Emergency Procurement Officer

CORE is seeking an experienced Procurement Officer to join the Global Procurement and Logistics Department. This position is to prepare, review, and source solicitations, negotiate contracts and manage the procurement process for a wide variety of products and services. This employee ensures all procurement transactions meet ethical standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations. These responsibilities require an attention to detail, excellent writing skills and close coordination with other professional and technical staff as well as CORE’s international Offices, Leadership and staff, bidders, and vendors.

This is a 6-month long full-time temporary position.

• Review and Approve Procurement Requests: Evaluate and validate procurement requests to ensure alignment with organizational policies, emergency response priorities, and budget constraints.
• Source Critical Goods and Services: Identify and engage reliable suppliers/vendors to meet urgent operational needs efficiently and cost-effectively in emergency settings.
• Supplier Management and Performance Evaluation: Establish, maintain, and assess vendor relationships, ensuring timely deliveries, quality standards, and reliability in high-pressure situations.
• Maintain Accurate Procurement Records: Document procurement activities, including purchases, costs, delivery timelines, product quality, and supplier performance, ensuring transparency and compliance.
• Issue and Manage Purchase Orders and Contracts: Prepare and execute purchase orders and contracts, ensuring terms meet compliance requirements while optimizing cost, quality, and value in emergency operations.
• Negotiate Contracts: Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable pricing, terms, and conditions, ensuring operational efficiency and financial prudence.
• Resolve Supplier and Logistics Issues: Address supplier-related challenges, manage urgent returns, expedite deliveries, and ensure compliance with import/export regulations when necessary.
• Monitor Urgent Material Needs: Assess and prioritize immediate material shortages to prevent disruptions in emergency response efforts.
• Inventory Coordination: Collaborate with logistics teams to manage stock levels effectively across emergency warehouses, preventing shortages or overstocking.
• Ensure Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Adhere to legal, regulatory, and donor-specific procurement guidelines, reducing risks and ensuring accountability.
• Conduct Market Research: Stay informed on market trends, alternative sourcing options, and emerging suppliers to enhance emergency procurement strategies.
•  Support Financial Oversight: Work closely with finance teams to ensure procurement expenditures remain within budget and provide forecasts for emergency purchasing needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline; MBA desired
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in national and international procurement, contract management, administration or related area is required
• At least three (3) years of direct firsthand work in procurement is required.
• Experience in acquisition of strategic, high value and complex scope of goods and services from worldwide sources and for diversified clients in multiple countries is required.
• Experience in supervising a procurement team that manages the acquisition of diversified categories of goods and services to support multiple clients is desirable.
• Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of procurement policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Proficiency in using procurement software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage, or other ERP systems).
• Knowledge of market research and vendor sourcing techniques.
• Familiarity with contract management and negotiation practices.

• Ability to analyse supplier bids and proposals to determine the best value for the organization.
• Proficiency in data analysis and financial reporting related to procurement activities.
• Problem-solving skills to address procurement-related challenges effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms and pricing with suppliers.
• Relationship-building skills to maintain positive supplier partnerships.

• Ability to manage multiple procurement requests and deadlines efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in procurement documentation and processes.
• Proactive planning to meet organizational procurement goals and timelines.

• Commitment to transparency and ethical procurement practices.
• Understanding of anti-corruption and anti-bribery principles in procurement.

• Flexibility to adapt to changes in procurement needs or priorities.
• Ability to identify and implement innovative procurement solutions to optimize cost and efficiency.

• Familiarity with international procurement standards (e.g., INCOTERMS, FCPA) and donor-specific requirements if applicable.
• Awareness of industry trends to maintain competitive sourcing strategies.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and project managers.
• Leadership skills to guide junior procurement staff when needed.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience related to this role. CORE Response is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.