Application Guide

How to Apply for Humanitarian Procurement Manager I, remote support for Cuba

at Catholic Relief Services

🏢 About Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community, operating in over 100 countries. CRS combines faith-driven mission with professional excellence, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact while working within a values-based organization that prioritizes dignity and solidarity.

About This Role

This role manages procurement for humanitarian operations in Cuba from a remote US base, ensuring critical supplies reach vulnerable populations despite complex sanctions and logistics. You'll lead high-stakes procurements, coordinate across teams, and build local capacity, directly enabling emergency response and long-term recovery.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start your day reviewing emails from the Cuba team and US-based partners, prioritizing urgent procurement requests. You'll spend time coordinating with program staff to align delivery timelines, reviewing high-value purchase orders for compliance, and conducting virtual check-ins with your procurement officers. Afternoons might involve drafting donor reports, troubleshooting logistics bottlenecks, and participating in calls with suppliers or local authorities.

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🎯 Who Catholic Relief Services Is Looking For

  • Experienced in humanitarian procurement within restricted environments (e.g., sanctions, limited infrastructure) with knowledge of US donor regulations (State, USAID).
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) with strong cross-cultural communication skills to liaise with local partners and navigate Cuba's unique context.
  • Strategic thinker who can balance compliance with speed, managing high-risk procurements and adapting to fluid operational realities.
  • Proven supervisor with a coaching mindset, able to mentor a remote team and foster accountability in a challenging environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Catholic Relief Services

1

Highlight specific experience with US government-funded procurement (e.g., Department of State) and any work in sanctioned or restricted countries.

2

Emphasize Spanish proficiency by including a Spanish-language version of your cover letter or noting advanced fluency explicitly.

3

Showcase examples of managing logistics in complex environments (e.g., natural disasters, conflict zones) and how you ensured compliance under pressure.

4

Tailor your resume to include metrics (e.g., value of procurements managed, percentage of on-time deliveries) and mention any experience with remote team supervision.

5

Mention familiarity with CRS's mission and Catholic social teaching, even if not Catholic, to demonstrate cultural fit with their values-driven approach.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to humanitarian work and alignment with CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable.", 'Concrete examples of managing procurement in restricted environments, especially Latin America or similar contexts.', 'Your bilingual capability and experience working across cultures, particularly with Spanish-speaking stakeholders.', "How you've navigated complex donor regulations (e.g., State Department) while maintaining agility in emergency settings."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CRS's current humanitarian programs in Cuba, including recent emergency responses (e.g., hurricanes, COVID-19).
  • → Understand the US embargo and OFAC licensing requirements for humanitarian work in Cuba.
  • → Read CRS's annual report and their 'Procurement Manual' or similar public guidelines to understand their compliance culture.
  • → Explore CRS's values and how they integrate Catholic social teaching into operational decisions.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure compliance with US sanctions on Cuba while procuring essential humanitarian goods?
2 Describe a time you managed a high-risk procurement under tight deadlines. What steps did you take to mitigate risks?
3 How do you prioritize competing demands from program, finance, and logistics teams in a remote setting?
4 What is your experience with remote supervision? How do you build trust and accountability with a team you can't see daily?
5 How do you stay updated on changing donor regulations and ensure your team adapts quickly?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of Cuba's operating environment or US sanctions—generic procurement experience won't suffice.
  • Overlooking the importance of Spanish fluency in your application—not mentioning it or providing proof can be a dealbreaker.
  • Ignoring the remote aspect—don't assume it's just a regular office job; highlight your ability to work independently and manage a dispersed team.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Catholic Relief Services!

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