Procurement Specialist in Seeds - Position based in the Field

Contract

This is a ICRC - Open-ended contract. More about ICRC - Open-ended contracts.

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (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.

Purpose

The Seeds Procurement Specialist supports and supervises seeds procurement and ensures that logistical and financial procedures are followed in accordance with operational requirements and the logistics strategy.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Implement the ICRC’s strategic orientations for purchasing by translating them into operational planning and activities, with an emphasis on quality, social and environmental (QSE) requirements, under the supervision of the Lead buyer
• Provide technical support, through short-term support missions or remotely, to delegations in the Africa region that require temporary expertise and / or capacity to procure and distribute seed and agricultural inputs;
• Build capacity and knowledge among field agro teams on seed quality and fraud prevention;
• Follow and report on global and regional trends in high-quality seed production and markets, mapping at regional level seed import/export regulations/possibilities.
• Under the supervision of the Lead buyer & Ecomic Security (EcoSec), produce seed procurement SOPs and contribute to global tools and guidelines to support the ICRC’s Ecomic Security agro program;
• Contribute to the design and delivery of workshops and specific seed security training modules in the field of ICRC Economic Security agronomy programs.
• Takes part in creating a regional network of buyers for their products category in other organizations

People management responsibilities

• No

Scope & Impact

• Geographical remit : Regional & Global
• Is responsible for a technical purchase portfolio of SFR 5 million or more

Relationships

• Internally interacts within the procurement team, other logistic staff and the Economic Security team
• Externally interacts with a professional network of contacts in the region e.g. suppliers and other companies, humanitarian organizations, seed development institutions

Certifications / Education required

• Degree in agronomy or any related discipline
• Good command (spoken and written) of English and French.
• IT proficiency

Professional Experience required

• 6 years´ experience in the seed sector gained either within the industry or other organisations (FAO, etc ...)
• Strong negotiation skills
• Good time management skills as position requires the coverage of 7 countries (Nigeria, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Tchad)

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
• Previous ICRC or movement experience is an asset
• Knowledge of ICRC procurement procedures is an added value

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC dœs 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 departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving 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 6 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment: 12 months with a possibility of extension

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

Deadline for application: 31st January 2023