Education:

Applicants must hold a First Degree or Second Degree in one of the following fields: Pharmacy Procurement Management Management Materials Management Or related disciplines

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is one of Ethiopia’s most established and respected humanitarian institutions. Founded in 1935, the organization has decades of experience in delivering emergency relief and long-term development support to vulnerable communities across the country.

ERCS provides critical services including emergency response, ambulance and first aid services, family tracing and reunification, water and sanitation support, and the distribution of essential medicines. Its interventions address both immediate humanitarian crises and long-term resilience building.

The Society implements disaster risk reduction programs focused on food security, climate change adaptation, livelihood diversification, and institutional capacity building. These initiatives aim to strengthen communities and reduce vulnerability to recurring shocks.

With an extensive network of regional, zonal, woreda, and kebele-level structures, ERCS maintains a strong operational presence nationwide. This broad reach allows the organization to deliver essential medical and humanitarian supplies efficiently, even in hard-to-reach areas.

ERCS works closely with the Ethiopian Government, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), partner National Societies, volunteers, and communities. Through these partnerships, ERCS strengthens its operational systems and maintains high international standards in humanitarian service delivery.

The Pharmaceuticals Services unit plays a vital role in ensuring that safe, quality medicines and medical supplies reach health facilities and communities in need. The Procurement and Transit Officer will directly contribute to maintaining an efficient supply chain that supports lifesaving interventions.

Job Description

The Procurement and Transit Officer will work under the supervision of the Pharmaceutical Operations Manager within the Pharmaceuticals Services Work Unit. This is a permanent, full-time position responsible for managing procurement and transit processes for local and international purchases.

The officer will facilitate both foreign and local procurement activities in line with approved procurement plans and organizational procedures. This includes preparing tender documents, conducting offer analysis, and ensuring transparent and competitive procurement processes.

The role requires compiling complete and accurate data on medicines, medical equipment, related supplies, and other items to be procured. The officer will prepare bid documents, advertise tenders, solicit quotations, and evaluate supplier offers in accordance with policies.

Ensuring efficient customs clearance and transit procedures for imported goods is a core responsibility. The officer will handle foreign exchange permits, customs documentation, and all required formalities to release goods promptly from customs once bank documents are processed.

The Procurement and Transit Officer will liaise closely with transit agencies to ensure the timely arrival of shipments at ports and their systematic clearance for delivery to the Central Medical Warehouse. Effective coordination will minimize delays and reduce costs.

Monitoring purchase orders from initiation through delivery is essential. The officer will notify appropriate authorities in case of irregularities, discrepancies, or delays in supply.

The role also includes preparing discrepancy reports for commodities supplied and filing claims with manufacturers or insurance companies when goods are lost or damaged during transit.

Maintaining proper documentation is critical. The officer will ensure that requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, receiving reports, shipping documents, and insurance certificates are properly filed and compliant with procurement policies.

The position involves preparing and reviewing annual budgetary requirements for procurement needs and supporting the Pharmaceuticals Services procurement committee, including taking meeting minutes and preparing reports.

Additionally, the officer will monitor market responses to medicines and medical supplies to assess feedback from prescribers, dispensers, and consumers. This information will support improvements in procurement planning and service delivery.

Through this position, the selected candidate will play a key role in ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and supplies. The role offers strong professional exposure in supply chain management within a leading humanitarian organization.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold a First Degree or Second Degree in one of the following fields:

• Pharmacy
• Procurement Management
• Management
• Materials Management
• Or related disciplines

An educational background that combines technical pharmaceutical knowledge with procurement or supply chain expertise will be highly advantageous.

Work Experience

Candidates must have:

• 4 years of relevant work experience for Second Degree holders, or
• 6 years of relevant work experience for First Degree holders

Experience in procurement, pharmaceutical supply chain management, customs clearance, tender preparation, or logistics coordination is strongly preferred. Experience working in large institutions or humanitarian organizations will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of procurement policies and procedures
• Experience in tender preparation and bid evaluation
• Ability to manage customs clearance and transit processes
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Good communication and coordination abilities
• Attention to detail and commitment to compliance
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines

The ideal candidate should demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a commitment to humanitarian principles.

Job Location

The duty station for this position is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The role may require close coordination with port authorities, customs offices, suppliers, and warehouses.

Employment Type and Salary

This is a permanent, full-time position within the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. Salary and benefits will be provided according to the organization’s salary scale and human resource policies.

The position offers excellent career growth opportunities in procurement and supply chain management within a reputable humanitarian organization. Employees gain valuable experience in international procurement systems, regulatory compliance, and logistics coordination.

ERCS is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Qualified women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization values diverse perspectives and promotes equal employment opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications are invited to complete the online employment application form using the following link: https://ee.ifrc.org/x/fqTf4qqW

The application deadline is March 4, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Applicants are not required to submit scanned certificates or additional attachments at this stage of the application process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.

Joining ERCS as a Procurement and Transit Officer offers a meaningful opportunity to strengthen Ethiopia’s medical supply systems while advancing your professional career in procurement and logistics management within a respected humanitarian institution.