement Officer is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement processes for goods, works, and services, ensuring compliance with FAO procurement rules, policies, and international public procurement standards. The role ensures that all procurement activities support operational efficiency, value for money, and sustainability objectives while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Procurement Planning and Execution

• Plan and manage procurement activities of moderate to high complexity.
• Guide requisitioning units on procurement strategies and sourcing methods.
• Prepare tender documents including RFQs, ITBs, RFPs, and EOIs.
• Coordinate end-to-end solicitation processes using FAO e-procurement systems.
• Ensure fair, transparent, and competitive bidding processes.

2. Contract Management and Evaluation

• Draft and finalize contracts, Purchase Orders, and Letters of Agreement (LoAs).
• Support bid evaluation processes and prepare submissions for procurement committees.
• Participate in contract negotiations, bidder conferences, and site inspections.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and performance standards.

3. Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure adherence to FAO procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Conduct market research and analysis to support procurement decisions.
• Support audits by providing documentation, reports, and clarifications.
• Contribute to risk management, fraud prevention, and ethical procurement practices.

4. Strategic Procurement Support

• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement of procurement systems.
• Support implementation of corporate sustainability and environmental responsibility strategies.
• Promote efficiency and sustainability in procurement operations across offices.

5. Capacity Building and Leadership

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior procurement staff.
• Support training development and capacity-building initiatives.
• Promote best practices in procurement across FAO decentralized offices.

6. Coordination and Reporting

• Participate in UN inter-agency procurement working groups.
• Support joint procurement initiatives within the UN system.
• Monitor procurement performance and prepare analytical reports.
• Ensure accurate data entry and use of FAO ERP systems.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Commerce, Marketing, or related field with at least 5 years of experience; OR
• First-level degree with at least 7 years of relevant procurement experience, including public procurement exposure, plus recognized professional certification (e.g., CIPS, MCIPS, FCIPS).
• Strong knowledge of international procurement systems and contract management.
• Experience in public sector procurement and complex contractual negotiations.

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of French is essential.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Results orientation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Strong communication skills
• Relationship building
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Additional Requirements

• Experience working in multiple geographic or field locations is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of sustainability and corporate environmental responsibility in procurement.
• Ability to draft complex procurement and contractual documents in English and French.

Application Deadline

07 May 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply via the official FAO recruitment portal:

https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600811&utm