Head of Logistics & Procurement

ABOUT ARK:

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of the Head of Corporate Services, the Head of Logistics and Procurement (L&P) will head the Group’s Logistics and Procurement Department, overseeing procurement and asset management for all country offices. Primary responsibilities include supplier contracting, supporting procurement staff in the field, providing advice on donor rules and regulations and leading on the overall professionalisation and development of the department. The role is heavily focused on services procurement and contracts management, including drafting and overseeing sub-grantee agreements. Logistics is a minor part of the role.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A fantastic opportunity to work in a company that demonstrably delivers social impact.
• Flexible working – this is a hybrid role. You will be supporting the team remotely but must be able to travel occasionally to ARK regional offices.
• An option to work part-time if preferred.
• Employee benefits such as comprehensive group medical and life insurance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and develop ARK L&P policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry and donor standards.
• Maintain and continuously seek to improve the ARK contracts management system.
• Develop and maintain procurement reporting to the Head of Corporate Services against agreed departmental KPIs.
• Provide policy guidance to project staff and partners in accordance with the ARK procurement manual and donor guidelines.
• Train and provide guidance to country office staff on the development of specifications and Statements of Work, drafting of competitive tenders and the evaluation of technical and cost proposals for the procurement of goods and services.
• Review draft contractual documents initiated by country office staff, including Services Provision Agreements, Purchase Orders, Sub-awards and consortium agreements.
• Lead on drafting new departmental templates, processes and systems.
• Oversee procurement planning together with project teams during bid development and project launch.
• Oversee asset management and inventory in conjunction with country office L&P staff.
• Review and approve payment requests initiated by the L&P Department.
• Provide training, supervision and mentoring for L&P staff.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Knowledge of international donor (such as DFID, CSSF, USAID, EU) procurement rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier contract management.
• Experience in subgrants is preferred but not a requirement.
• Demonstrated experience of international procurement and supply-chain best-practice. IACCM practitioner and/or CIPS qualification an advantage.
• Maintains a high standard of integrity.
• Ability to apply knowledge and independent judgement to resolve complex problems
• Excellent Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.

MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY:

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism and the private sector.

An ARK Person Is:

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise our limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together, and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the centre of its development and stabilisation work and is thus committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related-personnel are expected to share this commitment, and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.

How to apply

Candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to send a cover letter and CV to: [email protected] with “Head of Logistics & Procurement” in the subject line.

All applications will be reviewed. Due to the high volume of applications, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.