Job Announcement

Operations Officer

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 for emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

The Government of Liberia, through the Liberian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) is implementing the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) (P173677) with financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. The LWEP aims to improve social and livelihood services for women and girls in targeted communities, foster positive social norms, and strengthen the government’s capacity to advance women and girls’ empowerment through a “whole community” approach targeting multiple actors and levels. The World Bank views this project as creating a platform for the empowerment of women where policy dialogue happens, evidence of what works is produced and disseminated, and partnerships are strengthened. The project will be implemented by the Liberian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP). Catholic Relief Services is a member of a consortium that has been awarded the contract of Lead Service Provider for components 1,2 & 3 of this project under the supervision of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the MGCSP. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is leading the implementation of component 3 of the project. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Officer to join our team in Rivercess and Grand Gedeh counties. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring all operations-related activities are implemented at the field level in accordance with the grant workplan.

Job Summary:

As the Operations Officer, you will coordinate the majority of the following operational functions -Human Resources (HR), Logistics, Procurement, Administration, Fleet, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Audit – in support of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will promote stewardship of resources, help ensure principled compliance, proactively identify risk issues, and under supervision lead operational improvements.

Title: Operations (2)

Location: Field Based (Grand Gedeh, Rivercess counties)

Type of Role: Fixed-Term Contract

Reports to: Lead Procurement Specialist

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation and updating of the Project’s Annual Procurement Plan, detailing contract packages with estimated costs for works, goods and services inclusive of the procurement or selection methods and processing times till completion of each procurement activity.
• Assist in the preparation of procurement documentation for Goods and consulting services including liaising with the technical teams on the preparation of Terms of Reference, preparation of requests for Expressions of Interest (EOI), advertisements, evaluating EOIs and creating shortlists, preparing Request for Proposal documents, evaluating proposals, obtaining the necessary clearances where required, assist in contract negotiations, preparing minutes of negotiations, drafting contracts and making arrangements for contract signing, and distributing to the appropriate authorities;
• Ensure all procurement activities are carried out in accordance with the agreed procedures, including the Terms as defined in the contract and best practice in Procurement and Plan International Guidelines.
• Provide substantive inputs to the implementation of procurement management policies and strategies on cost saving and reduction.
• Prepare Purchase orders and contracts according to the applicable policies and procedures and prepare recurring purchase orders for contracting services.
• Prepare/review submissions for procurement review committees.
• Develop and update the rosters of suppliers and provide technical support to Women-owned businesses.
• Coordinate and monitor day-to-day operations to ensure support services are delivered with high quality in an efficient manner. Identify and help address challenges that affect the proper stewardship and optimal utilization of program assets and resources (financial, human, and material). Proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.
• Drive Gender- Responsive Procurement programs and other sustainability considerations in the procurement process.
• Ensure the use of SOPs and tracking sheets; Review, record and prioritize purchasing requests, ensuring all supporting documentation is received, and funding is available, in order to enable the procurement of goods and services.
• Update, manage and maintain relevant databases and records, to ensure the information is accurate, organized, and available for others to access, and supports reporting requirements.
• Liaise with internal counterparts to support the alignment of procurement activities with wider programmes and ensure a coherent approach; Provide administrative support to contract management processes; maintain databases; Maintain E-filing and manual filing systems.
• Arrange shipments, conference facilities, and distribution of supplies at field offices.
• Organize hotel and event arrangements for meetings/ functions, and engagements, ensure that all requirements are catered for as required.
• Perform other procurement / administrative tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Procurement, Business Administration or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, administration, experience working on donor-funded projects or projects funded by international non-governmental organizations, with a particular focus on international support; experience in providing logistics, or administration support within an NGO.
• A professional qualification in procurement from a recognized institution (e.g., Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) is an asset.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.
• Experience in Enterprise Resource Management Systems (ERP) is an asset.
• Knowledge of languages/dialects spoken in Liberia would be an advantage

Required Languages – English

Travel – This position is field-based and will require frequent travel to project communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
• Good relations management abilities. Ability to work collaboratively
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Management experience a plus. Experience with an NGO preferred.
• Understanding of procurement and logistics systems, including tracking and purchasing experience preferred. Knowledge of enterprise procurement software or similar procurement software is a plus.
• Knowledge of multiple public donors’ regulations, including The World Bank, is a plus.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment a preferred.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually look for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: LSP Manager, Lead Livelihood Specialist, County Coordinator, Lead Climate Change Specialist, County Coordinator, Climate Change Officer, Livelihood Officer, M&E Officer, BFM/CE Officer, Operations Officer, Finance Officer, Community Based Agents.

External: Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, The World Bank Group, Implementing Partners, Local Government and Project community leadership.

Applications:

Please send a cover letter and a resume/CV to LR_HR@crs.org by January 24, 2025, with the subject line “Operations Officer County Name.” Both cover letter and CV/resume should be in PDF format and submitted as a single document. Applications will be reviewed and assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No phone calls. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, if you don’t hear from us after two months of the vacancy deadline, kindly note that your application was not successful.

CRS follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with a disability.

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 behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

***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.

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

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.