Humanitarian Procurement Manager I, Cuba

CRS JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

The Humanitarian Procurement Manager will manage and oversee procurement activities in support of humanitarian operations in Cuba. This role will lead procurement planning, execution, and oversight of complex and high-risk procurements while ensuring compliance with CRS procurement principles, donor regulations, and applicable legal requirements. The Procurement Manager will coordinate closely with Cuba programmatic and operational stakeholders and have a strong understanding of the operating constraints related to Cuba (including regulatory, sanctions, and logistics considerations). The incumbent will use this expertise to develop practical procurement approaches that balance speed, compliance, and operational feasibility in a highly constrained and evolving environment.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage procurement systems, processes, and operating procedures, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement for Cuba-related procurement activities.
• Lead procurement planning processes, ensuring alignment with programmatic needs, budgets, and operational realities for Cuba-focused programming, including evolving supply and delivery constraints.
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance on high-risk, high-value, and complex procurements, ensuring best value for money through effective sourcing strategies.
• Supervise procurement staff and provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to ensure high-quality procurement delivery.
• Conduct market research and market engagement to identify and develop supplier options capable of supporting Cuba-related procurement needs. 
• Engage with supplier representatives and keep abreast of market conditions and worldwide events that could affect goods and services to CRS customers.
• Support the development of strategic procurement initiatives and lead strategic procurement tendering processes appropriate for restricted and complex operating environments such as Cuba.
• Coordinate closely with program, finance, and logistics teams to align procurement timelines with delivery requirements and ensure timely and feasible execution.
• Lead supplier engagement and performance management, including identifying and mitigating risks related to supplier reliability, supply constraints, regulatory requirements, and changing market conditions.
• Stay informed of market conditions, regulatory developments, and external factors impacting Cuba-related sourcing and supply chains.
• Ensure all procurement actions are fully compliant and supported by complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation.
• Provide strategic procurement advice to stakeholders and contribute to decision-making on sourcing approaches in constrained and evolving operating environments.
• Support capacity strengthening initiatives, including training and mentoring procurement and non-procurement staff.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of procurement experience.
• Experience supporting procurement in restricted, regulated, or complex operating environments (e.g. Cuba or similar contexts). 
• Experience managing complex international procurement or supply chains involving multiple vendors and markets.
• Must be able to secure transportation e.g. personal vehicle, public transportation, taxi, etc. (subject to appropriate reimbursement per CRS policy) to access work locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Management (ERP).
• 2 years of supervisory or management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good knowledge of various donor procurement regulations (e.g. Department of State).
• Knowledge of international and national procurement regulations and local market conditions in the US, Latin America, and Caribbean region.
• Knowledge of contract terms, as well as a proven ability to successfully complete purchase orders against specifications.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Outlook, Teams Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong leadership, planning, and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills in complex or constrained environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and accountability.

Required Languages: Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken)

Travel: Be willing and able to travel up to 30% to CRS and vendor locations in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.