Procurement Officer (Category Officer) SC8

World Food Programme; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization is seeking a Procurement Officer (Category Officer) in Dubai, UAE. The role involves managing end-to-end procurement processes and ensuring compliance with organizational goals. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in procurement, preferably in categories like Information Technology and fuel. The position offers a competitive salary starting from AED 36,359.99 per month, medical insurance, and an inclusive work environment. Ideal for UAE nationals.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Training and development programs

Multicultural working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of operational experience in procurement.
• Experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Fluency in English; multilingualism is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement requests and processes.
• Provide technical advice to business units on procurement needs.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and practices.

Skills

Knowledge of procurement and category management

Financial planning and risk management

Data analysis

Supplier relationship management

Market and supplier analysis

Education

Advanced University degree in relevant fields

Professional certification in procurement (CIPS Level 2)

Tools

Procurement ERP systems

Job description

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

24 December 2025‑23:59‑GMT04:00 Gulf Standard Time (Dubai)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race colour national origin ethnic or social background genetic information gender gender identity and/or expression sexual orientation religion or belief HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the worlds 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 WFPs 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: 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).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

These jobs are found in Headquarters (HQ) Regional Offices (ROs) or Country Officers (COs). Job holders shall report to a more senior Procurement Officer/Manager or the Country/Deputy Country Director Deputy Regional/Division Director or the Head of Supply Chain or the designate.

Job holders are part of a team and typically manage small procurement teams. They operate in an environment where the complexity of procurement activities and operations is moderate e.g. involving varied range of goods services and food under markets segments and established categories and local regional and global procurement.

Procurement is a pillar of the end‑to‑end supply chain requiring cross‑functional collaboration with many/relevant/other functions to ensure efficient sourcing supplier performance pipeline coverage and seamless integration with logistics and distribution operations. Procurement activities align with broader supply chain strategies to enhance cost‑effectiveness operational efficiency and service delivery.

JOB PURPOSE

To implement and support the development of sourcing strategies focusing on operational excellence compliance risk management in line with global procurement strategies and organizational goals. Focus is on business partnering for an integrated approach to meet corporate needs and support the related operational requirements.

TITLE

Procurement Officer (Category Officer)

LEVEL

SC-8

SALARY

Starting from AED 36359.99 per month (inclusive of pension) plus medical insurance and other entitlements.

DUY STATION

Dubai UAE

DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT

12 months with possibility of extension.

OPEN FOR UAE NATIONALS

This position is open for UAE nationals and/or those holding a valid UAE residency visa.

The Procurement unit in Dubai is an outposted office under WFP HQ Supply Chain Division Procurement unit. The team based in Dubai manages Procurement of various non‑food items and reports to Headquarters. This position is advertised as a Procurement Officer and will perform the role of the Category Officer reporting to the Category Manager.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE WITHIN DELEGATED AUTHORITY)

1. Manage end‑to‑end procurement requests ensuring seamless integration of procurement processes proactive risk mitigation and alignment with cross‑functional teams. Identify and secure reliable sources of supply in full compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
2. Provide guidance and technical advice to business units fostering proactive collaboration to address procurement needs resolve challenges and align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.
3. Identify and implement procurement best practices for contract management to ensure compliance process efficiency and improved service delivery.
4. Support procurement decisions by considering financial viability risk factors and cross‑functional alignment for sound financial planning.
5. Collaborate with Supplier Relationship Management Team and relevant stakeholders to improve suppliers KPIs and implement process enhancement plans.
6. Guide and supervise junior staff acting as a point of referral and supporting them with simple analysis and queries.
7. Contribute to preparedness actions providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor specific risks.
8. Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency procurement needs.
9. Category Management
10. Support the development and implementation of category strategies to align procurement activities with market realities category priorities and business needs.
11. In collaboration with business units design engagement strategies establish KPIs and track category performance for effective service delivery.
12. Conduct category market and supplier analysis to support demand planning inform management plans and identify category relevant opportunities.
13. Review the formulation of category specifications to optimise category effectiveness and meet operational requirements.
14. Other as required.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

This section is to describe other duties skills & knowledge required for the specific job.

1. Candidate should have knowledge and skills in International Procurement of non‑food items mainly in categories related to Information Technology Fuel including Jet A1 Fuel and/or Vehicles (Trucks and Light vehicle).
2. Establish cross‑functional teams consisting of the client unit legal Supplier Relations Management Country Offices and technical experts to drive procurement processes and orchestrate collaboration to ensure all aspects of the process are properly addressed.
3. Participate in the Negotiation of contract terms in favour of the organization to secure cost savings and challenge suppliers to achieve lean supply chains.
4. Conduct thorough and complex data analysis for high‑value categories. Identify key drivers challenges and develop solutions and strategies to maximise efficiencies and streamline procurement processes.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Experience in procurement and category management from strategy design to sourcing project implementation through tendering or direct contract negotiation.
• Understanding of public procurement processes including sourcing tools and strategies solicitation methodologies evaluations to contract award and monitoring.
• Experience engaging with business units on their requirements providing technical advice and informing strategy alignments.
• Experience in identifying risks within procurement and broader processes managing contracts and ensuring compliance to standards.
• Experience conducting market analysis and supplier segmentation.
• Experience conducting cost analysis and benchmarking to inform decision‑making.
• Well‑versed in the use of procurement ERPs and data business intelligence/data visualisation.

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree in Supply Chain Management Economics Commerce Business Administration Engineering Legal or Accounting or other relevant field or First University degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience and/or training/course.

Professional certification such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 2) or equivalent is desired.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of operational experience in procurement. Experience in Procurement of Information & Technology Fuel or Vehicles category is an added advantage.

LANGUAGE

Fluency (level C) in English language

Multilingualism is an asset to engage with different contractors at global level.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation please contact:

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application processing training interviewing testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee please disregard it. Furthermore please note that emblems logos names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.
• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application please contact us at for technical support only.
• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.
• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate complete and includes your employment records academic qualifications language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed please apply and submit your application.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language.
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter.
• Additional documents such as passport recommendation letters academic certificates etc. may potentially be requested at a future time.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organisational needs, job requirements, merit and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse all forms of discrimination any kind of harassment sexual harassment and abuse of authority. Therefore all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) FAO Finance Committee WFP External Auditor WFP Audit Committee Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Unclear Seniority