South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.

Job summary:

The REDD+ Project in the Predio Putumayo Reserve is set to protect 3.6 million hectares of primary forest while promoting sustainable livelihoods for 8,300 Indigenous people and enhancing traditional knowledge and local governance capabilities. Four Indigenous Territorial Environmental Authorities (AATI) in the Colombian Amazon will implement this ambitious project, backed by the robust support of South Pole.

The Senior Project Procurement Liaison Specialist will play a critical role in the successful implementation of the REDD+ project in the Predio Putumayo Indigenous Reserve. This role will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of procurement and contracting, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies, and promoting transparency and efficiency in the use of project funds. The Specialist will work closely with the Regional Senior Manager and other project team members to ensure that procurement and contracting activities support the timely and effective delivery of project outputs.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

• Your primary responsibility will be to ensure efficient and compliant procurement and contracting processes for the REDD+ project in the Predio Putumayo Indigenous Reserve, contributing directly to the project's successful implementation and the achievement of its objectives. You will play a key role in supporting the AATIs by strengthening their capacities in procurement and contracting, ensuring alignment with the project's operational manual and promoting local ownership. This position will report directly to the Regional Senior Manager, REDD+ Project Implementation, LATAM.

Project Performance Optimization and Accountability (80%)

• Develop and implement procurement plans for goods, services, and works in accordance with project requirements and donor guidelines.

• Prepare and issue solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, etc.), evaluate bids, and negotiate contracts with vendors.

• Ensure that all procurement processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and competitive manner.

• Maintain accurate records of all procurement transactions and ensure compliance with audit requirements.

• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with procurement activities.

• Develop and maintain a database of qualified vendors.

• Develop a proposal for the procurement policy, including procedures and formats for acquisitions and contracting.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with vendors, consultants, and other service providers.

• Ensure that contracts are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Monitor contract performance and ensure that deliverables are met on time and within budget.

• Manage contract amendments and variations.

• Resolve contract disputes and claims in a timely and effective manner.

Operational Integration (15%)

• Provide training and capacity building to the AATIs on procurement and contracting procedures, aligned with the project's operational manual.

• Support the AATIs in refining their procurement processes to ensure compliance and efficiency.

• Develop a proposal for the project monitoring policy, including procedures and formats for tracking project progress.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.

• Stay abreast of best practices in procurement and contracting.

• Contribute to the overall success of the REDD+ project by ensuring that procurement and contracting activities are aligned with project objectives.

Strategic Networking and Engagement (5%)

• Forge and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, such as local communities, government entities, and project partners.

• Actively engage in relevant events and forums to champion the project's interests and establish strong strategic alliances.

• Drive community consultation and participation processes to ensure project activities directly address local needs and priorities.

Requirements:

Essential -

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in procurement and contracting, preferably in the context of international development projects.

• Strong knowledge of procurement procedures and best practices.

• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or in remote locations is an asset.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Exceptional business communication skills (both verbal and written) in Spanish are non-negotiable, and an intermediate command is required.

• You must either be a national or hold a valid work visa in the country where you are applying.

Essential Skills:

• Proficiency in managing targets and priorities while developing your own goals is essential.

• You will need the capacity to independently resolve complex project-related problems and follow general directions for new assignments or projects.

Desirable -

• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams, and providing process-oriented and technical input to guide the work of others.

• Understanding of carbon finance essentials and carbon project development and certification.

• Ability to create high-quality written documents (proposals and deliverables) in Spanish and quality control for others.

What we offer:

At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation. 

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make; South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.