Job Announcement

Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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 health, emergency, education, agriculture, and capacity strengthening of partners. In 2023, CRS implemented a portfolio of 18 malaria programs globally, in 15 countries (Africa and the Greater Mekong Region).

Catholic Relief Services has been working in Liberia since 1957 with a current programmatic focus targeting health, nutrition, peacebuilding, and agriculture.

Job Summary:

The PSM Specialist will form a key member of the PSM team and support the implementation of procurement and supply chain management activities for the Global Fund grant. S/He will provide guidance and technical support to the efforts to improve inventory management of health products at the subnational level to ensure commodity security foster accuracy (quality and timeliness) and facilitate coordination and strengthening of linkages with all organizations and partners.

Title: Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist

Location: Monrovia

Type of Role: Fixed-Term Contract

Reports to: Procurement and Supply Chain Manager

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the supply chain focal point to lead all PSM aspects in the implementation of an electronic Community-Based Information System (eCBIS) to facilitate seamless logistics data collection, analysis, and reporting for ICCM intervention in collaboration with MOH, County Health Team, Community Health Supply Chain Division (CHSCD), and ICT4D team.
• Lead the overall quality assurance of PSM activities to ensure implementation is fit for purpose including preparation of a Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and ensuring up-to-date planning vs implementation status and review reports such as those of PSM supportive supervision, data review, and stock status analysis.
• Provide technical support to improve the Logistic Management Information System (LMIS) data visibility and inventory management of health products at the county depots and the last mile, in close collaboration with the ICT4D team. Ensure subnational levels (county depots and health facilities) provide relevant, timely, and accurate information on inventory management reports.
• Participate in periodic supply chain spot check visits to assess the level of health products and LMIS implementation at all levels of the supply chain.
• Support the Ministry of Health in performance management/review of third-party service providers using pre-determined KPIs to determine quality and delivery.
• Support the implementation of RSSH PSM/Laboratory systems activities ensuring close collaboration with the National Lab Technical Working Group.
• Collaborate with the MOH, co-PR, and LMHRA in the implementation of Quality assurance and quality control of health products.
• Delegated to represent CRS at relevant technical meetings and coordination forums such as National Pharmacovigilance Committee meetings & National Lab Technical Working Group.
• Support the coordination and monitoring of the project PSM activities in the field in collaboration with the county field officer team.
• Lead in the provision of technical support/oversight on the logistics aspect of the LLIN campaign in line with the LLIN campaign operational procedures and logistics and plan of action.
• Lead in the supply chain management of all campaign materials and ICT4D devices in close collaboration with the Vector control unit, ICT4D team, and the inventory team.

Basic Qualifications

• Pharmacist with at least 5 years’ experience in supply chain management of pharmaceuticals and health-related commodities. A Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Public Health or other relevant degree will be an added advantage.
• Experience in managing international logistics and mass distribution, and analysis of complex storage and transport issues.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor, supervise, and provide support to health facilities and communities in supply chain activities.
• Experience working with international donors, and experience with the Global Fund, is an asset.
• Experience with, and a demonstrated commitment to, a community-based approach to development.
• Proven experience working closely with Ministries of Health or Government partners.

Required Languages – English. The ability to communicate in local dialects across the project communities is an added advantage.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30 % minimum to visit targeted communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work both in a team and independently and ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
• Excellent analytical and information-seeking skills, good decision-making skills
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and knowledge of Logistics Management Information Systems solutions.
• Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders, representatives, and partners professionally on an ongoing basis.
• Demonstrable ability to provide training in the rational use of medicines, inventory management, and issues relating to health products supply management.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to the partner sites and on short notice.

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: Global Fund Malaria Program Team, Chief of Party, Country Representative, Finance, Procurement and Administration Staff, Regional and Senior Technical Advisors, Global PSM/PSM specialists’ Community of Practice.

External: Global Fund Country Team, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), the Department of Pharmaceutical Services/Supply Chain Coordinating Unit, County Health Teams, County depots, Liberia Medicines Health Regulatory Agency (LMHRA), Community SRs, WFP, Chemonics, as well as technical and financial partners involved in the supply chain for the 15 counties.

Applications:

Please send a resume/CV to LR_HR@crs.org by July 24, 2024, with the subject line “Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist”

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.