Senior Procurement Officer

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) aims to address the pressing issue of limited capacity in traditional universities by employing innovative teaching and learning methodologies, including online and distance education. By leveraging technology and flexible learning modes, the university seeks to accommodate a larger number of qualified students. The Senior Procurement Officer role is crucial to the University's administrative operations, requiring strategic leadership in managing all supply chain management functions, ensuring strict regulatory compliance, and overseeing the effective utilization of e-Procurement systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Spearheading the development, implementation and review of procurement policies, strategies, regulations and procedures.
• Coordinating purchasing and control of materials.
• Overseeing the planning, organizing, and coordinating of Supply Chain Management Functions.
• Ensuring interpretation of existing procurement policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Spearheading the preparation and implementation of the Procurement manual and templates.
• Coordinating internal auditing and evaluation of supply chain management processes.
• Coordinating periodic valuation of the Organization’s assets.
• Initiating the process of disposal of unserviceable, obsolete and surplus stores and equipment.
• Monitoring suppliers’ performance to assess ability to meet quality and delivery requirements.
• Ensuring periodic market research and surveys of goods and services are conducted.
• Negotiating major procurement contracts.
• Overseeing implementation and effective use of e-Procurement system.
• Coordinating preparation and consolidating Procurement budgets and plans.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and ethical standards relating to Procurement of goods, services and works.
• Ensuring timely Procurement of goods, services and works.
• Preparing and consolidating Procurement budgets and plans.
• Overseeing safe custody of procured goods.
• Overseeing periodic stock taking and stock audit.
• Liaising with suppliers to ensure that all queries are dealt with.
• Providing Secretariat services to Procurement, Disposal and Tender Committees.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

For appointment to this grade, one MUST have:

• Education: Master’s degree and Bachelor's degree in a relevant supply chain discipline (Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Purchasing and Supplies Management, Procurement and Supplies Chain Management, Procurement, Commerce (Supplies Management Option), Business Administration (Supplies Management option) or equivalent qualification from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Experience: Twelve (12) years relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been as procurement officer grade 12 or equivalent.
• Professional Requirements: Must be a registered member of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) and possess a valid Supplies Practitioners License.
• Management Training: Attended a management course(s) lasting not less than 4 weeks.
• Policy Knowledge: Demonstrated a clear understanding of government development policies, goals and objectives and ability to integrate them in supply chain management functions.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act 2015. Proficiency in computer applications with detailed understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
• Integrity: Satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity.

Note on Terms of Service: The Terms of Service will be either Permanent and Pensionable OR Contract, as shall be determined by the University Council. OUK is an equal opportunity employer, and applicants of either gender, youths, persons living with disabilities and those from marginalized areas are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submission of applications is 2nd February, 2026.