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ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
WHY JOIN WFP?
– WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
– WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
– WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
– A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
– We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
Job Summary
- Employer: World Food Programme (WFP)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Procurement
- Closing Date: 2026-10-10
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute towards the development of procurement plans and processes ensuring compliance with wider procurement policies and WFP standards.
- Support or manage procurement programs and operational activities, (e.g. issue tenders, evaluate offers and negotiate/award contracts), following standard processes to contributing to successful procurement of food and non-food commodities or services.
- Track and analyse data to provide recommendations for process improvement.
- Collate data and contribute to preparation of accurate and timely reports of procurement activities, to contribute to a WFP wide view that enables informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders, leading to performance optimization.
- Collate information and draft appropriate responses to recommendations to support auditing of procurement activities and ensure conformity with compliance rules.
- Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts and external partners including suppliers, superintendents, companies, etc to align procurement activities with wider programmes and ensure a coherent approach to meeting food assistance needs.
- Support training of WFP staff to take a strategic and proactive approach to the procurement of food and non-food commodities and services, for example designing and reviewing training materials.
- Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with more complex analysis and queries.
- Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP is able to quickly respond and deploy food and needed goods and services to affected areas at the onset of the crisis.
- Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency food assistance needs.
- Other as required.
Requirements
- Advanced University degree in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Legal or Accounting or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
- Fluency (level C) in English language and the duty station’s language, if different.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: wd3.myworkdaysite.com
REF Code: JR127107
About the Company
The World Food Programme (WFP) is an international organization within the United Nations (UN) that provides food assistance worldwide. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals. Founded in 1961, WFP is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 87 countries. In 2023 it supported over 152 million people, and it is present in more than 120 countries and territories.
Website: https://www.wfp.org/countries/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications do I need to become a Procurement Officer at WFP in Malawi?
A bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required. Professional certifications like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or CPSP (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are highly valued by international organizations operating in Malawi. Relevant experience in procurement within NGOs, government, or private sector strengthens your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Procurement Officer at this level?
You will manage end-to-end procurement processes including sourcing suppliers, preparing tender documents, evaluating bids, and negotiating contracts for goods and services. The role involves ensuring compliance with WFP procurement policies, maintaining vendor databases, and coordinating with program teams to align purchases with operational needs. Regular reporting on procurement activities and market analysis for local Malawian suppliers is also expected.
How does the work culture differ in international organizations like WFP compared to local Malawian employers?
International organizations emphasize strict adherence to global procurement standards, transparency, and anti-corruption protocols that may exceed local private sector norms. The work environment is multicultural with English as the primary working language, and deadlines are often driven by donor funding cycles and emergency response timelines. Professionalism, documentation rigor, and accountability are paramount compared to more informal arrangements sometimes found in local settings.
What career progression opportunities exist for Procurement Officers in Malawi's humanitarian sector?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Procurement Officer, Procurement Manager, or Head of Supply Chain roles within WFP or other UN agencies. Many professionals transition to regional positions covering Southern Africa, or move into specialized areas like emergency response logistics or strategic sourcing. Building expertise in public procurement regulations also opens doors to senior roles with government ministries or large international NGOs based in Lilongwe.
What benefits should I expect as a Procurement Officer with an international organization in Malawi?
Benefits typically include comprehensive medical insurance covering local and regional healthcare, contributory pension schemes, and generous annual leave allowances often exceeding local statutory minimums. Many organizations provide hardship allowances, housing support, and education grants for dependents depending on contract type. Specific entitlements vary by contract category (fixed-term, service contract, or national officer) and should be confirmed during the offer process.
How should I apply and what do employers like WFP look for in Malawian candidates?
Apply through official UN careers portals or WFP's dedicated recruitment platform with a tailored CV highlighting quantifiable procurement achievements and compliance experience. Employers seek candidates with demonstrated integrity, knowledge of Malawian supplier markets, and experience with international procurement regulations or donor-funded projects. Strong references from previous supervisors and fluency in English with professional communication skills are essential differentiators in the competitive selection process.