Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Marondera
- Category: Procurement
- Closing Date: 2026-09-08
Key Responsibilities
- Developing annual procurement plans aligned with MUAST’s strategic objectives and budget priorities.
- Ensuring all procurement activities adhere to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23] and related statutory instruments.
- Coordinating bidding processes, preparing bid notices, managing pre-bid meetings, and overseeing bid opening and evaluations.
- Establishing, evaluating, and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers to ensure value for money and service quality.
- Negotiating, drafting, and managing procurement contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and institutional interests.
- Overseeing the work of evaluation committees, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with procurement laws.
- Identifying procurement risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and safeguarding MUAST against financial or operational losses.
- Tracking procurement performance, preparing compliance reports, and submitting updates to the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).
- Training procurement staff and stakeholders on procurement standards, ethics, and best practices.
- Managing the disposal of unserviceable, obsolete, or surplus university assets in compliance with the law.
Requirements
- At least a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Purchasing and Supply, Business Administration, Accounting, or equivalent.
- At least five (5) years’ proven experience in procurement management, preferably in a public institution.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
- Membership with a recognized professional body such as CIPS or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of procurement legislation and best practices.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for the Procurement Management Unit Director role in Zimbabwe?
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required; many employers prefer a Master’s degree or professional certification such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) Level 6 or its locally recognised equivalent. In Zimbabwe, registration with the Zimbabwe Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (ZIPPMM) is highly advantageous and often expected for senior procurement roles.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a Procurement Management Unit Director at a public university like Marondera University?
The role involves leading tender processes in compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDA Act, Chapter 22:23), managing procurement staff, reviewing bid evaluations, and ensuring value-for-money and transparency across all acquisitions. Daily tasks also include liaising with finance and academic departments, maintaining procurement records for audit readiness, and reporting to the University Council and Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRA) as mandated by Zimbabwean law.
How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for this leadership role?
Respect for hierarchy, formal communication protocols, and consensus-building with university governance structures (e.g., Senate, Council) are essential, reflecting Zimbabwe’s institutional and cultural norms. Punctuality, adherence to statutory reporting timelines, and visible commitment to ethical conduct — especially given heightened scrutiny of public procurement — are non-negotiable expectations in this role.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as Procurement Management Unit Director in a Zimbabwean university?
Successful directors may progress to broader institutional leadership roles such as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) or move into national regulatory positions, e.g., at the Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRA) or Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. Others transition to senior procurement advisory roles in parastatals, donor-funded projects, or private-sector conglomerates — particularly those engaged in agribusiness or infrastructure development aligned with Zimbabwe’s national priorities.
What typical benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) can a successful candidate expect in this public university role?
Appointees are covered under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme and usually receive fully subsidised medical aid through a university-contracted provider such as NSSA Health or a private scheme like Fidelity Life. Annual leave follows the Public Service Commission guidelines (typically 30 working days), plus public holidays and study leave entitlements where applicable, all governed by the Universities Act and collective agreements.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications must be submitted via official university channels — usually through the Human Resources Department — with certified copies of academic certificates, ZIPPMM or CIPS membership proof, and evidence of PPDA-compliant procurement experience. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience managing high-value tenders in public institutions, familiarity with Zimbabwe’s procurement legislation, strong ethics track record, and the ability to train and mentor junior procurement officers in line with national capacity-building goals.