COMESA VACANCIES APRIL 2012

Ref: CS/HR/10(14.03.12)fk

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a regional grouping of 19 African States which have agreed to promote regional integration through trade development, investment promotion and transport facilitation. More information can be obtained from the COMESA website www.comesa. int. COMESA is in the process of recruiting staff to assist in implementation of programmes in its Climate Change Initiative and is therefore inviting applications for the under listed posts.

1. PROCUREMENT EXPERT P3 (1 post)

Purpose of the job: to ensure that all Programme procurements are made in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner

Tasks:

a) Manage the procurement aspects of the project from inception up to contract completion, providing the needed technical support and guidance in all stages of the procurement cycle.
b) Developing and updating project procurement plan on a regular basis and implement the procurement plan for goods, services and consultants.
c) Prepare documents required to facilitate project operations, including Requests for Expressions of Interest, Procurement Notices, Bidding documents, Tender Evaluation Reports, contracts and other related documents.

d) Monitor contract performance for compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts including follow up checks for corrective action.
e) Negotiate terms and other related issues with consultants, contractors and suppliers in consultation with the Legal Counsel.
f) Analyse questions/complaints from bidders, suppliers and contractors on bidding and award issues.
g) Ensuring all project procurements are compliant with procedures, timely and cost effective.
h) Ensure prompt payment of suppliers through liaising by liaising with the Finance function.

i) Making travel arrangements for programme staff, delegates and consultants
j) Preparing Reports for Procurement and Contracts Committees, Policy Organs, Donors.

k) Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.

Education:

Candidates must be in possession of an internationally recognised professional qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS Graduate Diploma Level) or equivalent. A postgraduate degree in procurement, business administration, contract law, or equivalent would be a distinct advantage.

Experience:

(i) A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible post qualification experience in procurement operations.
(ii) At least 5 years direct procurement experience with public or donor financed projects in an international setting.
(iii) Experience in working with sun system software.


2. MONITORING AND EVALUATION EXPERT P3 (1 post)


Purpose of the job: Tracking and reporting on progress of the Programme to ensure efficient attainment of stated objectives

Tasks:

a) Prepare annual work plans and quarterly activity plans

b) Develop a results based framework as the principal M&E planning and implementation tool.
c) Compile baselines as yardsticks of Programme success.
d) Facilitate external evaluations and technical audits.

e) Prepare reports to the Programme Steering Committee.
f) Prepare quarterly and annual reports summarizing main activities and results.

g) Assess Programme quality, relevance, effectiveness.
h) Assess efficiency of Programme delivery, adherence standards and procedures.
i) Evaluate Programme impact and sustainability.

j) Coordinate the internal monitoring process with the PCUs in EAC and SADC.
k) Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.

Education

A degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental studies, social science, economics, development studies. A postgraduate qualification in project management or similar would be a distinct added advantage.

Experience

(i) At least six (6) years post qualification experience in project / programme management with a special emphasis on designing and/or implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, impact assessments in an international setting.

(ii) A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience in the implementation of specialised IT systems for M&E of development projects.


3. INFORMATION SYSTEM ANALYST P2 (1 Post)

Purpose of the job: Design, establish and ensure smooth operation of ICT networks for effective communication and programme delivery.

Tasks:

a) Coordinate and manage all Programme IT work.

b) Collect, collate, organize all Climate Change Information and knowledge resources into a user-friendly repository.
c) Create, manage COMESA Climate Change website.
d) Create and manage a data base on sources of information, knowledge, technology etc.
e) Create and manage on-line directory of users, contacts etc.

f) Knowledge dissemination through electronic publications, networks, discussion forums, on-line help desk.
g) Establish an on-line programme diary and bulletin board system.
h) Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.

Education:

A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related discipline. A Masters degree in a relevant discipline will be a distinct advantage.

Experience:

At least five years hands on experience in Information Technology operations.


4. PROGRAMME MANAGER P4 (1 post)

Purpose of the job

This post has a particular emphasis on ensuring that the aims and objectives of the Climate Change Initiative are attained through successful co-ordination and implementation of detailed programmed activities as well as ensuring that the reporting and other contractual requirements of the grants are met in a timely manner.

Specific Tasks:

a) Overall coordination and implementation of all activities of the COMESA Climate Change Initiative;
b) Ensuring timely preparation of work plans and budgets for the Initiative with clear indicators and benchmarks;
c) Coordinating timely preparation of quality reports on all implementation, audit, monitoring and evaluation activities
d) Coordinating and facilitating the preparation of project accounts and financial reports;

e) Ensuring that programme activities and processes comply with set procedures, rules and regulations and highest governance standards
f) Preparation of terms of reference and supervision of experts and sub-contractors needed for the successful implementation of the Initiative;
g) Follow-up requests and provide feedback to member states and other stakeholders as required;
h) Ensuring effective communication with Donors and compliance with grant agreements

The selected candidate must meet minimum requirements listed hereunder. The proof of compliance therewith must be submitted prior to taking office.

Qualification

University degree and a post-graduate qualification at masters level in a subject relevant Climate Change, Sciences, economics or social sciences.

Experience

(i) Minimum 10 years of proven professional experience in senior-management capacity in the area of project management, planning, strategy development, policy analysis in either the private or public sector.

(ii) At least 5 years in multi-disciplinary development assistance programme or project management in a regional/international environment;
(iii) Practical experience in EU-ACP cooperation would be an added advantage.

5. GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE EXPERT - P3 (1 post)

Purpose of the job: to ensure practical and results-oriented mainstreaming of gender perspectives into all aspects of the COMESA Climate Change Programme

Specific tasks

a) Ensure effective institutionalization of gender in all programme activities and compliance with the decisions of Ministers responsible for Gender and Women’s Affairs on climate change issues.

b) Research, assess and document the impact of the programme on the livelihoods of the vulnerable women, children, youths, PLWA, etc.
c) Facilitate the mainstreaming of gender and climate change into related programme elements implemented by other divisions, units and projects of COMESA
d) Facilitate capacity building of negotiators on gender and climate change issues.
e) Promote gender balanced representation in climate change negotiations and national climate change processes funded by the programme.
f) Compile a database of international, regional and national gender sensitive and climate-smart institutions
g) Prepare and organize gender and climate change sensitization advocacy and publicity materials and events.
h) Undertake any other duties to enhance the effective and efficient implementation of the job.

Requirements:

(i) A Masters Degree in Gender, Social Sciences, Environment or other relevant field.
(ii) At least 5 years experience in gender and/or climate change.


TERMS OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE ABOVE POSTS:

1. Type of contract: The posts are under COMESA non established professional staff contracts.

2. Languages: Candidates should be fluent in Arabic, English or French. Working knowledge of the other would be an advantage.

3. Location of performance of the Contract: The duty Station will be at the COMESA Secretariat headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia. The successful applicants will also be required to undertake significant duty travel to all COMESA countries and any others identified in the line of duty.

4. Remuneration: Remuneration will be in accordance with the COMESA conditions of service for non established professional Staff and will be calculated on the basis of background and professional experience.

5. Duration of Appointment: contracts for successful candidates will run from the date they take up the appointments up to 2015, subject to availability of funds and performance.

6. Eligibility for Application: Only Nationals of COMESA countries are eligible to apply.

7. Final date for receipt of applications: 11th May, 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

8. Equal Opportunity: COMESA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualifying female candidates are encouraged to apply.

9. Address: Applications should be submitted by email or post to:

Director of Administration COMESA Centre

Ben Bella Road P.O. Box 30051 10101 Lusaka

Email: recruitment@comesa.int