LRP Officer

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is hiring a LRP Officer (LRP).

Position Advertisement

Job Title: LRP Officer

Reports to: LRP Specialist

Department: Mozambique

Salary Grade: 7

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary

CRS is the technical advisor for the procurement of local vegetables and fruit for the USDA-funded McGovern Dole PARES school feeding program in Nampula and Zambezia. The Local and Regional Procurement (LRP) Officer will be responsible for the Provincial execution of market assessment, monitoring and training responsibilities under project. This includes collaborating with Senior Local and Regional Procurement Specialist in the establishment of Joint Procurement Committees (JPC) comprising of member of national government school feeding program among other, assuming JPC membership and participating in all JPCs activities, conducting capacity building of the JPCs specifically on quality control, building LRP capacity for members of National School Meals Program (PRONAE) at district, provincial, and central levels. The position requires significant coordination with partners including World Vision-Awardee, National School Meals Program (PRONAE), Ministry of Health (MISAU), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), the National Institute for Standardization and Quality (INNOQ), and INAE in charge of enforcing the food safety regulatory framework and ensuring compliance.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning of CRS project activities in collaboration with World Vision and PRONAE at district level i.e Milange and or Meconta and Namialo.
• Provide oversight for the initial market assessments, lead the establishment of a market monitoring system per the initial market assessment recommendation and project objectives, and facilitate the follow-on annual updates.
• Work in collaboration with World Vision activities Joint Procurement Committees ( JPC) and their terms of reference at district level.
• Support product quality assessment capacity-building process for other members of the JPC.
• Support in training of JPC members as Master Trainers to build government capacity for LRP.
• Provide guidance on quality assurance procedures in the LRP process.
• Support in the review of PRONAE school feeding guidance documentation, manuals, and tools and add, improve, and or strengthen them as necessary.
• Support the training of the updated materials to the provincial staff with a focus on LRP.
• In collaboration with WV advocate with PRONAE to establish district-level procurement committees, regrouping schools for delivery of commodities to improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• In collaboration with WV document learning and host reflection meetings with PRONAE on a semi-annual basis for the LOA.
• Provide advice on the execution of procurement contracts between PARES and suppliers focusing on product quality and safety adherence.
• Provide oversight in the engagement of an independent survey for random product sample testing services.
• Assist in the development of an LRP-focused manual and training materials to guide capacity-building.
• Assist in the development/establishment of a visual checklist for cooks and storeroom keepers to facilitate product inspection at receipt.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, supply chain management, or relevant field experience.
• Minimum of 3 years work experience in market and value chain development and management, preferably with an international organization in the Agricultural sector.
• Experience in or knowledge of procurement/purchasing management and regulations.
• Good knowledge of USDA procurement regulations, USDA / government of Mozambique food commodities quality and safety requirements.
• Experience in developing training materials, training guidance, conducting training needs assessment, and training facilitation.
• Knowledge of management of contracts in the Mozambique context.
• Knowledge of local and regional sourcing in the fast-moving consumer goods sector is desirable, horticultural crops will be an added advantage.

Required Languages – Fluent written and spoken English. Professional proficiency in Portuguese. Spanish may be considered as an alternative to Portuguese.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel in rural setups up to 50%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent planning, coordination, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make independent judgment and decisions.
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities – None

Key Working Relationships

• Internal – Country Manager, Director of Program, Head of Operations, LRP Specialist.
• External – World Vision International, Local Government and donors.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

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 prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer