- Position title: Senior Procurement Specialist (Based in the East Africa Regional Service Center) - Procurement and Fiduciary Services Department
- Grade: PL- 5
- Position N°: NA
- Reference: ADB12/14
- Publication date: 31/01/2012
- Closing date: 01/03/2012
Objectives
The Procurement and Fiduciary Services Department reports to the Vice President, Country and Regional Program & Policy (ORVP). The Department supports the Sector Departments in project cycle activities and in monitoring compliance in fiduciary services related to the financial management of projects and program on the one hand, and procurement activities on the other. In addition, the Department is responsible for engaging in framing financial management and procurement policies, guidelines, rules and generating statistics relating to procurement, and maintaining the Bank database for consultants. It is also expected to contribute to analytical and diagnostic work in the continent; to review financial management and procurement capacities in the countries; and to recommend measures for capacity improvement. The Department is also mandated to provide training to the Borrowers and to Bank staff on financial management and procurement issues. The Procurement Services division (ORPF.1) ensures the implementation of the procurement policy and strategy of the Bank and is also expected to conduct analytical and diagnostic work in RMCs (Regional Member Countries); to review procurement capacities and to suggest measures for capacity improvement. It has an increasing country presence through a growing network of 25 field offices.
Duties and responsibilities
The Senior Procurement Specialist (SPS) will be located in the East Africa Regional Service Center (Nairobi - Kenya) and work as a technical staff of the Procurement and Fiduciary Services Department receiving all guidance and support on procurement matters/issues from the Regional Procurement Coordinator (RPC) or the Division Manager ORPF.1. The SPS will be supervised administratively by the Regional Director. The SPS shall supervise the work of the local Procurement Officers (LPOs) and Local Procurement Assistants (LPAs) and will assist in the procurement aspects of the overall projects portfolio in countries within the region. This will include, but is not limited to: (i) Providing technical guidance at the Field Offices in the procurement activities of assigned projects and programs within the framework of the Bank’s policies and guidelines; (ii) assessing the adequacy of project procurement arrangements; (iii) capacity building to improve borrowers' procurement systems; and (iv) participating in launching and supervision of Bank funded-projects with a special focus on compliance with the Bank procurement rules, regulations, policies, procedures, audit recommendations and other fiduciary requirements. In collaboration with the LPOs and LPAs the SPS will have the following specific duties and responsibilities:
- Supervise the receipt, review and approval of all tender related documents requiring the Bank’s “No Objection”, “Approval” or “Action” under the Rules and Procedures of the Bank; monitor practical aspects by assisting the Projects’ Task Managers to supervise the procurement activities carried out by Borrowers throughout the project cycle.
- Receive and process procurement documents within his or her authorized level or forward them to the Regional Procurement Coordinator as appropriate with background information for their review and action.
- When required, review Borrowers’ procurement procedure, documents and/or contracts that are subjected to the Bank’s post review procedure to determine compliance with the Bank’s Procurement Rules and Procedure and make appropriate recommendations based on the findings.
- Advice Borrowers, Suppliers, entrepreneurs, Consultants and Contractors on all aspects related to the procurement of goods and services under Bank Group funded project.
- Participate in Preparation and Appraisal missions for specific projects with a view to assisting Borrowers and Sector Department Staff to define the most appropriate modalities for procurement.
- During the project/program preparation cycle missions, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the procurement capacity at the Executing Agencies and Project Implementation Units.
- Prepare the procurement chapter in the Project Appraisal Report.
- Participate in the project/program Launching Mission to assist the project/program team in developing capacity building of the Executing Agency in the area of procurement.
- Review and/or draft, under the technical supervision of the RPC, procurement chapters/sections for a variety of project lending documents taking into account the economy and efficiency of procurement and acceleration of appropriate disbursement.
- Carry out supervision work to ensure that projects procurement management systems are functioning appropriately, including the review of periodic interim procurement reports for the Regional Procurement Coordinator clearance.
- Under the guidance of the RPC, make significant contributions in evaluating and developing improvements to borrowers’ procurement regulations/practices, including influencing the design, reform and establishment of national and sub-national public procurement systems and strengthening of institutional capacity within borrower entities.
- Participate in project discussions and contributes to the preparation and revision of procurement plans and implementation schedules or monitoring systems.
- Under the guidance of the Regional Procurement Coordinator, assist in the coordination of activities with other Development Partners regarding harmonization of policies on procurement at country level.
- Assist Task Teams and ORPF in monitoring the implementation of agreed action plans for the Country Procurement Assessment Reviews, and provide technical advice to Governments in the implementation of reform actions.
- Participate in designing and delivery of tailored training to the Executing Agency (EA) and Bank staff to develop skills in procurement in accordance with AfDB procurement Rules and Guidelines.
- Supervise, mentoring and coaching of countries’ procurement staff.
- Undertake other procurement related activities that may be required by ORPF.
Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience
- At least a Master’s degree (or its university equivalent) in a relevant discipline, e.g. Engineering, Architecture, Procurement, Law, Management, Commerce or a related field.
- Preferably a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the formulation and implementation of procurement-specific policies, programs and projects in African or other developing countries.
- Proven familiarity with and experience in the practice of procurement of goods and works and the acquisition of consultancy services under donor funding conditions.
- Ability to understand and conceptualize the complex problems of procurement of goods, works and services.
- Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, Access, MS-Project, and PowerPoint); knowledge of SAP desirable.
- Ability to communicate and write effectively in English and/or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
Document download
Apply online
To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.
- Submitted by: Mohamed Youssouf, Division Manager, CHRM.1
- Approved by: Gemina Archer-Davies, Director, CHRM
Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online application, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). The AfDB President reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply: www.afdb.org/jobs
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