Specialist - Purchase

Aga Khan University, established in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private international university, is dedicated to delivering education, research, and healthcare services of international standards relevant to Pakistan and the surrounding region. The University is affiliated with the Aga Khan University Hospital, which offers advanced clinical facilities and diagnostic services. With teaching sites across Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, AKU forms a vital part of the Aga Khan Development Network. Committed to diversity and inclusion, AKU fosters a respectful and safe environment for its diverse workforce, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and communities, including children and vulnerable adults. This position is a grant-funded contractual role based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Key Responsibilities

- Conduct orientation sessions to familiarize staff with institutional and functional policies.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the University’s vision, mission, strategic goals, and emerging priorities.
- Ensure all procurement activities align with organizational objectives, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Identify opportunities to enhance procurement processes and implement continuous improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and external partners.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors to meet institutional needs.
- Ensure compliance with procurement procedures mandated by donor agencies.
- Negotiate strategic agreements, preferred terms, and group discounts across the Aga Khan Development Network.
- Stay updated on relevant local and international laws and regulations affecting procurement.
- Understand procurement requirements related to accreditation bodies such as JCIA and CAP.
- Develop and maintain systems for recording, monitoring, and tracking contracts.
- Coach and develop team members to enhance operational support and overall team performance.

Required Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Business Administration or an equivalent field.
- Additional qualifications or certifications in Law or Contract Management will be considered an advantage.
- Three to five years of relevant experience in Purchasing and Contracts Management.
- Experience in healthcare, hospital, or research organizations is preferred.
- 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, and interpret contract terms and conditions, recommend alternative solutions, and assist in resolving supplier risk, compliance, or performance issues.
- Excellent research skills with a solid understanding of financial analytics and legal agreements.
- Exceptional negotiation, persuasion, and judgment capabilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- In-depth knowledge of industry-specific policies, procedures, and organizational objectives.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
- Proficiency in stakeholder relationship management, conflict resolution, and consensus-building.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Advanced computer skills, particularly in MS Office applications including Excel.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with senior management.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.