Advisor II- Supply Chain Management, Central Africa at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Reports To: Deputy Regional Director for Management Quality
Job Location: TBD/telecommuter

Job Summary
You will provide technical advice, guidance, and support for all Supply Chain Management (SCM) activities and initiatives in compliance with CRS principles and standards, donor regulations, industry standards, and local requirements to regional and Country Program (CP) teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Your technical knowledge, advice and guidance will ensure effectiveness and efficiency in SCM systems and application of the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency,
and accountability
Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with operations and programming leads in CPs on implementing and strengthening Supply Chain systems, processes, and policies to meet all programming needs through anticipation and identification of issues and challenges and the most appropriate solutions to address them. For example, closely support and monitor the implementation of the commodities distribution’s projects, Global fund (Malaria Health commodities) and McGovern Dole (FFE) funded project to ensure efficiency and agility in the SCM and respect donors requirements.

• Work with regional leadership and GSCM to offer applicable solutions to CPs’ supply chain audit findings.

• Regularly review CPs structures, systems, and supply chain involvement in project executive through the Supply Chain Transformation initiative (STEP Up) to ensure movement towards best-in-class supply chain

• Review the CPs Bid documents and process for procurement requiring Regional approval to ensure respect of supply chain policies.

• As part of Project Insight, lead the region’s preparations, implementation and maintenance of the SCM workstream in Oracle.

• Guide CPs on maintaining sound market intelligence systems, conducting regular market assessments, and network strategically with key commercial organizations to identify new potential suppliers. Collaborate with GSCM-Markets team to ensure adherence to overall supply chain support of market-based programming.

• In collaboration with GSCM-Fleet Management, ensure CP HoOps develop and imp
  lement
  efficient and effective fleet and driver management systems; that include: local policies and procedures; driver orientation, training and development plans; as well as fleet telematics. Oversee annual CP vehicle needs assessments and the development of rational vehicle disposal and acquisition plans. Ensure proper use of fleet management systems.

• Oversee and coordinate a CARO SCM Community of Practice, and contribute to maintaining proper conditions for learning where there is the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Strengthen documentation systems. Analyze data, evaluate systems, capture and share lessons learned and best practices, and complete internal reports.

• Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives for staff and partners through helping develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and mentoring and
  coaching
  , which includes cross-departmental learning. Work with GSCM to develop a technical assistance framework for partner capacity building and partner systems strengthening.

• Communicate regularly with the GSCM Department on CP operational realities to ensure overall Agency supply chain strategy is sound and relevant.

• Provide input and feedback on supply chain aspects of proposal development and review at the regional level in accordance with Compass () and the GSCM Handbook.

• Represent CRS at regional level planning, coordination meetings and forums on supply chain management to collect and share best practices. Establish and maintain relationships with large donors, peer organizations, government counterparts, and other stakeholders and explore opportunities for economies of scale, such as bundled orders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or other relevant field required. Professional certification(s) in supply chain a plus.

• Minimum of 5 years work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in supply chain/logistics/procurement management within the context of international and local supply chain. Experience in relief commodity management is a plus.

• Additional education may substitute for some experience.

• Strong knowledge of general procurement and trading policies and regulations, international import/export legislation, and customs regulations. Understanding of Generally Accepted Commodity Accountability Principles (GACAP).

• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related discipline.

• Experience with Oracle applications or other ERP systems.

• Proven experience in presenting,facilitating and coaching.

• Experience with the implementation of Global Fund grants at national or international level, USG food aid programs (BHA, USDA, etc) and the implementation of relief commodity management.

• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises CARO’s Regional Insight SCM Implementation Advisor(s) (RIAs); currently two staff.
Travel Required: Up to 50% travel (depending on COVID-19 Requirements for Safe Travel)
Language Requirements: Proficient writing and speaking in both English and French

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.