Regional Disaster Response Program (RDAP) - Program Description  

Under the RDAP, Amentum will provide comprehensive solutions to build disaster management and disaster risk reduction capacity across 31 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) including but not limited to program management, technical assistance, training, and disaster and complex emergency response through leading-edge logistical solutions.   

Amentum efforts will include multiple objectives. The first is to lead and coordinate humanitarian assistance responses to complex emergencies and natural disasters across the region by maintaining capacity to analyze emergency impacts, scale, and immediate humanitarian needs while maintaining capacity to deploy first-class trained and operationally ready disaster response staff in each country, procuring emergency response commodities and services, capturing lessons learned and developing and disseminating information related to disaster events and the United State Government’s disaster risk reduction programing. The second objective is to build capacity of national emergency management systems and other local or regional entities to mitigate, prepare, and respond to disasters by analyzing capacities and applying country-level strategic planning and technically innovative training. The third objective is to deliver an advanced disaster assistance program through highly qualified technical assistance that applies tailored approaches and best practices to implement effective and appropriate response support through a continual improvement model that draws on evidence-based data to guide decisions and activities.  

Job Title: Procurement Assistant 

The Procurement Assistant will provide strategic support in purchasing highly complex, technical, and/or high value materials, supplies, or services. Evaluates bids, selects, and recommends suppliers and negotiates price, quality, and service. Support the RDAP and GSCM teams in following up on all awards through completion of order in a timely manner. This role is responsible for complying with Amentum Global Supply Chain policies, procedures, and underlying federal, state, and/or local regulations concerning the purchase or shipment of goods, materials, or services. The Procurement Assistant will report to the HQ GSCM Subcontracts Senior Manager (functional) and the RDAP Senior Procurement Specialist (operational). The position will be based in San Jose, Costa Rica. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support a wide range of procurement actions in support of programmatic activities.  

• Performs research and market analysis to identify vendors, verify capabilities and perform compliance checks to support expanding the vendor pool for RDAP.  

• Work independently with minimal supervision under the direction of the Sr. Procurement Specialist. 

• Reviews purchase requisitions for clarity, compliance, detail, completeness, and obtains additional information considered necessary.  

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records, including contracts, purchase orders, and supplier information.    

• Prepare and maintain procurement documentation in compliance with applicable regulations.  

• Develops sourcing lists for various commodities to support the development of:  

- Requests for Information (RFIs)  

- Requests for Quotation (RFQs)  

- Requests for Proposals (RFPs)  

- Invitations to Bid  

- Interviews of potential suppliers.  

• Reviews solicitation responses and performs relevant analyses based on a variety of factors:  

- Price and cost  

- Statement of Work conformity  

- Delivery and payment terms  

- Stock holding abilities  

- Past performance  

• Leads and or supports procurement negotiations to include price, payment and delivery terms, quality requirements, and other factors with suppliers to achieve the best value procurement possible.  

• Generates Purchase Orders and supporting documentation in final form for approval and signature.  

• Prepares and maintains a complete Purchase Order file in accordance with Federal Acquisition policies, Amentum Corporate Procurement guidance, and other applicable references to ensure compliance throughout the procurement cycle.  

• Procures using streamlined acquisition methods in accordance with Amentum policies and procedures.  

• Collaborate with program team to identify their procurement needs and requirements.  

• Prepare complete backup documentation for procurement & submit to Global Supply Chain Management team.  

• Ensure Amentum, USG, and FAR regulations, policies, and procedures are followed and enforced.  

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, fostering collaboration.  

• Help project staff understand the rules & regulation of Amentum procurement systems as necessary.  

• Gather current pricing information independently. Conduct price/cost/reasonability analyses.  

• Evaluate and document vendor performance and develop plans to improve supplier performance.  

• Help project staff to understand the requirements for submitting statements of work, to determine other technical specifications.  

• Prepare cost evaluation data and source selection documentation.  

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with vendors across the LAC regions. 

• Provides follow up to ensure timely invoicing and adequate and compliant substantiation for all costs. 

• Supports continual improvement process by providing input on opportunities to streamline operations. 

• Supports the development of tools and guidance documents. 

• Takes all company required training on schedule as required by HQ. 

• Follows email maintenance requirements, communications, line reporting and timekeeping protocols, as established by Amentum, and abides by Amentum ethical code of conduct. Takes required trainings on time, as required by Amentum. 

• Able to liaise with HQ functional teams and respond to data calls as required. 

• Must be available after hours and on weekends to support emergency response priorities. 

• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as directed.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, finance, economics, purchasing, marketing or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience . 

• Minimum of 1 year, 2 years preferred, of procurement or relevant professional experience. 

• Ability to analyze data and generate meaningful reports.  

• Demonstrated ability to understand purchasing and accounting data preferred. 

• Proficiency in Spanish and English Level 3 preferred. 

• Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements and U.S. Government contracting a plus. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint,) preferred. 

• Knowledge of principles and processes involved in operating and supporting Procurement functions.  

• Ability to work in a team and independently 

• Ability to handle a high-volume workload and maintain a positive and professional attitude. 

• Exceptional customer relations skills. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.