Procurement Manager, Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Procurement

The Procurement Manager, Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Procurement supports fast-moving technology sourcing needs across IRC, with a focus on early-stage digital innovation, pilots, proofs of concept, trials, and emerging tools. The role helps teams test and evaluate new technology quickly while maintaining procurement discipline, vendor due diligence, risk review, documentation, and compliance.

For this role, “digital innovation” refers to early-stage, small-scale, fast-moving technology initiatives where IRC teams are testing a new idea, tool, platform, vendor, or digital approach before deciding whether to scale. The portfolio covers AI and generative AI tools where applicable, SaaS and digital platforms, automation, data and analytics, migration and testing tools, cybersecurity tools, collaboration platforms, digital service delivery tools, field and mobile technology, low-code and no-code platforms, and other emerging digital solutions.

This role is an execution-focused, hands-on individual contributor role. It enables IRC to move quickly on emerging technology and digital innovation requests without bypassing procurement controls, vendor due diligence, information security, data protection, legal review, donor compliance, or documentation requirements. The Procurement Manager serves as the day-to-day procurement focal point for these requests

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in procurement, supply chain, business administration, information technology, engineering, law, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Minimum 5 to 7 years of procurement, sourcing, contract management, or vendor management experience.

Of the required 5 to 7 years above, at least 3 years must be in IT procurement, SaaS and software sourcing, software licensing, cloud services, cybersecurity tools, data platforms, or similar technology categories.

Experience supporting pilots, trials, proofs of concept, or other early-stage technology procurement activities.

Experience coordinating vendor due diligence and technology risk reviews, including cybersecurity, data protection, financial, and operational risk.

Experience supporting sourcing events, supplier evaluations, commercial analysis, and contract coordination.

Good understanding of technology procurement risks, including data protection, information security, intellectual property, software licensing, vendor lock-in, and third-party risk.

Ability to work effectively with IT, Legal, Information Security, Data Protection, Finance, and business teams.

Demonstrated ability to work quickly while maintaining compliance, controls, and documentation standards.

Strong stakeholder service orientation and ability to balance procurement standards with customer needs.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Good judgment and ability to balance speed, compliance, risk, and stakeholder needs.

Experience in an NGO, donor-funded organization, humanitarian agency, UN agency, or complex global organization.

Knowledge of donor compliance requirements such as USAID/BHA, FCDO, ECHO, EU, UN agencies, or private foundations.

Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent, completed or in progress.

Working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is an advantage.

The Procurement Manager, Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Procurement supports fast-moving technology sourcing needs across IRC, with a focus on early-stage digital innovation, pilots, proofs of concept, trials, and emerging tools. The role helps teams test and evaluate new technology quickly while maintaining procurement discipline, vendor due diligence, risk review, documentation, and compliance.

For this role, “digital innovation” refers to early-stage, small-scale, fast-moving technology initiatives where IRC teams are testing a new idea, tool, platform, vendor, or digital approach before deciding whether to scale. The portfolio covers AI and generative AI tools where applicable, SaaS and digital platforms, automation, data and analytics, migration and testing tools, cybersecurity tools, collaboration platforms, digital service delivery tools, field and mobile technology, low-code and no-code platforms, and other emerging digital solutions.

This role is an execution-focused, hands-on individual contributor role. It enables IRC to move quickly on emerging technology and digital innovation requests without bypassing procurement controls, vendor due diligence, information security, data protection, legal review, donor compliance, or documentation requirements. The Procurement Manager serves as the day-to-day procurement focal point for these requests

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in procurement, supply chain, business administration, information technology, engineering, law, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Minimum 5 to 7 years of procurement, sourcing, contract management, or vendor management experience.

Of the required 5 to 7 years above, at least 3 years must be in IT procurement, SaaS and software sourcing, software licensing, cloud services, cybersecurity tools, data platforms, or similar technology categories.

Experience supporting pilots, trials, proofs of concept, or other early-stage technology procurement activities.

Experience coordinating vendor due diligence and technology risk reviews, including cybersecurity, data protection, financial, and operational risk.

Experience supporting sourcing events, supplier evaluations, commercial analysis, and contract coordination.

Good understanding of technology procurement risks, including data protection, information security, intellectual property, software licensing, vendor lock-in, and third-party risk.

Ability to work effectively with IT, Legal, Information Security, Data Protection, Finance, and business teams.

Demonstrated ability to work quickly while maintaining compliance, controls, and documentation standards.

Strong stakeholder service orientation and ability to balance procurement standards with customer needs.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Good judgment and ability to balance speed, compliance, risk, and stakeholder needs.

Experience in an NGO, donor-funded organization, humanitarian agency, UN agency, or complex global organization.

Knowledge of donor compliance requirements such as USAID/BHA, FCDO, ECHO, EU, UN agencies, or private foundations.

Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent, completed or in progress.

Working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is an advantage.

Similar open roles

• Documentation Coordinator (Nairobi) at Airflo LimitedAirflo Limited · Nairobi
• Deputy Director, Supply Chain ManagementNuclear Power Agency · Nairobi
• Documentation Team Lead (Nairobi) at Airflo LimitedAirflo Limited · Nairobi
• Billing CoordinatorQ-Sourcing Servtec Group · Kiambu
• Warehouse & Inventory ManagerHighlands Drinks Limited · Nyeri
• Team LeaderKenya Airfreight Handling Limited (KAHL) · Nairobi