Buyer Team Leader

Introduction

Are you an experienced procurement professional seeking a new opportunity in a career that tackles global challenges? Do you aspire to work in a setting where the impact of your efforts is directly visible in people’s lives every day? If so, we have an opportunity for you! The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is looking to recruit a passionate and qualified individual to fill the position of Buyer Team Leader. The post holder is responsible for coordinating the purchasing process in one of our ICRC country offices. 

About us

ICRC works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

About the role

As Buyer Team Leader you will ensure that purchasing is carried out in line with standard institutional policies and procedures. You will:

• Provide operational guidance and training to the local procurement team to ensure operational performance and compliance with ICRC and procurement principles and rules.
• Disseminate and update procurement procedures and guidelines, to ensure proper implementation by the local team.
• Facilitate the roll out of transversal procurement changes related to processes, tools and practices.
• Supervise and manage the team development and performance, based on the annually defined objectives.
• Define and follow-up procurement KPIs and implement corrective actions, to ensure continuous improvement.
• Implement and adapt the purchasing strategy for each category, in consistency with the orientations defined by the lead buyer in charge.
• Build purchasing plans to respond to customer needs, working in close collaboration with Supply Chain, Warehouse, Transport, medical Quality and internal customer counterparts.
• Build sourcing plans, and reliable supplier panels to ensure supply continuity in coherence with the purchasing strategy and Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) policies and supplier QHSE assessment and corrective action plans.
• Conduct and support market surveys, tendering activities and securing the application of the procurement rules and guidelines to secure competitive bidding and fair treatment of suppliers.
• Ensure that purchase orders and established contractual terms and conditions provide the ‘Best Value for Money’ to internal customers and ICRC, by leading and supporting required negotiation with suppliers.
• Ensure purchasing aligns with institutional policies by overseeing the procurement process from start to finish, managing supplier claims, maintaining accurate data, and ensuring compliance with ICRC requirements

Required profile and skills

• At least 8 years of professional experience in Strategic Sourcing in an international and multicultural environment (in retail industry and/or humanitarian field).  
• At least 3 years-experience in procurement as a Senior buyer, Buying Team Leader, Category Manager, Senior Purchaser or any related position.
• Bachelor’s degree in procurement, logistics, supply chain management or any closely related field. 
• Fluency in English and French (minimum level C1) 
• Qualification in related field and purchasing knowledge including skills in negotiation, competitive bidding and product portfolio management. 
• Integrity, strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, open-mindedness, adaptability, diplomacy and a strong motivation for humanitarian work.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload according to operational priorities.
• Able to work under pressure in sometimes potentially dangerous environments and ability to take relevant decisions with a solution-oriented mindset within a given framework. 

Other desired skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Computer Science or Civil, Electrical, Mechanical or Electromechanical engineering is an asset.
• Good understanding of supply chain processes and knowledge of Direct and Indirect categories.
• Experience working with humanitarian players or in conflict zones.
• Knowledge of any other ICRC working language used in the field (Spanish, Arabic or Russian) is a strong advantage.
• Experience leading a team of 2 to10 people is a real plus. 

Constraints working in the field

• In line with our principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to deployment to the field.
• Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license for manual transmission vehicles.
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first two years

What we offer

• Rewarding and impactful work in a multicultural humanitarian environment.
• A competitive employment package with attractive social benefits including but not limited to a monthly salary paid thirteen times, a robust pension plan, medical and accident insurance coverage, plus other benefits.
• Accommodation provided and covered for by ICRC.
• Opportunity to join ICRC’s talent pool and be considered for future assignments globally.

Additional information

• Type of mobility: Global deployment
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Activity rate: 100%
• Application deadline:  15th September 2024

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

“We will read cover letters carefully and be attentive to the expression of your motivation for the position.”

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this .