About this opportunity
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is hiring a Head of Procurement, Logistics and Property Administration to lead its supply chain operations in Ethiopia. This senior management role oversees the full procurement cycle, warehouse and fleet management, and property administration for one of the largest humanitarian organizations operating in the country. The position is based in Addis Ababa and reports directly to senior leadership. The ICRC has been operating in Ethiopia for decades, delivering humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other crises. The organization runs large-scale operations across the country, including emergency response programs, health services, and economic security projects. As Head of Procurement, you would be responsible for ensuring that all goods and services are sourced, transported, and managed efficiently to support these operations. This includes managing a team of procurement officers, logistics staff, and property administrators. Addis Ababa sits at an elevation of about 2,400 meters, giving it a mild climate year-round with average temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. The city is the diplomatic hub of Africa, hosting the African Union headquarters and numerous international organizations. Living costs are moderate compared to Western capitals, though expatriate housing in neighborhoods like Bole and Old Airport can be pricey. The ICRC typically provides international staff with housing allowances, security support, and comprehensive health coverage. Ethiopia requires work permits for foreign employees, which the ICRC handles as part of its standard hiring process. This role suits a seasoned supply chain professional with deep experience in humanitarian or development settings. You would be joining an organization with a global presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of more than 20,000 people. The ICRC is known for its neutral and independent mandate under the Geneva Conventions, and its procurement operations must meet strict standards for transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the procurement unit, ensuring all purchases follow ICRC policies and donor regulations
- Oversee the full procurement cycle from needs assessment through supplier selection, contracting, and delivery
- Manage warehouse operations, including inventory control, stock rotation, and distribution planning
- Supervise fleet management, including vehicle allocation, maintenance schedules, and fuel monitoring
- Administer all ICRC properties in Ethiopia, including leases, maintenance, and security arrangements
- Develop and implement procurement strategies that balance cost, quality, and delivery timelines
- Negotiate contracts with local and international suppliers for goods and services
- Ensure compliance with Ethiopian customs regulations and import/export procedures
- Train and supervise a team of procurement and logistics officers
- Prepare procurement reports and budgets for senior management and donors
- Coordinate with program teams to forecast supply needs and plan procurement accordingly
- Maintain supplier databases and conduct regular performance evaluations of vendors
- Implement risk management procedures for supply chain disruptions
- Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all procurement and property transactions
Benefits
- Competitive international salary package based on ICRC pay scales
- Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage
- Housing allowance or provided accommodation
- Annual leave of 25 working days plus public holidays
- Rest and recuperation breaks with travel allowances
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Family status benefits including education allowances for dependents
Requirements & Qualifications
- Master's degree in supply chain management, business administration, logistics, or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in procurement and logistics management
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior management role
- Previous experience working with humanitarian organizations or international NGOs
- Strong knowledge of international procurement standards and best practices
- Proven experience managing large-scale warehouse and fleet operations
- Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills
- Strong leadership abilities with experience managing diverse teams
- Fluency in English required; knowledge of Amharic is an advantage
- Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work under pressure in challenging environments
- Willingness to travel to field offices across Ethiopia as needed
- Understanding of the Geneva Conventions and humanitarian principles is preferred
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in humanitarian procurement and logistics.
- Submit your application through the ICRC's official recruitment portal.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
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- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
