Procurement Manager

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's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and faiths who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The organization has a strong focus on ethical conduct and accountability, ensuring that its processes reflect its commitment to safeguarding and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Manager will provide strategic management and oversight of the procurement systems and processes for the Ghana Country Program, focusing on both local and international procurement of goods and services. This position is primarily based in Tamale, Ghana, and is crucial for advancing the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable populations. The role requires a deep understanding of procurement principles, compliance, and efficiency, ensuring that all procurement activities align with CRS standards, donor regulations, and Ghanaian statutory requirements. The Procurement Manager will lead the development and implementation of procurement strategies, assess the effectiveness of procurement systems, and ensure continuous improvements to enhance operational efficiency. This position also involves close collaboration with program and operations departments to analyze the flow of goods and services, ensuring that procurement needs are met effectively and efficiently. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date procurement plan, managing the analyze-to-contract process, and ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the procurement function.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Manager will be responsible for leading compliant procurement systems and procedures for the Ghana Country Office. Key responsibilities include organizing procurement functions to support programming in Tamale and other CRS Ghana locations, assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement processes, and leading continuous improvements. The role involves ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements. The Procurement Manager will coordinate with program and operations departments to assist with goods/services flow analysis, determine supply chain modalities, and manage procurement plans. Additional duties include managing the analyze-to-contract process, conducting market assessments, writing specifications, organizing solicitation documents, and running transparent bidding processes. The role also requires overseeing supplier relationships, monitoring contractual obligations, and ensuring timely payments to vendors. The Procurement Manager will supervise procurement staff, provide coaching, and manage team dynamics to ensure high-quality programming support. Furthermore, the role involves preparing reports, consolidating procurement data, and conducting periodic risk assessments to mitigate potential issues.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Procurement Manager position should possess a Master’s Degree in Business Administration or a relevant field, with professional certifications being a plus. A strong understanding of international and national procurement regulations, as well as local market conditions, is essential. The candidate should have a proven ability to negotiate contract terms and build networks with suppliers. Knowledge of various donor procurement regulations, such as those from USAID, The Global Fund, EU, and UN, is also required. The candidate should demonstrate strong staff management abilities conducive to a learning environment, along with good knowledge of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programming and operational requirements. Proficiency in MS Office packages and experience with database management systems are highly desirable. Strong planning, coordination, analytical, and communication skills are necessary, along with ethical conduct and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or a related field is required for the Procurement Manager position. An advanced degree in procurement or relevant certifications will be considered an added advantage. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in procurement principles, supply chain management, and business administration, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to excel in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in procurement or purchasing management, logistics, and administration, with increasing responsibility. Experience with international organizations is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into global procurement practices and compliance requirements. The candidate should demonstrate a track record of successful procurement management and the ability to lead teams effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for the Procurement Manager position. Additionally, proficiency in local languages spoken in Northern Ghana is considered an added advantage, as it facilitates communication with local suppliers and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Procurement Manager position is based in Tamale, Ghana, and involves supervisory responsibilities over procurement staff. The role requires a willingness to travel up to 10% within Ghana, including field locations supported by the Tamale office. 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 exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.