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's work encompasses various sectors 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, reflecting its commitment to ethical conduct and integrity in all operations.

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 activities while maintaining stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability. The officer will be responsible for developing and maintaining an up-to-date procurement plan, conducting market research, and ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements. The role also involves communication with various departments and suppliers to track the delivery of goods and services, ensuring that they meet the required specifications and are delivered 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 ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, standards, and policies, as well as donor regulations and local statutory requirements. Responsibilities also include developing and maintaining a procurement plan, providing pricing information for budget preparation, and coordinating the sourcing process. The officer will perform market research, prepare solicitation documents, facilitate the bidding process, and negotiate contracts. Additionally, 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. The officer will also prepare reports and facilitate document retrieval as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a relevant field. A minimum of 3 years of work experience in procurement or purchasing management, logistics, or administration, preferably with an international organization, is required. Candidates should have a good understanding of various donor procurement regulations, international and national procurement regulations, and local market conditions. Strong planning and coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize competing priorities effectively are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate good analytical skills, ethical conduct, and strong negotiation and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding procurement principles, contract negotiation, and supplier management, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in procurement, purchasing management, logistics, or administration. Experience with international organizations is preferred, as it provides insight into the complexities of procurement in a global context.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, depending on the regions where CRS operates and the specific needs of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. 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 successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, reflecting the organization's commitment to protecting program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse. The agency prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices.