CRS is recruiting for a Temporary position of Procurement Assistant

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job description, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health (including malaria), agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS/ Sierra Leone and Program Background

Catholic Relief Service (CRS) launched its work in Sierra Leone in 1963 supporting relief and development operations in the country. CRS Sierra Leone has proudly maintained a strong reputation and relationship with partners and the communities we serve in the country implementing a multi-sector program portfolio. Today, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, Education and Urban Resilience. CRS/Sierra Leone currently implements projects in Education, Emergencies, Health and Urban Resilience sector area, including: the USDA/McGovern Dole Food for Education funded All Pikin for Learn (APfL) project, and is a co-principal recipient of the Global Fund malaria grant to the country. Other funding includes the EU-funded COVID response project, the Coca Cola-funded RAIN project, and the DFID-funded waste management project. In addition, the country program is working on several high-profile opportunities included establishing a Freetown Water Fund, supporting the Freetown City Council to deliver its Transform Freetown strategy through slum regeneration, and emergency response to COVID-19 funded by USG/OFDA.  CRS Urban malaria research project anticipate that by incorporating malaria activities in the Transform Freetown Project, a more holistic and sustainable approach to improving the health and reducing malaria prevalence can be achieved.

Job Title: Procurement Assistant – Temporary Position

Department: Procurement Unit – Pool - Operations

Reports To: Procurement Manager

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Country Office, Freetown should be willing and able to travel up to 10 % Project Sites

Job Summary:

You will effectively perform various activities throughout the procurement cycle to assist the acquisition of goods and services in support of the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Your abilities will allow you to successfully support the quality and efficiency of procurement and purchasing activities applying the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Supports requestors to prepare complete and comprehensive Purchase Requisition Forms.

• Assists with the maintenance of the procurement plan and the procurement tracking tool to facilitate timely communication of procurement/purchase needs, status updates on progress of all orders, and effective and efficient service delivery.

• Assists the Procurement Officer in the continuous search for competent, reputable, and reliable suppliers of goods or services.

• Visits suppliers (company site, stores, and/or production facilities) to collect information and support the due diligence process.

• Purchases items following CRS procurement documents (i.e. Purchase Order), instructions, and standards.

• Prepares Payment Requests, ensuring all the supporting documentation is accurate and on file to assist the timely payment to vendors; and, follows up with requestors, suppliers, and other relevant parties to address any deficiencies and/or discrepancies.

Basic Qualifications

• High School diploma required.

• Minimum of 2 years work experience in supporting procurement/purchasing, logistics, and/or administration processes and activities.

• Good writing skills.

• Knowledge of local market conditions.

• Knowledge in MS Office package (Excel and Word).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail with good organizational, time management and prioritization skills.

• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized organizational codes of ethics

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented.

Required Languages: English

Travel: include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to 10 %.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none)

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: CP and Field Teams

External:  CRS Assigned Stakeholder etc.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Builds Relationships

• Develops Talent

• Strategic Mindset

• Accountability & Stewardship

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to:

SL_HR@crs.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 25th June 2021.