The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a division under the National Research Foundation (NRF), is seeking an experienced and motivated Procurement Officer to join their procurement team. This is an opportunity to play a guiding role in SARAO’s procurement processes, helping to acquire goods and services that support groundbreaking scientific research, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
Procurement Officer Overview
- Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Type: Permanent Senior EE Position
- Closing Date: 5 Nov 2024
- Job Reference: 818
Key Responsibilities:
The primary duties for the Procurement Officer include:
- Compliance and Policy Adherence:
- Ensure all procurement activities align with SARAO’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) policies and procedures.
- Support SARAO divisions in maintaining compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), National Treasury regulations, and other procurement-related legislative frameworks.
- Tender and Quotation Management:
- Administer the full tender process, from preparing terms of reference to bid evaluation and contract management.
- Prepare, review, and issue Request for Quotations (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), and other necessary documents for goods and services procurement.
- Communicate with suppliers/vendors to source compliance documents and coordinate quotation requests for shipping requirements (imports and exports).
- Purchasing and Supplier Engagement:
- Source quotations for purchases and assist SARAO divisions with purchase deviations as required.
- Establish reliable suppliers, manage supplier relationships, and ensure accurate and timely recording of invoices.
- Support to Procurement Manager:
- Assist with background checks and account opening processes for new suppliers.
- Offer secretarial support to Bid Committees, including tender advertisement and bid documentation management.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management/Procurement or a related qualification equivalent to NQF Level 7.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience in a public procurement environment, ideally within the SCM domain.
- Proven experience in compliance-driven procurement processes, purchasing procedures, and supplier accreditation.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite and internet usage for efficient process management and communication.
- Strong administrative skills and experience in bid/tender documentation preparation.
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
- Familiarity with National Treasury Regulations, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
- Ability to establish and maintain reliable sources for goods and services.
- Detail-oriented approach to managing tender and procurement processes end-to-end.
- Professionalism, integrity, and proactive problem-solving skills.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
Additional Attributes:
SARAO is looking for a Procurement Officer who demonstrates:
- Strong interpersonal and team skills, capable of working independently and collaboratively.
- Client-oriented, responsive, and able to prioritize SARAO’s service requirements effectively.
- A proactive and forward-thinking attitude towards procurement best practices and continuous improvement.
About the Employer:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) promotes research and human capital development across various fields of science and technology, providing funding, facilities, and outreach platforms to foster science and innovation in South Africa. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility managed by the NRF, leads South Africa’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project, one of the world’s most significant astronomical endeavours.
SARAO manages advanced radio astronomy instruments, including the MeerKAT telescope and the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). Additionally, SARAO supports the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) program, promoting scientific collaboration across nine African countries.
Application Process:
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive CV through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should include a motivational letter detailing the applicant’s suitability for the role, as well as three referees’ names and contact details.
This is a unique opportunity to work with one of South Africa’s leading research facilities, contributing to groundbreaking projects and advancing scientific discovery in Africa and beyond.
The ideal candidate will have a firm grasp of procurement processes in a public sector environment and will work closely with SARAO’s procurement team to ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulations. The role offers the chance to engage in both strategic and operational procurement activities, involving contract management, vendor communications, and adherence to Supply Chain Management (SCM) best practices.
