Procurement Officer

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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, promoting local engagement and support.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer plays a crucial role in coordinating local procurement activities and processes to acquire goods and services that support high-quality programming for the poor and vulnerable. This position requires leveraging knowledge and experience to ensure the quality and efficiency of procurement and purchasing activities while maintaining stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability. The officer will be responsible for developing and maintaining an up-to-date procurement plan, coordinating with various departments, and ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements. The role also involves conducting market research, preparing solicitation documents, facilitating the bidding process, and negotiating contracts to ensure the best value for money. The Procurement Officer will communicate with procurement staff and program units to track the delivery of goods and services, ensuring that they meet the required specifications and arrive on time and within budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer's duties include coordinating fully compliant procurement systems and operating procedures, assessing their effectiveness, and recommending improvements. The officer will contribute to compliance with CRS procurement principles and local regulations, develop and maintain procurement plans, and provide pricing information for budget preparation. Responsibilities also include coordinating the sourcing process, conducting market research, preparing solicitation documents, facilitating the bidding process, and negotiating contracts. The officer will maintain correspondence with suppliers, monitor supplier performance, and ensure transparency within the procurement department by maintaining accurate documentation of all procurement processes. Additionally, the officer will prepare reports and facilitate document retrieval to support control and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good knowledge of various donor procurement regulations, including those from USAID, Global Fund, KfW, EU, and UN. They should have a solid understanding of international and national procurement regulations, contract negotiation, and supplier/vendor management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate good planning and coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize competing priorities effectively. Strong analytical skills, ethical conduct, and good negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills are essential for this role. Professional certification in procurement is a plus, and proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is required. Experience with database management systems, such as MS Access, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in procurement or purchasing management, logistics, or administration, preferably within an international organization. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of procurement processes and the ability to navigate various regulatory environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel of up to 10%. 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., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices.