Helen Keller International

Job Announcement Procurement Assistant

(Yaoundé-Cameroon)

About Helen Keller Intl

Helen Keller International is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Helen Keller Intl fights against the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on data and research conducted around eyecare, health and nutrition. In Cameroon since 1992, we are mainly involved in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases and malnutrition.

Helen Keller International Cameroon is seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Procurement Assistant, based in Yaoundé, who will perform the following tasks

Title of the position: Procurement Assistant

Duty station: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Reports to: Procurement Officer

Type of contract: Fixed-term contract

 Duration: one-year renewable

Scope of the position  

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Officer, the Procurement Assistant will ensure, in accordance with Helen Keller's procedures, the effective and efficient execution of the procurement of goods and services, contracts, and the hotel and travel booking process, as well as support the implementation of program activities and the day-to-day operations of the office.

Specific duties

• Assist in the drafting and monitoring of the execution of service contracts and inform the Procurement Officer of any execution difficulties;
• Assist in the organization and participation in tender reviews for the procurement of goods and services, write up the minutes and ensure that all bidders who participated in the tender process receive responses after the review of the quotations;
• Assist in the procurement process of Helen Keller by ensuring competition, transparency, fairness, efficiency and compliance with procedures,
• Prepare payment requests for completed purchase orders and submit them to line management for signature;
• Follow up the process of orders of goods and services until their final execution and keep informed "Office Officer" of any difficulty of execution;
• Manage the filing and archiving of administrative files, purchases and contracts;
• Work closely with Administration and Logistics for the maintenance of Helen Keller's buildings and management of rolling stock
• Ensure the follow-up and tracking of consultancy contracts and the archiving of consultancy reports;
• Update the list of contractors and suppliers as needed;
• Assist in the preparation of bidding documents for goods and services and ensure that these documents receive the necessary approvals, in accordance with Helen Keller and/or donor procedures;
• Update the monthly directory of qualified suppliers, contractors and consultants for Helen Keller Intl;
• Maintain the status of the minutes of restricted consultations;
• Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual procurement and contract status reports;
• Maintain and update the Procurement plan for the country office.
• Maintain and update the Procurement Plan for the country office;
• Ensure timeliness of the entire procurement process;
• Perform any other duties as requested in relation to his/her skills and abilities.

OTHER

• Assist in the preparation of the office audit missions ;
• Assist in the follow-up of internal or external audit activities;
• Assist in responding to internal audit requests;
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the hierarchy;
• Assist in the orientation of new staff to Helen Keller Intl's procurement procedures.

Qualifications

• Cameroonian
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or any other related field deemed relevant;
• At least three (3) years of professional experience with at least two (02) years in a similar position, preferably in an international NGO;
• Knowledge of donor regulations, including USAID, World Bank and/or other foreign government development agencies, and other multilateral development agencies in procurement is an asset.
• An interest in international development and public health programs and an understanding of the synergy between the programmatic, operational and financial components of project design and implementation are highly desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in French.
• Good level (spoken and written) in English.
• Very good computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word; PowerPoint; Outlook), and strong Excel skills, including pivot tables.

Ability to:

• Perform functions that require a high level of attention to details
• Prioritize workload, take responsibility for work and follow through to completion.
• Maintain balance under stress.
• Work in a decentralized organizational structure with a highly collaborative approach.
• Work in a team environment.

Application file:

• A cover letter addressed to the Country Director;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Reference persons or structures to contact.

How to apply

Qualified applicants should send the complete application file to  with the job title in the subject line.

Deadline for applications submission: June 30, 2024, at midnight.

Helen Keller is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity of all kinds is fully valued.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of ethnicity, race, caste, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic that does not affect the ability to perform the required duties.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at the email address above.

NB: HELEN KELLER INTL

• DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES OF ANY KIND TO THE CANDIDATE DURING THE ENTIRE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, EXAMINATION, INTERVIEWS, PROCESSING OR TRAINING)
• DOES NOT REQUEST BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION FROM CANDIDATES
• DOES NOT RECRUIT THROUGH A RECRUITMENT AGENCY