Programme Assistant Job in Kenya - Ministry of Agriculture

Job Purpose

  • The Procurement Specialist will lead all procurement functions of the Programme, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and compliance with both IFAD and GoK procurement guidelines. This role provides technical guidance and oversight to PCMU and county-level procurement staff to ensure timely procurement of works, goods, and services in alignment with Programme objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Planning and Policy

  • Lead the preparation and updates of the Procurement Plan (PP) in line with the Annual Workplans and &Budgets, IFAD templates, and GoK procedures.
  • Contribute to finalization and updates of the procurement section of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM).
  • Ensure procurement activities are aligned with the Financing Agreement, IFAD
  • Procurement Guidelines, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA), and related regulations.

Execution of Procurement Processes


  • Coordinate preparation of bidding documents, including Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, and Bills of Quantities, in collaboration with technical teams.
  • Oversee all stages of procurement, including advertisement, evaluation, contract award, and contract management.
  • Coordinate tender committee meetings and prepare corresponding reports.
  • Provide professional reviews of tender evaluation reports and issue procurement opinions in line with applicable procedures.

 Compliance, Oversight, and Support

  • Ensure timely submission of procurement documentation for approval and clearance, including No Objection requests to IFAD.
  • Ensure accurate documentation and maintain procurement records for audit and reference.
  • Provide training and capacity building to PMCU and County-level staff on procurement procedures and compliance requirements.

Coordination and Advisory Role

  • Serve as the primary liaison on procurement matters with GoK agencies, IFAD and service providers.
  • Support integration of procurement functions into overall project planning and implementation.

Other Duties

  • Perform any other procurement-related duties assigned by the National Programme Coordinator.

Academic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant field from a recognized university.
  • Must be a registered and licensed member of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) and in good standing.

Applicable Professional Experience

  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior management position undertaking procurement roles within government and donor-funded projects.
  • In-depth understanding of IFAD Procurement Guidelines, Public Procurement and
  • Asset Disposal Act (PPADA), and GoK procurement procedures.
  • Experience working in public procurement systems and coordinating with national and county-level institutions.

Competencies and Skills

  • Knowledge of international donor procurement frameworks.
  • Experience in setting up procurement systems and training teams in procurement procedures.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent coordination, planning, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and operate with minimal supervision.
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to interact effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders

How to Apply

Applicants must demonstrate relevant academic qualifications, professional certifications, and practical experience as outlined in the detailed job descriptions available in the Ministry’s website: www.kilimo.go.ke

Application Procedure

  • Access the National Employment Authority’s Integrated Management System (NEAIMS) through neaims.go.ke
  • Sign up as a Jobseeker/Intern (If not already signed up)
  • Login and capture your CV/Profile comprehensively
  • Submit your registration in the portal
  • Apply for the position(s) of interest as advertised
  • Frequently check on the status of your application and wait for shortlisting to be done.

Interested applicants are advised to sign up and apply for any of the above advertised positions through the neaims portal (www.neaims.go.ke).

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit the following documents:

  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Copies of National ID, academic and professional certificates
  • Supporting documents and testimonials
  • Letter of recommendation from the current or recent Supervisor (Optional)

Successful candidates will be asked to submit documents that will indicate they adhere to the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution (2010)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • All appointments are on performance-based contract terms and are subject to an IFAD No Objection.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is an equal opportunity employer.
  • Applications from women, youth, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.
  • Manual/paper applications will not be accepted.