Specialist - Purchase

Aga Khan University, Pakistan’s first private international university, is seeking a Specialist in Purchase to join its team in Karachi. The University is renowned for its commitment to education, research, and healthcare of international standards. This grant-funded contractual position offers an opportunity to contribute to procurement and contract management within a dynamic healthcare and academic environment. The role involves managing procurement activities, ensuring compliance with institutional and donor policies, and fostering strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct orientation sessions on relevant institutional and functional policies to ensure team alignment.
- Develop a clear understanding of the institution’s vision, mission, strategic direction, and emerging priorities to guide procurement activities.
- Ensure procurement processes align with organizational objectives, industry standards, and applicable regulations.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in procurement practices and processes.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and external partners.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors to meet institutional requirements.
- Ensure compliance with procurement procedures prescribed by donor agencies.
- Negotiate strategic agreements, preferred terms, and group discounts across the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
- Maintain awareness of relevant local and international laws and regulations affecting procurement.
- Understand procurement requirements related to accreditation bodies such as JCIA and CAP.
- Develop and maintain a system for recording, monitoring, and tracking contracts.
- Coach and develop team members to enhance operational support and overall performance.

Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration or an equivalent field.
- 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in Purchasing and Contracts Management.
- Strong knowledge of end-to-end supply management processes, including competitive bidding, contract management, supplier performance management, and life cycle costing.
- Ability to assess, evaluate, analyze, and interpret contract terms and conditions, recommending alternative language or solutions as needed.
- Strong research skills with an in-depth understanding of financial analytics and legal agreements.
- Exceptional negotiation, persuasion, and judgment skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- In-depth knowledge of the company’s core industry, policies, procedures, and objectives.
- Demonstrated leadership and management capabilities.
- Proficient computer skills, including advanced expertise in MS Office applications such as Excel.
- Ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with senior management.
- Strong presentation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder relationship management skills to engage others, build consensus, and resolve issues.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information:
- Additional degrees or certifications in Law or Contract Management will be considered an advantage.
- Experience working in healthcare, hospital, or research organizations is preferred.
- Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The institution upholds high standards for safeguarding and promoting respectful relationships among its diverse workforce, including faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and wider communities. Candidates are expected to share this commitment to integrity and respect.

This position is based in Karachi, Pakistan, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a prestigious institution that operates across multiple countries, including Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.