STA- PROCUREMENT MANAGER
Description
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.
Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR), and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.
Program / Department Summary
The Operations Department provides key support to the entire country program in procurement, asset management, warehouse management, fleet management, IT, Safety and Security Management and facilities & office management for successful program implementation.
General Position Summary
The country office is currently facing a critical situation where the majority of its MPA/MSA, more than 50 Master Purchase Agreement/Master Service Agreement) contracts are set to expire in June. Additionally, the office is expanding its operations by opening four new field offices. Moreover, the office has recently received funding for several WFP (World Food Program) projects, which require a robust procurement department to effectively support and engage in procurement activities. To address these challenges, the country office is seeking temporary support from another country office to assist in setting up new MPA/MSA contracts and provide procurement training for field team members.
Reporting to the Operations Director, The STA Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement aspects of Mercy Corps’ logistic operation. Working closely with Program, Administration, Finance, and Logistics the Procurement Manager is instrumental in supporting program activities through their services.
Essential Responsibilities
The primary objectives of this temporary support arrangement are as follows:
- Set up MPA/MSA contracts for more than five categories of goods and services required by the field offices, for 10 field offices.
- Conduct ProSource training for field team members to enhance their procurement knowledge and skills.
- Provide background information, guidance, and expertise to the country office's procurement unit.
- Ensure strong support and engagement from the procurement department to effectively execute WFP projects.
- Scope of Work
- The temporary support from the assisting country office will include the following activities:
- Collaborate with the country office's procurement unit to identify the categories of goods and services requiring new MPA/MSA contracts.
- Assist in the preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR) for the MPA/MSA contracts, ensuring they are comprehensive and comply with procurement regulations.
- Support the procurement unit in conducting market research, supplier evaluations, and negotiations to establish new MPA/MSA contracts.
- Develop and deliver Prosource training sessions to enhance the procurement knowledge and skills of field and Addis team members.
- Provide guidance and expertise to the procurement unit in managing the procurement process effectively.
- Ensure compliance with relevant procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Assist in the development of procurement plans and strategies for the WFP projects.
- Collaborate closely with the procurement team to monitor contract performance and resolve any procurement-related issues.
- The procurement manager will conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to brin credit in Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian Mission.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
- Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
- Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
- Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary.
- Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
- Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Supervisory Responsibility
Directly supervises the procurement Specialist and Senior Procurement Officer
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Operations Director
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
- Extensive work experience in procurement management, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector.
- In-depth knowledge of procurement principles, regulations, and best practices.
- Strong expertise in establishing and managing MPA/MSA contracts across multiple categories.
- Proven ability to lead and coordinate procurement activities in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with the PROSOURCE procurement system is highly desirable. A degree in a relevant business field or professional procurement qualification is desired.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement management at a large scale.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel.
- Excellent oral and written English skills.
- High level of computer skills on MS Office programs.
- A demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action as to not delay program activities.
- A clear understanding of procurement ethics and donor compliance is essential.
Success Factors
The successful Procurement Manager will be good at problem-solving and work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with Mercy Corps and donor regulations. They will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial and training capacity while demonstrating the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a solid commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.