Inventory Management Coordinator

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 a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor globally. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its core values and commitment to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
The Inventory Management Coordinator will play a crucial role in coordinating and ensuring risk mitigation in inventory management. This position involves overseeing established inventory accounting and reporting processes to support high-quality programs aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable populations. The coordinator will leverage their knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with both CRS and donor regulations, as well as international and local supply chain accountability standards. The role requires a proactive approach to stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all inventory management practices align with these principles. The coordinator will be responsible for consolidating documents, data updates, and reports from various operational areas, ensuring that all information is received in a timely manner and adheres to standard policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Inventory Management Coordinator include ensuring the timely receipt and consolidation of required documents, data updates, and reports from operational areas, sub-recipients, surveyors, and external suppliers. The coordinator will monitor, review, and analyze inventory accounting records and data entries in the inventory tracking and management information system to ensure accuracy and completeness. They will report any accounting discrepancies and irregularities, working closely with relevant program and supply chain staff to resolve issues and reconcile inventory with accounting records. The coordinator will also update various accounting registers, including the master shipping ledger, master inventory ledger, and loss and claims ledger, as applicable. Additionally, they will prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports regarding the status of goods and beneficiaries for both internal and external project stakeholders. The coordinator will collaborate with project managers to prepare for audits and coordinate the audit process, ensuring compliance and transparency throughout.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Economics, or a related field. A minimum of 3 years of work experience in a similar position is required, preferably within an international organization. Additional education may substitute for some experience. Candidates should have knowledge and experience with various public donors’ regulations, as well as a solid understanding of inventory tracking, accounting, and reporting systems and principles. Professional certifications in supply chain management are considered a plus, and familiarity with Generally Accepted Commodity Accountability Principles (GACAP) is preferred. Proficiency in the MS Office package, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio, is essential, along with experience in inventory accounting software and/or other database management systems such as MS Access.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Finance, Statistics, or Economics. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of inventory management and accounting practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, ideally in a similar role within an international organization. This experience should encompass a strong understanding of inventory management, accounting practices, and compliance with donor regulations. Candidates with additional educational qualifications may have some of their experience requirements waived, allowing for a more diverse applicant pool.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Amharic. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position does not require travel and is based in Ethiopia. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are tailored based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be influenced 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 the organization's Code of Conduct.