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 prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, and its talent acquisition procedures emphasize the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in coordinating local procurement activities and processes to acquire goods and services that support high-quality programming aimed at assisting the poor and vulnerable populations. This position requires a strong understanding of procurement principles, contract negotiation, and supplier/vendor management. The officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, standards, policies, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements. The role involves developing and maintaining an up-to-date procurement plan, conducting market assessments, and ensuring the best value for money in sourcing processes. The Procurement Officer will also be tasked with maintaining communication with suppliers and vendors, monitoring supplier performance, and ensuring transparency within the procurement department. This position is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of procurement operations within CRS.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Officer will be responsible for coordinating fully compliant procurement systems and operating procedures. Key duties include assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement processes and recommending improvements. The officer will contribute to ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles and local statutory requirements. Responsibilities also include coordinating with various departments to develop and maintain a procurement plan that outlines quantities, quality, and delivery requirements for goods and services. The officer will provide pricing information to assist budget holders in budget preparation and will coordinate the sourcing process to ensure the best value for money. This includes conducting market assessments, defining supplier evaluation criteria, facilitating transparent bidding processes, and preparing contracts and purchase orders. The Procurement Officer will communicate with procurement staff and program units to track the delivery of goods and services, ensuring they meet the required specifications. Additionally, the officer will maintain correspondence with suppliers, monitor supplier performance, and ensure a complete and accurate document trail of all procurement processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field, along with a minimum of 2 years of work experience in procurement or purchasing management. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement principles, contract negotiation, and supplier/vendor management. Proficiency in MS Office packages is essential, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness and proactivity in a remote working environment, and have a good knowledge of donor procurement regulations. Strong planning and coordination skills, along with good analytical abilities, are also required. The ideal candidate should be proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented, with a focus on meeting customer needs.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or an equivalent field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding procurement processes and management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in procurement or purchasing management. Experience in an international organization and specific experience with cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programming is preferred. Familiarity with market assessments and professional certification in procurement management will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, but English is the primary language required for communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Monrovia, Liberia, and may require travel of up to 20%. 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 may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.