Deputy Head of Operations

Job Title: Deputy Head of Operations

Department: Operations

Report to: Head of Operations

Job Location: Kampala/Uganda

Vacancies: One (1)

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.

CRS has been working in Uganda since 1965 and has a vibrant portfolio of projects, serving over a million vulnerable Ugandans and refugees each year through the Country Program 2030 Strategy. CRS programs in Uganda currently support five strategic priority areas, including Health and Social Services Systems Strengthening, Resilient Food Systems, Emergency Preparedness and Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Local Leadership. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including international and local NGOs, Ugandan government departments and ministries, the Catholic Church, and community-based organizations for maximum impact and sustainability.

Job Summary:

The job holder will plan, manage, and provide technical, supervisory and operational oversight in the following operational functions: Supply Chain, Administration, ICT and Safety and Security in support of the CRS’ mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will promote stewardship of resources, help ensure principled compliance, proactively identify risk issues, and lead operational improvements.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with direct reports and programming leads to strengthen the pipeline and supply chain management plan. Manage the determination of procurement and logistics service requirements, desired specifications and delivery schedules, and how sourcing strategies are defined, ensuring proper coordination and communication.
• Ensure accountability and transparency of all supply chain operations in compliance with CRS and donor regulations, and international and local standards and requirements.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high-quality programming.
• Lead design and implementation of a strategic sourcing and procurement process to identify, assess, select and contract suppliers that will deliver the maximum value for money to the organization.
• In close coordination with the procurement team oversee relationships with key suppliers and assess supplier performance.
• Manage logistical infrastructure, storage facilities and transportation resources. Oversee application of systems and procedures for inventory and commodity transportation, warehousing, and distribution, as well as for vehicle management to ensure proper handling and safeguarding of assets.
• Manage with the support from the Country Representative and Head of Operations be responsible or safety and security issues in the Country Program, keeping in touch with heads of offices, providing advise as required.
• Ensure Field Security Plan is updated, making sure related safety and security protocols are implemented across the country program.
• Oversee inventory control and the management of comprehensive goods tracking and record keeping systems throughout the whole Supply Chain cycle, from time of request until time of delivery. Ensure timely preparation and submission of various reports.
• Ensure high quality reporting that allows for proper tracing and tracking of inventory and assets.
• Create and maintain the proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Provide capacity strengthening guidance, which includes cross-departmental learning.
• Provide Operational support for the Emergency Response Program, working with the Emergency Program Manager, onsite support, pre identification of need etc.
• Provide support to the sub offices, as and when needed, through reviewing document, coaching the team and providing cover to the Heads of Office.
• Maintain efficiency and compliance in local and international procurements across all offices while ensuring integrity (accuracy, security) of SCM information systems.

Basic qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in supply chain (logistics/procurement management) with progressive responsibilities, preferably with relief supply chain management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in supply chain, other relevant master’s strongly, or equivalent experience strongly preferred. Professional certification(s) a plus.
• Experience in Finance, Human Resources, or Risk & Compliance a plus.
• Knowledge of and experience with various public donors’ regulations. Understanding of the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), WHO regulations and Generally Accepted Commodity Accountability Principles (GACAP)
• Knowledge of national and international import/export legislation and common customs regulations.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems. Experience with ERP systems is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent planning, coordination, prioritization, and time management skills
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make independent sound judgments 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

Required Languages: Professional proficiency in English.

Travel Requirement: Must be willing and able to travel across the Country Program sub offices.

Key Working Relationships

• Supervisory: Procurement Manager, Administration Manager, ICT Manager.
• Internal: Program staff, Operations staff and Sub offices teams.
• External: Partners, Service providers, other NGOs.

Agency-wide 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.

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

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.