At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase high-quality items for educational programmes while supporting administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a nonprofit dedicated to transforming children's lives through education.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, supportive team, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values individuality and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's education while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with procurement or admin experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Employment Type: Permanent Full time (Office based) role.
Organisation: Humanitarian Operations – A Children's Education Charity
About Us
We are a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing free, high-quality education to children in need. Our work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Procurement & Admin Coordinator to support our operations with sourcing, purchasing, and administrative tasks.
Role Summary
The Procurement & Admin Coordinator will play a key role in identifying and sourcing high-quality, cost-effective items (tech accessories, office furniture, educational tools, etc.) for our programs and spaces. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organised, research-driven, and fluent in Mandarin and English, to liaise effectively with our suppliers in China.
Key Responsibilities
- Research & Procurement
- Research and identify the best suppliers, products, and prices for a wide range of items, including tech gadgets, office furniture, school supplies, and more.
- Compare pricing, quality, shipping options, and supplier reliability.
- Manage purchasing processes including quotations, negotiations, and bulk orders—primarily from China.
- Build and maintain supplier relationships, ensuring smooth communication and timely deliveries.
- Administrative Support
- Maintain accurate stock records and track inventory levels.
- Organize documentation related to orders, invoices, and shipping.
- Coordinate with internal teams to anticipate and fulfill procurement needs.
- Support general office administration such as scheduling deliveries, managing petty cash, and filing digital records.
- Communication
- Communicate with Chinese-speaking suppliers, ensuring clear understanding of order specifications and timelines.
- Translate basic documents and emails as needed between Mandarin and English.
Qualifications
- Proficiency in Mandarin (spoken and written) and English is required.
- Experience in procurement, product research, supply chain, or administrative roles preferred.
- Strong internet research skills; ability to analyse and compare products efficiently.
- Familiarity with Chinese e-commerce platforms (e.g., Alibaba, Aliexpress) is a plus.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Passion for working with a nonprofit focused on children's education is highly valued.
What We Offer
- A meaningful role contributing to a cause that transforms children's lives.
- Flexible work environment and a supportive, purpose-driven team.
- Opportunities to grow and take on more responsibility as the organisation expands.
About HOPE
Humanitarian Operations (HOPE), was established in 2004 and is dedicated to eradicating educational inequality. Every child in the world should have equal opportunity to become numerate and have the ability to read and type, regardless of their background or nationality, and without prejudice. This should be done using the latest entertainment technology, thus enabling each lesson to come to life and envelop children, globally for free for those who cannot contribute financially. We are rapidly growing our team and we are looking for like-minded individuals to bring their skills to push our mission forward. We value teamwork, honesty, and flexibility in the workplace, and create an environment for everyone to flourish.
What is it like to work at HOPE?
At Humanitarian Operations, we do things a little differently. We are done with corporate hierarchies and work in an agile, start-up, fashion. We celebrate everyone’s individuality and ideas as exactly what they are: valuable! The work culture at HOPE is collaborative and relaxed. We encourage feedback and support each other to solve problems–always striving to be the best we can be. We are driven by a passion for quality and delivering outstanding products. We don’t believe in micro-management; we believe in supporting everyone to reach their best potential and practise using the most efficient and innovative solutions. HOPE is not just a place of work. It is a place of growth, learning, and development. We are co-creating a new world and having fun whilst doing it. We want to challenge everyone in positive and creative ways every day so we can all evolve together.
Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking) employer: Humanitarian Operations
Humanitarian Operations in Edinburgh is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about film and media production. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects like the Little Heroes film while enjoying flexible working hours. Our commitment to fostering a positive environment ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Humanitarian Operations.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Humanitarian Operations.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Humanitarian Operations.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Humanitarian Operations. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Humanitarian Operations. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanitarian Operations
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Humanitarian Operations. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
