Procurement Coordinator

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 assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect its dedication to ethical conduct and accountability, ensuring that all staff adhere to a Code of Conduct that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Coordinator will play a crucial role in coordinating local procurement activities and processes to acquire goods and services that support the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. This position requires a strong understanding of procurement systems and the ability to ensure compliance with CRS procurement principles, standards, policies, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements. The coordinator will be responsible for developing and maintaining an up-to-date procurement plan, assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement processes, and recommending improvements. The role also involves collaborating with various departments to ensure that procurement activities align with program needs and budgetary constraints. The successful candidate will utilize their knowledge and experience to enhance the quality and efficiency of procurement activities, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate procurement systems and operating procedures to ensure compliance with CRS standards and local regulations.
• Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement processes and recommend improvements.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date procurement plan that includes all quantities, quality, and delivery requirements for goods and services.
• Provide pricing information to assist budget holders in budget preparation.
• Coordinate sourcing processes to ensure best value for money, including market assessments and price monitoring.
• Define supplier evaluation criteria and facilitate transparent bidding and vendor selection processes.
• Communicate with procurement staff and program units to track goods/services delivery and keep stakeholders informed.
• Collect information to confirm that goods/services delivered meet order specifications in terms of quantity and quality.
• Maintain correspondence with suppliers and vendors to ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions. 1
• Monitor supplier performance and report on any issues or inefficiencies. 1
• Ensure a complete and accurate document trail of all procurement processes and maintain vendor files and inventory databases. 1
• Prepare reports and facilitate document retrieval as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in procurement/purchasing management, logistics, or administration, preferably with an international organization.
• Good knowledge of various donor procurement regulations (e.g., USG, EU, UN).
• Familiarity with international and national procurement regulations and local market conditions.
• Proven ability to successfully complete purchase orders against specifications.
• Preferably familiar with the supply chain in Albay and Catanduanes, in the Bicol region and Region 2-3.

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 understanding procurement processes, business operations, and the regulatory environment in which the organization operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in procurement or purchasing management, logistics, or administration. Experience with international organizations is preferred, as it provides insight into the complexities of donor regulations and compliance requirements that are critical for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Tagalog and English. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with local suppliers, stakeholders, and team members. Familiarity with the local market environment is also preferred, which may enhance the candidate's ability to navigate procurement challenges effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel, with the expectation that the successful candidate must be willing and able to travel up to 30%. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities, but it involves key working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders, including program managers, finance departments, and local government units. The position is full-time and may involve working with diverse teams across different cultural contexts. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring ethical conduct in all procurement activities.