PROVISIONING OFFICER

This vacancy is for a Provisioning Officer based at the Head Office of a public higher education college, operating under the Department of Higher Education’s mandate. The role sits at the centre of the institution’s supply chain management function and is critical to ensuring that all procurement and related activities are carried out in line with South African public finance legislation. The position calls for someone who can combine administrative precision with a solid grasp of regulatory compliance, as they will be involved in everything from tendering procedures to asset management.

To be considered, applicants need a Matric certificate or equivalent, plus a recognised National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Public Management at NQF level 6. They must also have between two and three years of practical experience in supply chain management or a closely related environment. While a valid driver’s licence is not compulsory, it is listed as an added advantage. The role demands a working knowledge of supply chain policies, procedures and practices, as well as a sound understanding of the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury regulations, and applicable SCM prescripts. Familiarity with demand and acquisition processes, the legislative framework governing the public service, and the operational procedures of the working environment is also expected. Knowledge of the Coltech system and the Department of Higher Education’s mandate will strengthen an application, as will core skills in planning, report writing, communication, interpersonal engagement, flexibility, computer literacy, customer care, and teamwork.

The daily duties are wide-ranging. The successful candidate will act as secretariat to the Bid Evaluation Committee and the Bid Adjudication Committee, including obtaining the necessary approvals. They will help compile bid documents, submit specifications to the bid committees and the finance department for budgeting purposes, prepare tender advertisements, and receive submissions of expressions of interest. They will also receive and open bid documents, arrange and coordinate tender briefing sessions, and prepare attendance registers. Maintaining a database of approved suppliers is a key responsibility, and the officer must source quotations from this database in line with National Treasury threshold values, as well as from accredited suppliers through the college database. The role includes reviewing quotations, specifications and supplier documentation to ensure they meet prescribed requirements, arranging briefing sessions, and implementing procurement policies in line with legislation. The officer will generate purchase orders, prepare submissions for approval, and send purchase orders to the relevant parties. They will also assist with the receipt of goods and services through the Management Information System, support the provision of contract management services, maintain ethical supplier relationships, and provide logistical, disposal, and asset management services to the college. This is a demanding but rewarding public service position that offers the usual government employment benefits and requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.