The CSIR has a vacancy for a Junior Procurement Practitioner in the Strategic Procurement portfolio. The incumbent will be responsible for providing transactional support with the purchasing of goods and/or services for the CSIR. The position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities: Assist in measuring of supplier performance and evaluations; Maintain relationships with suppliers and monitor adherence to supplier Service Level Agreements (SLAs); Provide relevant procurement data and information, to line managers on specific suppliers, services and/or contracts to assist in project delivery; Assist in the accurate creation of purchase requisitions daily, including special instructions on requisitions; Assist in the identification of new suppliers of goods and services required to deliver to the Clusters and/or Portfolios procurement requirements; Follow-up on all quotations, with attention to ensuring competitiveness Provide support in the management of all requisitions/orders/supplier payment related queries for the Cluster and/or Portfolios; Ensure that all supplier details are appropriately registered, including gathering of information and liaising with suppliers; Respond timely to standard queries, including telephone calls/ contact with customers on any transactional incidents; Communicate procurement requirements and ensure adherence to relevant CSIR policy, procedures and standards; Contribute towards the CSIRs improvement in preferential procurement; Expedite orders to ensure timely delivery and excellent service to clients; Create cost savings opportunities for Clusters and/or Portfolios;

Qualifications, skills and experience: A National Diploma in purchasing and supply management or equivalent qualification with at least three years experience in a supply chain / procurement management environment; Attention to detail and the ability to meet demanding deadlines; Problem solving, negotiation and communication skills; E-procurement knowledge, sourcing and buying skills; Good understanding of business processes; Teamwork, flexibility and adaptability skills; Basic financial acumen and numerical skills;

Please go through above job specification and provide possible interview questions together with the answers.