Procurement Manager, Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Procurement

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading humanitarian organization responding to global crises by restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to communities affected by conflict and disaster. Operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, IRC delivers lasting impact by helping millions reclaim control of their futures. We are seeking a solutions-driven Procurement Manager to join our Global Procurement team, focusing on emerging technology and digital innovation. This role supports fast-paced sourcing needs for early-stage digital initiatives such as pilots, proofs of concept, and trials, ensuring procurement discipline, vendor due diligence, risk management, and compliance are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

Emerging Technology and Digital Innovation Sourcing Execution: Provide hands-on procurement support for pilots, trials, SaaS, startup vendors, and digital innovation requests. Conduct market scans, support requirements gathering, prepare RFI/RFQ/RFP documents, evaluate suppliers, and finalize contracts. Facilitate the integration of new tools into formal procurement channels to reduce unmanaged technology spend and support SaaS renewal and license optimization.

Pilot, Trial, and Proof-of-Concept Procurement Frameworks: Develop and maintain streamlined procurement pathways for short-term technology engagements. Create checklists and decision tools, define minimum documentation requirements, and establish approval checkpoints. Track requests from intake through pilot completion and coordinate necessary documentation such as NDAs to ensure pilots are positioned for potential scale-up.

AI-Enabled and High-Risk Technology Procurement Support: Assist in sourcing AI-enabled tools, applying IRC’s AI assessment protocols, including risk classification and required approvals. Collaborate with AI Governance and Risk Committees, identify high-risk technology requests, and ensure procurement documentation meets compliance standards.

Vendor Due Diligence, Risk Review, and Documentation: Coordinate comprehensive vendor risk assessments covering cybersecurity, data protection, legal, donor compliance, financial viability, and operational risks. Work closely with Information Security, Legal, Risk and Compliance, and Finance teams to complete required reviews before contract awards. Maintain audit-ready procurement files aligned with IRC policies and donor requirements.

Tool and Vendor Visibility: Maintain a detailed inventory of emerging technology tools and vendors, documenting status, business ownership, contract details, and approved use cases. Facilitate communication among business owners, IT, Procurement, and other stakeholders to ensure appropriate tool usage and flag any misuse.

Contracting and Commercial Support: Support negotiation and contracting for the emerging technology portfolio, including NDAs, SaaS agreements, subscriptions, and renewals. Analyze pricing models and coordinate with Legal, IT, and Finance to ensure contracts address data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property, and AI-specific considerations. Assist in renewal planning to avoid last-minute commitments.

Stakeholder Engagement and Service Support: Provide responsive procurement guidance to teams exploring new digital tools and pilots. Facilitate smooth procurement processes while maintaining compliance and risk controls. Help reduce shadow IT and credit-card purchases by promoting proper procurement channels and guiding stakeholders through documentation and approval steps.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement: Track sourcing pipelines, renewal calendars, cycle times, savings, and compliance indicators. Monitor pilot outcomes and user adoption, identifying issues and recommending improvements to procurement frameworks and tools. Share knowledge across Global Procurement to enhance sourcing practices for emerging technology and digital innovation.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in procurement, supply chain, business administration, IT, engineering, law, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
- 5 to 7 years of procurement, sourcing, contract, or vendor management experience, with at least 3 years focused on IT procurement, SaaS, software licensing, cloud services, cybersecurity, or related technology categories.
- Experience supporting early-stage technology procurement such as pilots, trials, and proofs of concept.
- Proven ability to coordinate vendor due diligence and risk assessments across cybersecurity, data protection, financial, and operational domains.
- Strong understanding of technology procurement risks including data protection, information security, intellectual property, and vendor lock-in.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with IT, Legal, Information Security, Data Protection, Finance, and business teams.
- Demonstrated capacity to work quickly while maintaining compliance, controls, and documentation standards.
- Excellent stakeholder service orientation with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in NGOs, donor-funded organizations, humanitarian agencies, UN agencies, or complex global organizations.
- Knowledge of donor compliance requirements such as USAID/BHA, FCDO, ECHO, EU, UN agencies, or private foundations.
- Professional certification such as CIPS or CPSM completed or in progress.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is an advantage.
- Flexible working environment with preference for IRC hub cities; remote work considered.
- Up to 10% domestic and international travel, including visits to IRC country offices.
- This position is open to candidates based in Lebanon, Germany, Kenya, Pakistan, and Jordan who have the right to work locally.
- Employment contracts and salary scales will align with local standards.

The IRC upholds professional standards grounded in integrity, service, equality, and accountability. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment, promoting ethical conduct, safeguarding, and transparency throughout our operations. Join us to contribute to meaningful change through innovative technology procurement that supports humanitarian impact worldwide.