Job Vacancies Catholic Relief Services, May 2011

Job Vacancies Catholic Relief Services
Position: Director I, Commodity & Supply Chain Management
Location: United States of America (The), Baltimore
Closing Date: Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Background:
The management and oversight of in-kind resources from public and private donors alike is of increasing importance to Catholic Relief Services. CRS has a long history of working with food assistance from many sources, in both relief and development programming. Increasingly CRS has utilized a much greater range of in-kind resources in programming. Examples include large scale delivery of mosquito nets, the support for and strengthening of systems for delivery of antiretroviral therapy, and the management of a range of non-food resources in response to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and other disasters, from sanitation and shelter to seeds and tools. CRS also engages in the procurement of food and other in-kind resources locally, regionally and globally. This position will support the agency’s systems for proper planning, delivery, tracking and utilization of in-kind resources, as well as accountability mechanisms to ensure strong stewardship of these valuable commodities.

Job Summary:
Responsible for developing and supporting implementation of agency strategies for improvement of CRS and partner staff in-kind resource management practices in compliance with agency policies and relevant donor regulations. Focuses on management of both food and non-food in-kind resources, working with Headquarters and field-based management quality, commodity and monetization staff to identify potential areas of liability. Develops strategies to minimize liability and loss in distribution and local procurement programs. Oversees development and implementation of field-based training in commodity management for country programs and their partner staff as appropriate. Develops e-learning materials to support field-based commodity management training of CRS and partner staff. Oversees support for troubleshooting supply chain and commodity management issues at US port and/or in countries where CRS is receiving shipments; may also engage in finding solutions to other types of supply chain issues in program implementation. Follows up on audit findings. Travels to provide assistance to countries starting up large or complex programs utilizing in-kind resources. Serves as focal point for a Commodity and Supply Chain Management Community of Practice and coordinates exchange and dialogue among CRS commodity and supply chain managers worldwide. Works closely with the roll-out of the agency’s new supply chain management system. Supervises two to three senior staff advisors, who may work either on-site or overseas.

Responsibilities:
Develops strategy for and oversees implementation of systematic assessment of strengths and weaknesses of existing CRS programs and partners with regard to food aid commodity management; includes periodic commodity management reviews to help field and HQ manage risks of commodity-based programming.
Develops strategies and training/learning materials to improve CRS field and partner staff as well as HQ staff capacity in commodity and supply chain management. Explores alternatives to direct training, including distance learning, self-study modules, dissemination of guidance and related materials on CD, etc. Coordinates with CRS field staff, other PVOs and also with donors to ensure dissemination of lessons learned. Identifies network of staff with commodity and supply chain management experience from field and/or HQ for inclusion in delivery of training and technical assistance as appropriate.
Develops and leads agency community of practice for commodity and supply chain management, looking at patterns of strengths and weaknesses across CRS and our partners, and indentifying approaches to address weaknesses and share good practices.
With other MPI staff, updates agency commodity and supply chain management resource materials, including policies and related business processes.
With commodity/logistics/supply chain staff, develops and implements strategy to prevent and/or reduce commodity-related liabilities in distribution projects. Applies appropriate lessons to management of locally procured commodities.
Troubleshoots commodity problems for distribution (imported and local purchase) programs as appropriate. Provides and facilitates provision of commodity management technical assistance to field programs.
Collaborates closely with CRS’ Global Knowledge and Information Management Department (GKIM), appropriate HQ and field staff, and other PVOs on continuing improvements to CRS’ supply chain management system, and on development of/improvement of agency project tracking system as it relates to incorporation of in-kind resource data for all donors, including USG, UN, other public and private donors.
Reports periodically on trends, opportunities and potential liabilities in relation to CRS commodity programming and commodity management concerns.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises two to three Senior Commodity Advisors
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and 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:
Public Resource Group staff; Representation and Advocacy units; Management Policy and Information Unit; Shipping; Finance; Purchasing; Audit; GKIM; Regional Directors and Deputy Regional Directors; Country Programs

EXTERNAL:
Representatives of PVOs working on supply chain and commodity management issues; USAID, USDA and other public donors

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in related field preferred; Bachelor’s required.
Minimum ten years international development management experience, including at least five years’ work in a developing country.
Demonstrated experience with an array of supply chain management issues and solutions, related to food as well as other in-kind resources.
Strong leadership, coordination and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated success leading the work of culturally diverse teams.
Demonstrated mastery of USG legislation and regulations related to public resources, particularly USAID and USDA commodity programs and Global Fund.
Extensive hands-on experience with Title II and other USG resources, including compliance, and commodity and supply chain management. Experience with non-food in-kind resources a plus.
Knowledge of CRS program areas and Catholic Social Teaching principles.
Demonstrated experience in adult education and training.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and analytical skills.
Fluency in English required; working ability in French, Portuguese or Spanish preferred with French strongly preferred
Working fluency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet) required; adept at utilizing information and communications technology to facilitate work.
Ability to travel overseas for assessments, training and capacity building of field programs, as well as to troubleshoot significant compliance issues.

Physical Requirements/Environment:
Normal conditions for an office environment
Willingness and ability to travel overseas This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

NOTE:
All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.

To apply, visit www.crs.org/about/careers
EOE/M/F/D/V




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