Humanitarian Procurement Specialist I

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is a humanitarian organization that has been working to alleviate suffering and provide assistance to those in need since its establishment. The organization operates in over 100 countries, focusing on emergency response, sustainable development, and social justice. With a mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS employs thousands of staff worldwide, dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Their work is guided by the principles of integrity, accountability, and respect for human dignity, ensuring that they respond effectively to the needs of those affected by crises.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Procurement Specialist I position is crucial for supporting procurement activities that facilitate humanitarian operations in Cuba. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the procurement processes are timely, compliant, and appropriate for the context of Cuba. This role requires a deep understanding of the local operating environment and the ability to coordinate procurement activities that uphold the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability. The specialist will work closely with the Cuba program team to navigate the unique challenges of procurement in the region, balancing the need for speed with compliance and operational feasibility. The position is expected to contribute significantly to the delivery of high-quality programming aimed at assisting the poor and vulnerable populations in Cuba.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Humanitarian Procurement Specialist I include executing fully compliant procurement processes in accordance with CRS policies, procedures, and donor requirements. The specialist will support procurement planning by gathering requirements, market information, and pricing data specific to Cuba-related procurement needs, while also identifying and flagging any constraints or risks that may impact sourcing. Responsibilities also encompass executing or supporting end-to-end procurement processes, which include preparing solicitations, sourcing suppliers, evaluating bids, and maintaining thorough documentation. The specialist will coordinate closely with procurement, program, logistics, and finance teams to track procurement actions, monitor progress, and escalate any issues that may affect delivery. Proactive communication with suppliers is essential to monitor order status, resolve issues, and support contract execution. The specialist must verify that goods and services delivered meet the required specifications, quantities, timelines, and cost expectations, addressing any discrepancies as they arise. Maintaining accurate and complete procurement documentation is critical for ensuring audit readiness and compliance. Additionally, the specialist will support supplier identification, market research, and due diligence processes relevant to operations in Cuba, while also providing basic procurement support and guidance to internal stakeholders. Finally, the specialist will be responsible for procurement reporting and maintaining accurate data in ERP systems, such as Insight.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a relevant field, along with a minimum of two to five years of work experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably within an international organization. A good understanding of various donor procurement regulations, such as those from the Department of State, is essential. The candidate should possess knowledge of international and national procurement regulations, as well as local market conditions in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean region. An understanding of contract terms and the ability to successfully complete purchase orders against specifications is necessary. Proficiency in the MS Office suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required, and experience with Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) systems is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding procurement processes, regulations, and market dynamics, which are critical for the role of Humanitarian Procurement Specialist I.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have between two to five years of relevant work experience in procurement or purchasing. This experience should preferably be with an international organization, allowing the candidate to develop a strong understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in humanitarian procurement, particularly in challenging environments such as Cuba.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required, with proficiency in both written and spoken forms. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local suppliers, stakeholders, and team members, ensuring that procurement processes are executed smoothly and efficiently.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last from July 1, 2026, to December 202

• It does not involve supervisory responsibilities, but the specialist will be required to travel up to 30% of the time to CRS and vendor locations in the US, Caribbean, and Latin America. The role is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, requiring the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.