Procurement Assistant

Job Title: Procurement Assistant
Department: Operations
Band: 4
Reports To: Procurement Officer
Position Type: Full-time
Country/Location: Uganda/Kampala

About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS’ Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations, serving people on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs.

CRS has worked in Uganda since 1965, initially providing emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees living in the north. Over the years, CRS has expanded its programming to also address development needs in western, central, and eastern Uganda. CRS’ projects in Uganda currently include agriculture, health, microfinance, peacebuilding, and youth. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability.

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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Purchase goods and services following CRS procurement principles, standards, and policies, donor regulations, and local statutory requirements.
• Assists with the maintenance of the various procurement trackers such as procurement plan, contract tracker etc which will facilitate timely communication of procurement/purchase needs, status updates on progress of all orders, and effective and efficient service delivery.
• Participate in vendor mapping and supplier visits to collect information that will support the due diligence process of identifying competent, reputable, and reliable suppliers of goods or services.
• Ensure 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.
• Maintenance of complete and accurate procurement master files, vendor files, and other procurement-related records following established standards.
• Coordinate with the administration department to confirm that goods/services delivered are what was ordered in the correct quantities and quality, they arrive on schedule and at the right cost.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement and Logistics Management, Business Administration, or other relevant degree 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).

Personal Skills

• 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.

Key Working Relationships:
Supervisory: None
Internal: Procurement Manager, Procurement Officers in Kampala and CRS staff
External: Vendors

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:

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

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 the above safeguarding related topics.

CRS Uganda is an Equal Opportunity Employer!