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.
Context
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization that works to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence with more than 150 delegations based worldwide. To find out more about ICRC mission and its activities visit www.icrc.org.
Reports to
* Reporting to the Global Lead Buyer Technology & Information
Purpose of the position
The Lead Buyer– TECH will be a member of the Procurement Unit, within the ICRC's logistics division. Their primary aim is to define, implement, and coordinate a global sourcing strategy for its categories (IT hardware, infrastructure, and related software and services) to meet internal customer needs and to obtain maximum value from suppliers. The TECH portfolio covers areas like Hybrid Cloud, Databases, DevOps, Networks, Security, Automation, Core Infrastructure, Monitoring, Identity and Access management or End User Computing. The Logistic / Procurement Unit is looking for a suitable candidate to fill the following position:
Main duties and responsibilities
Global Category Management
* Define global category strategy to support ICRC departments and divisions own strategies.
* Agree on global category strategy with internal stakeholders.
* Lead definition of sourcing and supplier relationship strategies to meet internal customer needs and to obtain maximum value for money from suppliers.
* Identify initiatives and/or projects leading to continuous improvement of the overall management of the category.
* Define appropriate action plan to ensure proper delivery of the category strategy.
* Communicate category strategy during Procurement townhall and stakeholder’s leadership meetings.
* Lead regular business reviews with stakeholders to review action plan progress and update category strategy.
* Partner with Procurement local teams and stakeholders’ teams to identify unmet needs and to drive the execution of global strategies.
* Validate all purchasing files above defined financial threshold and ensure that purchasing policies, strategies and procedure are respected for the category at headquarter and in the field delegations.
* Coach and train site buyers and category buyer/s.
Sourcing and Supplier Management
* Engage proactively with stakeholders to anticipate needs and to manage expectations.
* Take part in stakeholders’ annual budget review to identify and plan sourcing initiatives.
* Establish and drive effective network with suppliers, internal customers, category and site buyers.
* In relation with requesters, ensure technical and functional business requirements are properly defined (among others, liaise with End User Computing platform to validate standard IT, workplace or Telecom equipment).
* Prospect, visit, define and validate potential suppliers according to the supplier’s registration procedure.
* Lead or structure and process request for information and request for tenders for its categories and sub-categories.
* Lead business stakeholder’s engagement in the selection, evaluation, qualification and management of suppliers.
* Manage risks through proper contracting process and involvement of key stakeholders (i.e. data protection office, legal advisors).
* Ensure proper implementation of the signed contracts and guarantee a smooth handover to regional/local procurement when appropriate.
* Exploit local, regional and global synergies and ensure the related site buyers and clients get the optimal procurement support for sourcing projects implementation.
Compliance Management
* Guarantee the auditability of the procurement files by applying ICRC standard operating procedures and processes.
* Ensure all procurement documentation is available in ICRC compliance system Profile.
* Support and communicate procurement policy and processes to stakeholders.
Analysis and reporting
* Lead and coordinate data collection for global category strategy.
* Analyze demand, supply, market trend, cost drivers, best practices and assess opportunities.
* Perform Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis for strategic items.
* Participate in ICRC annual budgeting exercise (PfR) and provide visibility of sourcing projects.
* Build sourcing pipeline and update status on a regular basis in dedicated procurement system.
* Contribute to cost reduction objectives. Track and record cost avoidance/savings in dedicated system.
* Contribute to Procurement key performance indicators. Provide monthly input to unit dashboard.
Other tasks
* Maintain suppliers’ and items’ database.
* Make all relevant purchasing information available in the Logistic database.
* Maintain appropriate filing system of sourcing folders to comply with the ICRC Donors’ requirements.
* Provide guidance and support to ICRC staff regarding category management, sourcing and contract management, supplier management and procure-to-pay.
Relationships
In this position the person is expected to collaborate with:
* Internal: Category Buyer for Telecom; Global lead buyer and lead buyer for Tech & Data projects; Procurement Officers located in Belgrade; T&I Business units/Product line TECH; Delegations staff; Finance; Legal; Data Protection office; Supply chain; Transportation etc.
Experience and education background
* Master's degree in International Procurement or a related field.
* 10–12 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in strategic procurement functions such as category management, supplier relationship management (SRM), and contract negotiation.
* Solid experience managing global and complex procurement categories, ideally IT or technical domains (hardware, software, services, infrastructure). Other domains are welcome.
* Demonstrated success leading cross-functional sourcing initiatives and working in matrixed, multicultural environments.
* Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology and familiarity with Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), market intelligence, and supplier performance metrics.
* Knowledge of sourcing platforms; ERP and e-sourcing tools expertise is a must.
Desired profile and skills
* Strategic thinking and the ability to translate technical needs into efficient sourcing strategies.
* Advanced analytical capabilities, including cost/price analysis, market trend evaluation, and TCO modelling.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with a collaborative and service-oriented mindset.
* Leadership and coaching abilities to support and guide site buyers and procurement peers, and to engage in knowledge-sharing initiatives.
* Commitment to continuous improvement, simplification, and compliance in all procurement activities.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while ensuring alignment with ICRC values and operational realities.
* Fluent in English and French (spoken and written); additional languages are an asset.
Additional information
* Location: Geneva
* Type of contract: Long Term Assignment
* Grade: C1
* Activity rate: 100%
* Application deadline: Sunday, 4th of May 2025
Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Please note that no relocation will be granted for external candidates.
Our values
* 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 page.
How to apply
Ready to apply?
You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, valid license to practice, passport and driving license.
Learn more about our recruitment process here.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment.
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