Humanitarian Procurement Manager I, Cuba

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to humanitarian service. The agency's policies reflect its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all people, particularly those most vulnerable. CRS has a strong presence in the regions it serves, ensuring that its processes and policies align with its mission to save, protect, and transform lives.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Procurement Manager will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing procurement activities that support humanitarian operations in Cuba. This position requires a strategic approach to procurement planning, execution, and oversight of complex and high-risk procurements. The manager will ensure compliance with CRS procurement principles, donor regulations, and applicable legal requirements. A deep understanding of the operational constraints specific to Cuba, including regulatory, sanctions, and logistics considerations, is essential. The incumbent will develop practical procurement strategies that balance speed, compliance, and operational feasibility in a challenging environment. This role involves close coordination with programmatic and operational stakeholders in Cuba, ensuring that procurement activities align with programmatic needs and operational realities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Procurement Manager will oversee and manage procurement systems, processes, and operating procedures to ensure efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement for Cuba-related procurement activities. Key responsibilities include leading procurement planning processes, providing strategic oversight on high-risk and complex procurements, supervising procurement staff, conducting market research, engaging with suppliers, and supporting the development of strategic procurement initiatives. The manager will coordinate closely with program, finance, and logistics teams to align procurement timelines with delivery requirements, lead supplier engagement and performance management, and ensure all procurement actions are compliant with documentation standards. Additionally, the manager will provide strategic procurement advice to stakeholders and contribute to decision-making in constrained environments, while also supporting capacity strengthening initiatives through training and mentoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of procurement experience. Experience in restricted, regulated, or complex operating environments, particularly in contexts similar to Cuba, is essential. The candidate should have experience managing complex international procurement or supply chains involving multiple vendors and markets. Furthermore, the ability to secure transportation to access work locations is required, with reimbursement provided per CRS policy. Preferred qualifications include professional certification in procurement or supply chain management, experience with Enterprise Resource Management (ERP), and supervisory or management experience of at least 2 years.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective procurement management and understanding of business operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of procurement experience, with a strong emphasis on managing procurement in complex and regulated environments. Candidates should have a proven track record of handling international procurement or supply chains that involve multiple vendors and markets, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenges specific to such contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this role. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and engagement with stakeholders in Cuba and the broader Latin American and Caribbean regions.

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

• It involves supervisory responsibilities and may require travel up to 30% to CRS and vendor locations in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The role is full-time and is open to candidates from the countries and regions where CRS operates. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of these countries. The successful candidate will be required to sign and adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct, reflecting the agency's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.