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 protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable. CRS also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to its Code of Conduct among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating local procurement activities and processes to acquire goods and services that support the delivery of high-quality programs to poor and vulnerable populations. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement systems and operational procedures to ensure compliance with donor principles, standards, policies, and local legal requirements. The coordinator will work closely with various departments to maintain an updated procurement plan that includes all quantities, quality requirements, and delivery timelines for goods, cash assistance, and services. The position demands effective communication and collaboration with staff across different units to ensure timely delivery and receipt of goods and services, while also maintaining transparency and accountability in procurement processes. The successful candidate will be expected to monitor supplier performance and manage any issues that arise, ensuring that all procurement documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key duties and responsibilities of the Procurement Coordinator include: coordinating procurement systems and operational procedures to ensure full compliance; assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement processes and recommending improvements; contributing to compliance with donor principles, standards, policies, and local legal requirements; collaborating with various departments to develop and maintain an updated procurement plan; providing pricing information to assist budget holders in preparing their budgets; coordinating procurement processes to ensure value for money; conducting market assessments and price tracking; defining supplier evaluation criteria; facilitating transparent and consistent supplier selection processes; evaluating the quality and availability of goods; preparing contracts and purchase orders; communicating with procurement staff and program units to coordinate and track the delivery and receipt of goods and services; collecting information to confirm that delivered goods/services meet the correct quantities and quality; maintaining constant communication with suppliers to monitor contract execution; reporting on supplier performance and addressing any issues; ensuring comprehensive documentation of all procurement processes; and preparing reports and facilitating document retrieval.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Procurement Coordinator position include: a bachelor's degree in business administration or a relevant field; at least 5 to 7 years of professional experience in procurement/purchasing, logistics, or administration; proficiency in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with database management systems (e.g., MS Access) is highly valued; good knowledge of donor procurement regulations, particularly ECHO; understanding of international and national public procurement regulations and local market conditions; familiarity with contractual terms and the ability to execute purchase orders according to specifications; strong planning and coordination skills with the ability to prioritize competing priorities; analytical skills with the capacity to make independent judgments and decisions; a proactive, results-oriented approach with a focus on customer satisfaction; ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes; and strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree at the undergraduate level. A degree in business administration or a related field is preferred, as it provides the necessary foundation for understanding procurement processes and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience in procurement, purchasing, logistics, or administration. Additional training or education may substitute for some experience, but a solid background in procurement is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is French, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Proficiency in English is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the candidate's ability to navigate diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and may require travel of up to 40%. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff, and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate will be expected to sign and adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS offices are located. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.