Advisor II, Procurement

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 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 serving those in need. The agency has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and trust in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Advisor II, Procurement position is crucial for providing technical advice, support, and capacity building to both procurement and non-procurement staff in alignment with CRS procurement policies, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The role involves collaboration with global, regional, and country colleagues to enhance the delivery of high-quality programming aimed at assisting the poor and vulnerable. The Advisor will leverage in-depth technical knowledge in procurement and donor regulations, alongside critical skills such as learning design and effective communication, to ensure successful outcomes. This position is integral to fostering effective, adaptive, and innovative procurement practices throughout CRS, thereby enhancing the organization's ability to respond to humanitarian crises efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Advisor II, Procurement include:

• Technical Procurement Enablement: Empower procurement and non-procurement staff through expert guidance and practical tools to ensure effective and compliant procurement execution. Provide strategic planning guidance and support for procurement processes, ensuring high-quality implementation.
• Strategic Procurement Capacity Building: Develop and implement learning strategies to enhance procurement capabilities across the agency. Facilitate training and workshops, provide mentorship, and engage with non-procurement staff to ensure understanding of their roles in the procurement process.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure that procurement policies and procedures are current and compliant. Identify gaps in policies and update them according to donor regulations. Advise staff on compliance requirements and respond to inquiries regarding complex procurement rules.
• Direct Procurement: In situations where procurement staff are unavailable, the Advisor may need to conduct direct procurement, executing end-to-end procurement processes under tight timelines, including cost estimates, solicitation documents, and contract preparations for emergency goods and services.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Advisor II, Procurement position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, international relations, public administration, economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role, ideally with an international NGO.
• At least three years of experience in emergency procurement.
• Proven experience in providing technical assistance and developing successful capacity-building initiatives for external donor funding.
• Familiarity with donor procurement regulations, including those from USAID, Global Fund, DFID, and KfW.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, along with excellent relationship management abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as supply chain management, logistics, business administration, international relations, public administration, or economics. A Master’s degree in supply chain management, procurement, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Additionally, certifications in procurement and supply chain management, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Project Management Professional (PMP), are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role, with progressive responsibilities. This experience should ideally be within an international NGO context. Furthermore, candidates must have at least three years of experience specifically in emergency procurement, demonstrating a strong understanding of the unique challenges and requirements associated with this area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is highly desirable, as these languages can enhance communication and collaboration in diverse geographical and cultural settings.

Additional Notes:
The position is tentatively scheduled to last from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, and is contingent on funding availability. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities, but it does require a willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.