Regional Procurement Officer

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

Job Purpose

The purpose of the Regional Procurement Officer is to plan and provide effective and efficient procurement services (procurement and reporting) in support of Regional Office activities in Lebanon. Specifically, to manage the procurement management function, meet the needs and support the activities from sourcing to delivery point of use, to ultimately support the activities of the Regional Office in an efficient and timely manner. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

This position will be responsible for the effective and efficient, establishment and management of the IFRC framework agreements related to key services (procurement of administrative services – IT equipment, Security services and software etc.) required by the Regional Delegation, and other operational procurement for the region.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Procurement

• To follow the Federation standard procurement practices and keeping records to fulfill audit trail standards.
• To obtain no less than three quotations, prepare a Comparative Bid Analysis and purchase recommendations, all information being systematically recorded in Purchase Committee minutes, where appropriate.
• To plan, co-ordinate and organize regional level IFRC procurement activities in full compliance with IFRC Procurement Procedures and best practices to enable a high quality, efficient and cost-effective procurement process that meets the requests of the services users.
• To maintain and communicate a comprehensive data of all goods and services procured at a regional level, and registered suppliers to enable GHS & SCM to evaluate and instigate opportunities to consolidate supplier commercial arrangements for the benefit of the IFRC and its movement partners.
• To report to the Procurement Manager on any foreseen changes in procurement plans and activities
• To carry accountability for ensuring that all procured goods and services are compliant with IFRC regulations and quality standards, are fit for purpose and inspection compliant.
• To liaise with the Procurement Unit Manager GHS & SCM MENA Region to develop and manage a sourcing plan to procure required materials and services for RO MENA (e.g., Operational procurement, IT equipment, software, and security items).
• To ensure a framework agreement is in place at the regional office for all the recurrent administrative services.
• Active participation in the drafting of the specifications required for administrative service.
• Active participation in all the phases related to the tender, opening, analysis, and selection process (when required) related to administrative services
• Provide technical specifications and details, where needed, to country delegations, and country cluster offices in their preparation of framework agreements related to administrative services.
• Develop monthly procurement reports and maintain accurate requisition date information for all active procurement requests related to regional procurement activities.
• Ensure the translation of all procurement documents to or from Arabic / English as required.
• To liaise and coordinate with the relevant functions in RD MENA regarding the delivery of supplies and keep all parties informed of any changes on time.
• To identify and maintain an accurate and up-to-date supplier information database for regularly purchased items and keep informed of local market conditions related to Mena RO procurement activities.
• Establish and maintain a good professional working relationship with suppliers.
• Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Education

• Professional qualification in procurement or equivalent experience. – Required
• A university degree in the relevant area. – Required
• Introduction to cash Transfer Programming. – Preferred

Experience

• Three years of experience in a wide variety of logistics roles and activities, including procurement, contracting, transport management, warehouse management, stock control and customs clearance. – Required
• Three years of experience working for a humanitarian aid organization in a developing country. - Preferred
• Three years of experience in providing procurement services in complex emergencies. – Required
• Experience in supporting a Cash Transfer Programme. - Preferred
• Experience of working in a multinational team (including ex-pats and local staff). – Required
• Experience in field coordination and liaison with NGO, government, and other agencies. – Required
• Experience in writing narrative & financial reports. – Required
• Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience. – Required

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Knowledge of or familiarisation with Cash Transfer Programming. - Preferred
• Valid international driving license for light vehicles (manual gears). – Required
• Valid heavy vehicle driving license. - Preferred
• Proven experience to carry out procurement assessments. – Required
• Fluently spoken and written English. – Required
• Good command of another IFRC official language (Arabic). – Required

Competencies, Values and Comments

Technical Competencies:

• Supply Chain
• Procurement
• Transport Management (Sea, Air, Land)
• Airport / Port Operations
• Market Assessment
• National Society Development
• Medical Procurement
• IFRC provides equal employment opportunity 

IFRC provides equal employment opportunity