Equatorial Nut Processors Senior Field Purchasing Officer Job in Kilifi Kenya

Background: Equatorial Nut Processors is one of the leading edible nut concerns in East Africa Agro processing Industry. The company’s range of products, for both local and export markets, focuses on three principal nuts – Macadamia, Cashew and Peanuts. ENP was founded in 1994, and it has grown over the years to occupy a prominent position in the region’s nut sector.

Job Title: Senior Field Purchasing Officer (SPO)

Reports to: Senior Procurement Manager & Programmes Manager and co ordinate with factory manager on quality issues.
 Based at: Kilifi

Overall Purpose: To ensure ENP gets enough cashew nuts during the buying season at the coast covering Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu Counties.

Main Job description

Coordinating purchasing, drying and delivery of nuts to factory.Meeting procurement targets (quantity and quality).Supporting Purchasing Officers under his/her jurisdiction to help them meet individual targets.Will be in charge of about 40 field staff/agents/brokers at peak procurement periodsTo implement ENPs out-grower management scheme (registering and organizing farmers, link farmers to key service providers among other activities)Extensive travelling in our purchasing regions as may be required from time-to-time.To develop annual work plans and prepare budgets for  field teams (Purchasing Officers)To manage the field officers’ activities during procurement periods and off season activities to ensure high yields. To manage large farmer out-grower schemes Collect, analyze and disseminate farmer information, maintain and update credible database of farmers.To train the field officers (Purchasing Officers) and agents to maximize ENPs market share in sourcing of raw materials.Experience in working with smallholder farmers and agentsTo regularly produce project reports and forward the same to the Senior Purchasing Officer and the Programmes Manager.To train the  suppliers / farmers through 3rd party actors like input suppliers, agents, banks and insurance companiesTo proactively engage relevant stakeholders helpful in achieving the goals and vision of company.To coordinate purchase/supply of farm produceTo ensure that all farm produce from our farmers is timely delivered to our factoryTo develop and annually update a procurement policy documentTo ensure that the procurement policy is followed by the field staff and agentsTo carry out any other duties related to this assignment as may be directed from time to time by the Programmes Manager.Experience in managing about 40 field staff, agents and/or service providers.Experience in working with farmer groups and ability to coordinate stakeholders.Minimum of 5 years experience with working with small scale farmersAbility to work under pressures and making correct critical decisions under pressureAbility to diligently work with limited supervisionAbility and experiment in getting market intelligence on prevailing farm gate pricingExperience in making presentations to small and large groups Education / Qualifications: Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline such as Agronomy, Economics Agribusiness and business or any other relevant degree.

Other Skills:

Leadership: setting a strategic vision and getting performance from juniorsExcellent analytical and writing skillsProject management Excellent English  and SwahiliCommunication and interpersonal skills Team playerAbility to facilitate stakeholder workshops Computer literacy; proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Power-point and OutlookValid driving/riding license Responsibilities and RelationshipsInternal relationships: Working in consultation with Senior Purchasing Manager and Programmes Manager and other staff to efficiently deliver your activity goals.External relationships; Working with stakeholders within the Cashew sector. Managing their expectations and guarding the interest of the company.Standards of Performance and BehaviorHonesty and integrity in dealings with staff, stakeholders and clients.Commitment to the aims, ethics and moral code of ENPAttention to detail in relation to the big pictureProfessional conduct in all operational matters, with an appropriate balance between the needs of staff, stakeholders and clients and the interest of the company.Prior knowledge and exposure the agronomy and supply chain of Cashew, Macadamia and PeanutsExperience in managing supply chainsHonesty, integrity and a set of values that encourages productive work in others Willingness to travel extensively and to work long hours if required Ability to engage with a diversity of audiences both within target communities and beneficiaries.If you possess the above skills, abilities and competencies, we are happy to engage with you. Please provide us with a cover letter and a resume, clearly stating your availability and salary expectations. All applications are to be sent via email to info@tradecareafrica.com with a copy to fmwilu@equatorialnut.co.ke to be received on or before the COB on 7th October 2014. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.