Global Inventory And Logistics Specialist Ii

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. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serve those in need.

CRS is seeking an experienced supply chain professional to be the Global Inventory and Logistics Specialist. The Specialist will work with colleagues in HQ, regions, and country programs (CPs) to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable .

The Specialist of Global Inventory and Logistics will form part of an HQ-based team that sits within the Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) department. This position reports to and works under the leadership of the Manager of Global Inventory and Logistics to complete the following activities: 1) reviewing systems and tools to ensure alignment of business and system processes, including identifying gaps and opportunities for optimization, 2) promoting and advancing best practices, policies, procedures, guidance, and tools for inventory and logistics management aspects of supply chain, 3) partnering with key stakeholders to recommend, design, and lead capacity strengthening initiatives, 4) supporting the advancement of strategic initiatives that optimize inventory and in-country logistics performance, 5) providing technical expertise for improving the efficiency and quality control of all products, including handling, storage, packaging, transport and delivery practices, and 6) assisting in the development and adoption of inventory and logistics metrics to improve operations and to promote a culture of continuous process improvement.

The Specialist of Global Inventory and Logistics will focus on process areas that include but are not limited to; warehouse management and operations, inventory and logistics management systems, national transportation, inventory and logistics planning (including dispatch and distribution of goods), and quality control and assurance.

Given the global nature of CRS’ supply chain, as well as the decentralized nature of our programming, it is important that the Specialist possess excellent communication and presentation skills with a strong background in relationship building and influencing.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Under the overall leadership of the Manager of Global Inventory and Logistics, in close collaboration with other GSCM (sub)units, and in consultation with her/his team, s/he will:

Systems Optimization and Metrics

• Monitor the annual physical inventory count process and ensure that CPs are properly conducting cycle and inventory counts throughout the year. This includes ensuring the appropriate use of the business system to support these activities.
• Participate in systems discussions and projects to improve system functionality, usage, and data quality improvement efforts.
• Lead and/or participate in activities that reinforce a culture of continuous improvement for inventory and logistics operations globally.
• Monitor supply chain dashboards and perform regular data analysis to identify trends and areas of improvement, includes drafting reports and recommendations that support strategy.
• Responsible for the establishment and analysis of global KPIs across operational areas.

Policy and Process Improvement

• In collaboration with Global Procurement and other relevant stakeholders, create standardized agreement templates and scorecards for service providers.
• Support sustainable operations at the Agency by developing reports/presentations to communicate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, introducing and tracking sustainability indicators, and providing technical support for sustainability issues.
• Partner with key stakeholders to develop and/or review global inventory and logistics processes and policies. Ensure coordination and alignment between business and system processes and identify improvements that could impact quality of product and/or storage and delivery.
• Partner with CRS donor engagement staff to participate in review of draft proposal documents to ensure alignment with realities and best practices.
• Collaborate with regions and country program offices to identify and address global supply chain challenges. Provide management support in d esigning solutions to ensure operational optimization and risk mitigation processes and protocols.

Capacity Building

• Within the identified key inventory and logistics steps, conduct a strategic needs analysis to identify key focus areas for capacity strengthening of CRS country program staff. Design, as well as lead, capacity strengthening initiatives through facilitation of training and development of learning materials.
• Identify and develop tools and guidance to increase efficiencies within inventory and logistics processes, as well as improved compliance to related policies and best practices.

• Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance for inventory and logistics-related issues and topics referencing industry best practice, as well as regulatory and internal policy compliance, including in-country logistics, port operations, handling & storage management, quality control and assurance.

General Responsibilities

• Other duties, as required.
• Act as a representative in relevant internal and industry meetings, conferences, etc.
• Perform reporting and entry of Oracle/Insight inventory transactions, as needed.
• Monitor and reports progress to management/leadership team, relating to global health of inventory and logistics.
• Responsible for cross-functional collaboration to drive optimal inventory performance, cost savings, and risk mitigation across the Agency.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A - This position has no direct reports.

Personal Attributes:

• Tact, diplomacy, and calmness, especially when dealing with performance failures and disputes.
• Strong relationship skills: track record of collaborating well with autonomous expert peers and demonstrated capacity to lead by influence.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an organization, actively listen, and understand information presented by people with different communication styles and different points of view.
• Proactive and results-oriented with excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, oral and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills resulting in the ability to make sound judgement.
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics.

• Continuous improvement mindset that relies on performance indicators and data analytics.

Key Working Relationships:

INTERNAL (HQ): Other GSCM Sub-Units (Global Procurement, Strategic Technical Assistance and Response (STAR), Systems & Performance), Finance; Audit; All Units in HQ OverOps/Programs, Humanitarian Response Department (HRD), Office of General Counsel, GKIM (IT), and the ERP Project Team.

INTERNAL (Regions/Field): Regional Advisors for SCM, relevant Chiefs of Party; Heads of Operations, Supply Chain/Logistics Managers.

EXTERNAL: Major donors – especially, USG (USAID-BHA and USDA) and GFATM- peer organizations’ SCM leaders, industry suppliers, various logistics service providers (i.e., carriers, transporters, agents).

Required Qualifications:

• Three (3) plus years of professional experience in humanitarian response operations with a focus on supply chain/logistics management
• Demonstrated working knowledge in inventory and supply chain and current best practices with experience in the movement of food, health and cold-chain products, emergency relief items preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Logistics or related field

• Experience in managing integrated air, sea/waterway, and land transport operations.
• Willingness and ability to travel overseas up to 20%, including remote and/or difficult operating environments, for assessments and to provide in-person training/assistance to field programs.
• Experience with development of KPIs, including collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting on information with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience in quality management.

• Working fluency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, SharePoint, Power BI or other dashboarding systems required).
• Fluency in English.
• Experience in developing business processes and policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of statistical and analytical tools.
• APICS, HLCP, or other related certification or advanced degree a plus
• Working ability in French, Spanish, or Arabic.
• Experience in large and complex operations.
• Familiarity with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, as well as understanding of standard contractual terms and conditions to mitigate legal risk.
• Demonstrated competency in ERP software applications preferred.
• Experience working with USG or other major donors preferred (e.g., Global Fund)

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.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Strategic Mindset
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Integrity
• Accountability & Stewardship

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, a generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

***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.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)