Job Opening at Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

May 10, 2026 1:05 pm

Job Opening at Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is seeking a Procurement Assistant to join our team in Accra. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in procurement, supply chain management, or business administration, bring at least two years of procurement experience, and understand donor policies from organizations like the World Bank, AfDB, or EU, this role offers the opportunity to support Africa’s agricultural research agenda while working alongside diverse stakeholders from across the continent.

Why FARA?

FARA is the apex continental organization responsible for coordinating and advocating for Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) across Africa. We serve as the technical arm of the African Union Commission on agriculture, science, technology, and innovation. Established in 1997, FARA strengthens Africa’s agricultural research systems and promotes a unified approach to agricultural development. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, we provide a platform for stakeholders to shape the sector’s vision and mobilize responses to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). As a Procurement Assistant, you will play a vital role in ensuring our operations run smoothly, from recruiting consultants to managing supplier contracts.

Your Mission

You will work under the supervision of the Human Resource and Administration Head, providing procurement and administrative support to the organization. Your role includes assisting with consultant recruitment, preparing solicitation documents such as RFQs and RFPs, supporting supplier due diligence and evaluation, and maintaining procurement files. You will also support contract management, meeting arrangements, and general clerical tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Your role spans procurement, documentation, vendor management, event support, and general administration. Here is what you will tackle:

Recruitment & Solicitation

You will assist in the recruitment process for consultants and experts, including preparation, design, and distribution of advertisements.
Preparing solicitation documents such as Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid evaluation summaries, and purchase orders in line with FARA’s procurement procedures and donor policies.

Sourcing & Evaluation

You will support the sourcing, due diligence, and evaluation of suppliers and vendors, plus the preparation of contracts according to applicable procurement guidelines.
Participating in and providing administrative support during contract negotiation meetings.

File Management & Archiving

You will maintain, update, and systematically archive procurement files, supplier databases, and related records to ensure accuracy and easy retrieval.
Regularly updating the online procurement system and vendor database with contact details, categorization, and performance history.

Follow Up & Administration

You will monitor task allocation within the procurement function and follow up on pending actions.
Supporting contract management activities, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.

Event & Clerical Support

You will support arrangements for meetings, workshops, and official events at FARA premises.
Providing general clerical and administrative support including filing, correspondence, photocopying, scanning, and record keeping.
Carrying out other administrative tasks as assigned.

What You Bring to the Role

Education & Certification

A bachelor’s degree in procurement, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is required.
Professional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management such as CIPS gives you an added advantage.

Experience

A minimum of two years of experience in procurement or a related field.
Good working knowledge of donor procurement policies and procedures from organizations such as the World Bank, AfDB, or EU.
Ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks within set timelines.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and address complex issues positively.
A strong commitment to excellence and professionalism.

Sensitivity & Adaptability

Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, nationality, and age differences.
High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in at least one foreign language gives you an added advantage.

Duration & Location

Duration: One year, subject to performance and organizational needs, including a three month probationary period.
Location: FARA Secretariat, Accra, Ghana.

Compensation

FARA offers competitive terms of employment and is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women.

Why This Role Suits You

Continental Impact: Your procurement work will directly support agricultural research across Africa, contributing to food security and rural development.
Donor Exposure: You will gain hands on experience with World Bank, AfDB, and EU procurement policies, building valuable skills for international development careers.
Stakeholder Diversity: You will work with colleagues, consultants, and vendors from across Africa and beyond.
Professional Growth: FARA offers a one year contract with potential renewal based on performance, plus a probationary period to confirm fit.

How to Apply for this Job at Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

If you possess the qualifications and drive to excel as a Procurement Assistant, we want to hear from you. Follow these steps to submit your application:

Prepare a cover letter and your updated curriculum vitae.
Address your application to Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director.
Email your documents to: recruitment@faraafrica.org

Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, May 22, 2026. Join FARA and help strengthen agricultural research systems across Africa.

NOTE:

Please be aware that employers typically receive a high volume of applications for each position and will only shortlist the most qualified candidates. Please note that NewsNowGh.com is not involved in the employer’s recruitment decisions and does not guarantee that applicants will be shortlisted or selected for any role.