Procurement Officer, Cocoa - Ondo

Zowasel is hiring a Procurement Officer for Cocoa to oversee sourcing and procurement in Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo states. The role involves supplier management, contract negotiation, sustainability practices, and compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a degree in supply chain management or related fields and at least 3 years of relevant experience. The position is remote, with significant travel required within the designated regions.
Department: Supply Chain Department

Location: Ondo

Reporting to: Regional Supply Chain Manager

Role Summary

The Procurement Officer, Cocoa will play a pivotal role in the end‑to‑end sourcing and procurement of cocoa within Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo states—regions that account for over 60 % of Nigeria’s cocoa production. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring alignment with Zowasel’s sustainability, ethical, and quality standards, as well as full regulatory compliance (including EUDR) and customer specifications. You will also deliver farmer training on environmental stewardship and sustainable agronomic practices, thereby significantly impacting the cocoa industry.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Sourcing & Supplier Management

Map, evaluate, and onboard cocoa suppliers (smallholder farmers, cooperatives, buying agents) in Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo.

Negotiate contracts, pricing, and payment terms to optimize cost, quality, and supply security.

Procurement Cycle Leadership

Guide internal stakeholders through RFQs, tender evaluations, contract awards, purchase‑order issuance,e and delivery logistics—meeting tight deadlines and volume targets.

Monitor order fulfillment, resolve delivery issues, and maintain accurate procurement records.

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship

Implement deforestation‑free and sustainable agriculture protocols that are aligned with Zowasel’s standards.

Train farmers on soil health management, water conservation, and integrated agroforestry to reduce their environmental footprint.

Ethical Sourcing & Compliance

Enforce supplier adherence to Zowasel’s Code of Conduct (anti‑corruption, labor rights, land‑use ethics).

Planned and conducted periodic audits (internal and third‑party) to verify compliance with EUDR and local regulations.

Quality Assurance & Customer Alignment

Coordinate with Quality Control teams to grade, sample, and test cocoa beans, ensuring all shipments meet customer‑defined parameters (moisture, fermentation, defect counts).

Drive corrective action plans with suppliers when quality issues arise.

Field Engagement & Reporting

Conduct regular field visits (“bush tours”) across the four states for supplier scouting, debt collection, and on‑site assessments.

Prepare and present weekly/monthly reports on procurement volumes, supplier performance, sustainability metrics, and risk assessments.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, agriculture, business, or a related field.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years in procuring and sourcing cocoa within Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo states, with demonstrated supplier‑network development and volume‑fulfilment success.

Experienced sourcing cashew nuts will be an added advantage.

Technical Knowledge:

End‑to‑end procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier management.

Familiarity with EUDR requirements and sustainability certification standards (e.g., Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade).

Skills & Attributes:

Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder‑management skills.

Excellent communication and farmer‑training abilities; proficiency in Yoruba)

Proactive, detail‑oriented, high integrity, and culturally sensitive.
• Mobility: *Willingness to travel frequently (up to 90 %) across the four target states.

Why Join Zowasel?

Here's your chance to lead the sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s cocoa‑producing regions. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact and drive positive change.

We are committed to empowering smallholder farmers and building transparent, traceable supply chains. Join us and be part of a team that's making a real difference.

We believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work. We offer competitive remuneration, performance incentives, and numerous professional growth opportunities. If you're looking for a rewarding career, Zowasel is the place for you.

To Apply: Send your CV and cover letter to work@zowasel.com with the subject line “Procurement Officer, Cocoa Application – . Zowasel is an equal-opportunity employer.