Job Vacancy @ Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – Procurement Manager

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

CRS is recruiting for X1 Position:  Procurement Manager

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, 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 are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

Job Title: Procurement Manager

Department: CRS Operations Unit 

Reports To:        Head of Operations 

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Freetown, with up to 10% travel of Time

Job Summary:

You will manage all Country Program systems and processes for local and international procurement of goods and services to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Your knowledge and experience will allow you to successfully manage the quality and efficiency of all procurement and purchasing activities and to ensure stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.




Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage fully compliant procurement systems and operating procedures and organize the procurement functions. Assess effectiveness and efficiency and lead improvements. Ensure compliance with CRS procurement principles, standards, and policies; donor regulations; and local statutory requirements.
• Coordinate with various departments to proactively assist with goods/services flow analysis and determine needs and quantity, quality and delivery requirements for goods and services and maintain an up-to-date procurement plan. Collaborate with budget holders to develop annual budget plans that meet procurement needs.
• Manage and control the analyze-to-contract process with strategic sourcing solutions to ensure the best value for money: market research and analysis, goods/services specifications and supplier evaluation criteria, solicitation documents, a transparent and consistent bidding process, etc.
• Ensure the highest level of transparency and integrity amongst the procurement department and prevent fraud along the procurement process. Conduct periodic risk assessment along the procurement process.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high-quality programming.
• Oversee and monitor relationships and transactions with suppliers, supplier performance, and contractual obligations to ensure contract completion per authorized terms and conditions. Take action to address current and/or potential contractual issues and/or inefficiencies to mitigate risk. Advise on contract/purchase order modifications, if needed.
• Monitor payment terms and schedules through maintenance of open order report and oversee coordination with the finance team to ensure timely payments to vendors.
• Manage a reliable procurement document trail and database management system for control, accountability, and input for proper inventory recording. Ensure all required information and records are complete, accurate, up-to-date, and properly filed. Oversee reports preparation, consolidate reporting and analyze data for decision-making.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors required
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in procurement/purchasing management, logistics, administration with increasing responsibility, preferably with an international organization.
• Good knowledge of various donor procurement regulations (e.g. USAID, EU, UN)
• Additional education may substitute for some experience.
• Knowledge of international and national procurement regulations and local market conditions.
• Strong knowledge of contract terms and proven ability to negotiate terms and agreements and build and maintain networks with suppliers.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.

Required Languages – English and Krio

Travel – Up to 10% of time

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong planning, coordination, prioritization, and time management skills
• Strong analytical skills with ability to make independent judgment and decisions
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration or another relevant field preferred. Professional certifications a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database management systems (e.g., MS Access) highly desirable.

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 [email protected]. 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 20th September 2022.