World Bank Senior Procurement Specialists - Kenya

The operations and country procurement services in the Africa Region of the World Bank are provided by the Africa Region Procurement Group (AFTPC) that is part of the Core Operations Services (AFTOS). AFTOS also includes the Financial Management (AFTFM) Group; the Development Effectiveness (AFTDE) Group; and the Safeguards (AFTSG) Group.

In view of the increased demand on Procurement oversight and capacity building, the World Bank Kenya Country Office, based in Nairobi, invites applications from qualified and experienced Procurement Specialists, with proven integrity and track records. Successful candidate will be appointed on an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) individual appointment basis for a period of one year, subject to renewal for a second year (based on good performance and business need). The selected Procurement Specialist (PS) will be required to work under the supervision and guidance of, the two Senior Procurement Specialists with close collaboration with the Procurement Hub Coordinator, Task Team Leaders and members. The consultants will be required to travel within Kenya.

Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Provide procurement support during project preparation and project implementation (including prior and post reviews of all procurement documents and decisions) of the projects portfolio financed by the Bank in Kenya;

• Assist the Borrower in procurement capacity building activities including support during country procurement assessment and the procurement reform process;

• Work on procurement matters across sectors in the performance of the Bank’s fiduciary and service functions, seeking guidance on complex projects/issues from senior procurement staff;

• Review and handle the technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement (in consultation with Legal and Policy departments as necessary) at all stages of the project cycle;

• Provide operational advice to clients and Bank staff on concepts, policies and procedures for international and local procurement;

• Participate in missions as procurement expert on projects; assess procurement implications of project design, evaluate institutional capacity of borrowers and develop suitable procurement plans; conduct prior and post reviews of Bank-financed contracts;

• Participate in country procurement assessments; prepare background analysis; collaborate on developing appropriate public procurement legislation and practices;

• Negotiate and resolve difficult procurement issues with Borrower agencies and handle questions/ complaints from senior officials and contractors on bidding and award issues;

• Design and conduct workshops to educate procurement professionals in the Bank and in borrower agencies on the Bank's philosophy and approach to procurement, as well as on specialized procurement topics.

• Prepare a range of procurement-related documents and reports; and providing guidance and training to junior procurement staff

A Masters degree with a major in a relevant discipline (e.g. Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business or Commerce) and relevant training in procurement work;

• At least five (5) years of direct relevant work experience as Procurement Specialist or alternatively, having had responsibilities with a substantial content of his/her position in the procurement area in or outside the World Bank;

• Good knowledge of all concepts and principles of and approaches to international procurement, and of public procurement systems;

• Knowledge and understanding of technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement at all phases of Bank lending operations;

• Demonstrated analytical clarity, problem-solving skills and negotiating skills with ability to balance project objectives and procurement requirements with client needs;

• Strong communication skills in presenting, discussing and resolving difficult issues, both orally and in writing, and excellent listening skills;

• Ability to deal sensitively with a multi-cultural environment and build effective business relationships with clients and colleagues within a matrix management environment;

• Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams with a matrix management environment;

• Exceptional degree of integrity, judgment and tact in handling the most sensitive, diverse and confidential material; and

• Understanding of Bank business objectives, policies and practices related to project/sector and critical links to procurement is desirable.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

E T Consultant