About US:

John Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) is a leader in strategic communication and research that facilitates access to information and the exchange of knowledge to improve health. CCP has more than 60 projects that employ staff in more than 40 countries around the world. CCP has unparalleled experience as a global Center for Social and Behavioral Change excellence. Through its projects, CCP harnesses the power of social and behavior change communication to encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors in the projects implemented worldwide.

Project Background

The Social and Behavioral Change Activity (SBCA) is a five-year program implemented through a cooperative agreement between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/Uganda) and CCP. The vision of USAID’s Social and Behavioral Change Activity is a Uganda where individuals and communities are not just healthy but also resilient, supported by strong, adaptable systems and institutions to lead productive lives.

The SBC Activity supports the Government of Uganda (GOU) and US government (USG) implementing partners to design and implement Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) communication initiatives that contribute toward a reduction in Maternal and Child mortality, Malaria prevalence, Total Fertility rate, New HIV infections, TB prevalence, and improved Nutrition outcomes, resilience and improved SBC systems and expertise.

Job Summary: The Procurement Manager will lead and guide staff through the complex procurement environment for a USAID-funded cooperative agreement. The ideal candidate will be quick-thinking and possess a working knowledge of procurement guidelines to facilitate on-demand procurement decisions while maintaining the procurement process’s integrity and ethics. He/she will directly report to the Director of Finance and Administration.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Follow the University procurement process maintaining compliance with donor procurement standards at all times.
• Participate in annual procurement planning with the program team; update at least quarterly and as needed.
• Manage the procurement e-mail account, which includes organizing the inbox and creating folders for each procurement and maintaining anonymity.
• Guide staff on the appropriate procurement process based on expected monetary and authorization thresholds.
• Advise staff on the timing and timeliness of the procurement process to ensure goods/services are procured as quickly as possible.
• Review RFP/SOWs and evaluation scoresheets to facilitate the bidding and evaluation process.
• Lead the evaluation of procurements as applicable.
• Guide staff on writing selection memos focusing on justifications for vendor selection and cost/price analysis.
• Draft contracts, LPOs, modifications, work/task orders, and other contractual documents.
• Engage in vendor negotiation discussions at the appropriate time.
• Track procurements through the process using a tracking sheet.
• Working with the Finance, Administrative and Program teams, ensure contract completion as part of the procurement tracking process.
• Maintain procurement files in an organized manner.
• Ensure priority of compliance with University and donor procurement standards and requirements while doing what can be done to move the procurement process along as quickly as possible.
• Ensure ethical implementation and the integrity of the procurement process for all parties involved.
• May be required to assist with writing RFP/SOWs, selecting criteria, justifications, and performing cost/price analyses.
• Using various math skills and concepts, analyze information to facilitate quick decisions to choose suppliers, manage costs, and select quality goods and services.
• Ensure that information related to individual procurements is consistent, accurate, synchronized, and adequately documented.
• Work closely with the field teams and Baltimore counterparts to ensure contract terms are favorable to the University.
• Be proactive in recognizing and initiating contract modifications to ensure the continued integrity of the contract terms and deliverables.
• Follow appropriate protocol for reporting suspected internal controls violations.
• May be required to supervise a Grants Officer.

Staff supervision responsibilities (if applicable)

• Manage the work of direct reports and provide supervisory responsibilities.
• Promote staff development through training, counseling, and performance evaluation of the staff of the CCP UG under your supervision.
• Ensure that direct reports are implementing duties as assigned.
• Conduct timely annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Manage performance of direct reports timely and in a way that facilitates growth and improvement in accordance with CCP Baltimore HR guidance.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• At least ten years’ experience working in the procurement department. Preferable that at least 5 of those years involve procurement management for a USAID funded cooperative or contract.
• Bachelor’s degree in purchasing management, procurement, supply chain, business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field or a professional procurement certification required.
• Master’s degree in a related field is an added advantage.
• Ugandan national
• Integrity in action and practice are essential for this position.
• Working knowledge of the 2 CFR 200/700 or FAR 31.2.
• Working knowledge of the industry and market conditions
• Strong understanding of procurement and negotiation techniques
• Ability to write explicit, logical, matter-of-fact content
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Able to travel within Uganda as required.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Have at least an intermediate skill level using Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts that include but are not limited to algebra, probability, statistics, and numerical analysis.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently in a high profile, fast-paced, and multi-tasked environment
• Oral and written fluency in English

All candidates are encouraged to submit e-mail applications to

 jobs@jhccpug.org with copies of current CV, cover letter and three professional referees. Please indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line of the email.