Senior Procurement Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various areas such as emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving those in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. The agency's processes and policies reflect this commitment, and it prioritizes candidates from the regions where it operates. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and accountability in its operations, ensuring that all staff adhere to its Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.

Job Overview:
The Senior Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in the ACROSS project, which aims to combat destabilization, radicalization, and violent extremism in border areas of Benin, Niger, and Nigeria. This position is based in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and involves planning, managing, and providing technical and operational expertise to ensure the effective delivery of goods to the poor and vulnerable populations in accordance with CRS and PATRIP requirements. The officer will be responsible for anticipating and managing procurement needs and challenges, introducing improvement solutions, and applying principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure compliance with procurement principles, standards, and policies, as well as local statutory requirements. The Senior Procurement Officer will coordinate with the program team to maintain an up-to-date procurement plan and will be accountable for the transparency of all procurement processes, ensuring a complete and accurate document trail.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Procurement Officer will coordinate fully compliant procurement systems and operating procedures, assessing their effectiveness and efficiency while recommending improvements. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, standards, and policies, as well as PATRIP and KfW regulations. The officer will coordinate with the program team to develop and maintain a procurement plan that outlines all quantities, quality, and delivery requirements for goods and services. They will also provide pricing information to assist budget holders in budget preparation. The sourcing process will be managed by the officer, who will perform market research, cost estimates, and facilitate the bidding process. The officer will ensure accountability and transparency in all procurement processes, maintaining accurate vendor files and procurement databases. Additionally, the Senior Procurement Officer will manage and supervise a team, providing coaching and performance management to ensure high-quality programming support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a relevant field. A Master's Degree in Business Administration or a related field is preferred. Full professional certification such as CIPS is a plus. The role requires a minimum of 4 years of work experience in procurement management with increasing responsibility, preferably within an international organization. Candidates should have a strong understanding of international and national procurement regulations, local market conditions, and experience managing construction contracts. Good analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and proficiency in MS Office and database management systems are essential for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Procurement Officer position includes a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's Degree in Business Administration or a relevant field is preferred, along with full professional certification such as CIPS, which is considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of work experience in procurement management, with a focus on increasing responsibility. Candidates should have experience working with international organizations and managing procurement processes, particularly in relation to construction contracts. A proven ability to successfully complete purchase orders against specifications is essential, along with experience using enterprise resource systems and database management systems.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Hausa is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in any other local languages is desirable, as it may enhance communication and relationship management with local suppliers and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Procurement Officer position is based in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria, and may require travel of up to 25%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. will be based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.