Procurement and Operations Specialist

Activity Background
The USAID Burma Responsible Investment and Trade Activity is a five-year (2020 – 2025) activity that will work with a broad range of international and domestic private sector firms and civil society actors to promote civilian ownership of the Myanmar economy by increasing the share held by responsible, accountable, and transparent firms. Through the Activity, USAID will increase trade and private sector investment. To attract and sustain investment and trade, the Activity is supporting firms operating in or entering the market in Myanmar to improve corporate governance, business transparency, and competitiveness.

DAI Organization and Values
DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.
DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.
DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

Job Title: Procurement and Operations Specialist
Project: USAID Responsible Investment and Trade Activity
Reports to: Finance and Operations Director
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Duration: Full-time one-year contract, possible yearly extensions through July 2025

Overview of the Position
DAI seeks a highly organized and capable Procurement and Operations Specialist with excellent communications skills who can independently handle the procurement and operations functions. The Procurement and Operations Specialist will be responsible for the Activity’s overall procurement process. He/she will play a pivotal role in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in procurement processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls. He/she will be responsible for contracting across a variety of industry sectors, managing contracts, resolving disputes, managing interpersonal relationships and communication, and investigating/following up on vendor issues. He/she will also execute operations and other back-office functions on an ad-hoc basis. He/she will report to the Finance and Operations Director.

Roles and Responsibilities
Under the Finance and Operations Director’s supervision, the Procurement and Operations Specialist will have the following main responsibilities:

General Acquisition and Procurement Responsibilities

• Maintain quarterly procurement plans and complete all procurement activities on schedule.
• Execute the entire procurement cycle per DAI policies and procedures and USAID regulations.
• Ensure sufficient competition for the procurement, and it is of integrity, compliant, and fair.
• Identify potential suppliers through market research for Activity needs.
• Help non-procurement staff understand the requirements for submitting complete and accurate requisitions, cost estimates, complete statements of work, and technical specifications.
• Draft and release professionally written requests for quotations and proposals. Determine source selection methods for complex procurement to ensure compliance.
• Facilitate evaluation committees’ meetings, lead vendor negotiations, conduct cost/price reasonability analysis, manage draft vendor responsibility determinations and proper document selection.
• Execute purchase orders and subcontracts, track performance, and ensure delivery of goods or services by contract end dates.
• Manage professional relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Maintain electronic procurement file system in DAI’s procurement system (TAMIS) and SharePoint.
• Prepare complete backup documentation for procurement and submit payment requests to the Accountant.
• Conduct regular reviews and spot checks on procurement-related backup documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.

General Operations

• Manage vendors for operations, including driver service, equipment, and other service providers.
• Conduct lease management activities, including managing documents in standardized templates, coordinating, reporting, and tracking compliance.
• Perform day-to-day office management and maintenance, such as taking inventory and restocking, maintaining facilities and office properties, and so on.
• Update policies and procedures of procurement and operations function in the Field Operations Manual (FOM).
• Supervise travel and logistics arrangements.
• Sensitize other project staff to DAI policies and procedures for procurement and operations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as instructed by the senior management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent in business administration, business management, supply chain, or logistics-related fields with four years of procurement and contract management experience. In lieu of an advanced degree, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree plus seven years of progressive responsibility in procurement or operations at the mid-level of an organization.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, exceptional customer relations (both internally and externally), and sound business judgment.
• Has ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent bids, respond effectively to time-sensitive demands and inquiries, and be proactive in the procurement process.
• Extremely well organized, self-directed, analytical and resilient to pressure.
• Has excellent communications and personnel management skills and ability to establish and maintain good rapport with people at all levels of an organization and of multi-cultural backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in English and Burmese languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Has experience in leading and managing the procurement and acquisition aspects of USAID-funded projects and a demonstrable understanding of applicable procurement-related US Government & Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Supervisory Requirements

• Responsible for providing training, guidance, and direction to the Administrative Assistant.
• Responsible for Activity teambuilding and creating a culture of honesty, professionalism, and openness.