Senior Procurement Specialist

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, 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 all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, dedicated to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Job Overview:
The Senior Procurement Specialist will play a crucial role in managing the procurement systems and processes for the ACROSS project team, which aims to enhance cross-border resilience and opportunities for safety and stability. This position involves overseeing both local and international procurement of goods and services, ensuring that high-quality programming is delivered to the poor and vulnerable populations. The specialist will coordinate and report on all procurement activities, providing guidance and advice to staff and implementing partners. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement principles, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements, as well as the ability to manage procurement activities efficiently and transparently. The specialist will also be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date procurement plan, advising budget holders, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Procurement Specialist will manage fully compliant procurement systems and operating procedures, assessing their effectiveness and leading improvements. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, leading collaboration across departments and countries, maintaining procurement plans, managing the analysis-to-contract process, and ensuring transparency and integrity in procurement activities. The specialist will supervise the procurement team, provide coaching and performance management, oversee supplier relationships, monitor payment terms, and maintain a reliable procurement document trail. Additionally, the specialist will conduct periodic risk assessments and ensure that all procurement records are complete and accurate, facilitating effective decision-making through consolidated reporting and data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a relevant field, along with a minimum of 3 years of work experience in procurement, purchasing management, logistics, and administration, preferably with an international organization. At least 2 years of experience in a mentorship or team leader capacity is also required. Strong knowledge of donor procurement regulations, international and national procurement regulations, and local market conditions is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, staff management experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Strong analytical skills and the ability to make independent judgments are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is required. A master’s degree in business administration or a relevant field is preferred, along with professional certifications in procurement or supply chain management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in procurement and purchasing management, logistics, and administration, with increasing responsibility. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in a mentorship or leadership role, demonstrating the ability to manage teams effectively and foster a learning environment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Hausa is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other local languages will be considered an added advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and suppliers.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria, and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 40%. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities but involves significant collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS’s safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals interacting with the organization.