Procurement Officer

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learner with the required knowledge, practical skills and workplace based experience to prepare the learner to operate as a Procurement Officer. A Procurement Officer coordinates the procurement and supply of goods or services, manages contracts and negotiations with suppliers, and monitors the implementation of procurement schedules. Qualifying learners will be able to: • Develop and coordinate implementation of operational schedules for procurement and supply. • Manage procurement and supply relationships and contracts. • Monitor and measure procurement and supply performance.

Procurement is a function of the supply chain and therefore falls within the broader scope of supply chain management that covers a number of disciplines and occupations in the fields of procurement, logistics and sales. The importance of a progression path in support of continuous professional development within the supply chain, aligned to requirements of international professional bodies in this sector, becomes increasingly important in a global environment. It therefore became necessary to ensure better alignment with international requirements as well as the need for better integration between the various supply chain components during the revision of the current South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) registered qualification 91788: Occupational Certificate: Purchasing Officer. This revised qualification reflects the needs of the international professional bodies and focuses on the development and coordinated implementation of operational schedules with regard to purchasing and supply. Qualified Procurement Officers are critical to the on-going performance and improvement of procurement functions in both the public and private sectors. On completion of the qualification job opportunities would be available in both the public and private sector locally and internationally and provide opportunities for career pathways and life-long learning in the supply chain. Target groups identified include learners with an NQF Level 5 qualification or persons who have been working in the supply chain in the fields of purchasing and/or supply and who want to formalise their skills and knowledge. Employers in both the public and private sector will benefit from appointing qualified workers with relevant and current competencies in purchasing and supply. Qualified workers will contribute to increased productivity and legislative compliance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

• Develop and coordinate operational schedules for demand execution (order) management and procurement and supply.
• Identify and formalise procurement and supply relationships.
• Assess execution of procurement and supply operational schedules.