Advisor I -Global Supply Chain

About CRS

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.

Global Supply Chain Advisor Position Summary

CRS is looking for a supply chain professional to provide technical advice, guidance, support, and capacity building 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. The Advisor will coordinate with their colleagues in the Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) Department, as well as Regional Supply Chain Technical Advisors to develop and execute supply chain improvement strategies, business system optimization activities, and shared project support initiatives. Their technical knowledge, advice, and guidance will ensure effectiveness and efficiency in supply chain management. The Advisor will report to the Supply Chain Technical Assistance Manager within the GSCM Supply Chain Technical Assistance and Response (STAR) sub-unit.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Participate in the development and implementation of the CRS global SCM strategy, as a SCM subject matter expert (SME).
• Work with the STAR Technical Specialties Advisors sector (e.g., food, markets, health, etc.), as well as other GSCM units (e.g., procurement, systems and analytics, knowledge management and learning [KML]) to implement initiatives related to their areas of expertise.
• As requested, provide input and feedback on supply chain aspects of proposal development and review at the regional level in accordance with Compass (www.compass.crs.org) and the GSCM Handbook.
• Help to ensure the application of SCM policies and procedures, guidance, and tools. Conversely, help to ensure CRS’ KML resources address CP realities and work with the STAR-KML team on their creation and revision as needed.
• Support the implementation of grants with supply chain components, to ensure country programs can achieve their project objectives. Support Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs) in their engagement with CPs and help to fill the gaps of the CP and regional SCM support needs.
• Regularly review CPs structures, systems, and supply chain involvement in project executive through the Supply Chain Transformation initiative (STEP Up) to ensure movement towards a best-in-class supply chain.
• Help to facilitate risk assessments for supply chain-oriented projects and for CPs and develop corresponding risk management plans. Follow up with CPs on the application of risk mitigation efforts, as well as any audit findings related to deviations from the risk management plan.
• Provide guidance on the development, strengthening, and/or standardization of processes and tools for the end-to-end planning and implementation of agile supply chain systems covering logistics, procurement, warehousing, and fleet management in accordance with supply chain policies and the GSCM Handbook.
• Where relevant, help to implement programs for partners to improve their supply chains through systems strengthening, capacity building, and other appropriate interventions.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

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.

• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships

INTERNAL: Other STAR Teams (Technical Assistance, KML); other GSCM Sub-Units (Global Procurement, Systems, and Performance, Shipping); Regional Advisors for SCM and for Health; CP leadership and Supply Chain staff.

EXTERNAL: SCM education and certification bodies, peer organizations; SCM consultants, and contractors.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10 or more years of managerial and technical experience in supply chain management and systems strengthening in developing countries, particularly in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, with expertise in one or more relevant technical areas (logistics, forecasting, and quantification, storage and distribution, transportation, governance, supply chain optimization, data management, or organizational systems).
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or another relevant field. Additional specialized training relating to supply chain management is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in supply chain/logistics/procurement management within the context of the international and local supply chain.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a successful record of effectively operating in multicultural settings.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Pragmatic attitude balanced with a solid understanding and appreciation of the international NGO industry.
• Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills and strong analytical skills. Professional proficiency in French is highly desired. Working ability in Spanish or Arabic is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% including in difficult operating contexts.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

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.

• Integrity
• Accountability and Stewardship
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation
• Strategic Mindset

Disclaimer

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.