Business Services Specialist

Job Description

Business Services Specialist

REF: BSS/CIMMYT/09/2025

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) seeks to recruit a Business Support Specialist who will be responsible for overseeing procurement and fleet operations in Ethiopia and may provide support to neighbouring countries as needed, in coordination with the regional or HQ team. The role ensures that all purchases and transportation services are cost-effective, timely, and aligned with CIMMYT’s operational needs. It balances strategic coordination with active day-to-day involvement, ensuring full compliance with organizational and donor guidelines.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is an autonomous, non-profit making, international scientific organization operating under the aegis of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). More specifically its mission is to encourage, support and undertake activities to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat systems in the interest of the resource poor in developing countries.

Main duties & responsibilities:

Procurement Management

• Coordinate with project teams to identify procurement needs and develop sourcing plans.
• Review and validate purchase requisitions (PRs) to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Source suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships.
• Group similar requests to streamline procurement and reduce costs.
• Track purchase orders from creation through delivery and payment.
• Maintain records in local and global procurement systems.
• Support procurement committee sessions, preparing necessary documentation and participating in evaluation processes.
• Ensure vendors meet organizational standards before onboarding.

Fleet Management

• Manage CIMMYT’s vehicle fleet in Ethiopia, ensuring proper usage, maintenance, and safety.
• Monitor transport service levels to ensure they meet program and operational needs.
• Coordinate with insurance providers to optimize vehicle coverage.
• Maintain vehicle documentation and usage records.
• Support the recruitment and orientation of drivers.
• Track and report vehicle usage costs and ensure chargebacks are accurate and timely.

Compliance and Risk

• Ensure all procurement and transport activities follow CIMMYT policies, donor rules, and local laws.
• Maintain a clear audit trail of all transactions and approvals.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks related to procurement and fleet.

Technology & Reporting

• Use ERP systems, Excel, and other digital tools to manage processes and support decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement and fleet activities, including KPIs.

• Submit updates and reports to HQ and management as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness, or a related field
• Relevant professional certification

Experience:

• Six years of relevant work experience in procurement and/or fleet management, preferably in an international or donor-funded organization
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics) and good knowledge of Excel.

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; strong Excel skills required.
• Driving license is advantageous
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Duty Station:     Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position level:   HG 14

Minimum Base salary:  Birr 54,708 per month

Terms of appointment: This is a National Staff (NS) position, initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.  The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus with dining and sports facilities.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae.

The position and reference number: REF: BSS/CIMMYT/09/2025 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com on or before 30 June 2025.

CIMMYT/ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training).

To find more about CIMMYT, visit our Website at www.cimmyt.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/

Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.