Afghanistan: Senior Procurement / Contract Management Specialist

No. Positions: 1 – International

Reference: THRCP/RFP/HR/05

Background:

ACE Moharram.Bakhoum is an international leading consultancy company known for its unrivalled engineering excellence, creative flair and technical proficiency. Backed by almost 60 years of consulting experience and employing almost 1,400 qualified professionals, ACE has impressive and distinctive credentials, encompassing public, private and internationally sponsored projects. ACE partners with governments and companies around the globe to help governments in developing nations improve systems, organisations and society. Through consultancy and supply chain management, we help countries grow their infrastructure, strengthen public procurement systems and improve financial management.

ACE is building a team in anticipation to support the Ministry of Public Works of the Government of Afghanistan implementing the Trans Hindukush Road Connectivity Programme (THRCP). The project aims to improve connectivity across the Hindukush mountains through: i) construction of Bamian – Baghlan Highway road; and ii) the rehabilitation of the Salang Pass/Tunnel. The project has strategic importance for the movement of goods and freight between the Northern provinces and Capital of the Country, and is considered part of the resource corridor which is already targeted as a priority to construct by the government of Afghanistan.

Scope of Assignment:

The purpose of the assignment is to establish the procurement and contract management processes in the THRCP Project Management Team (PMT) of Ministry of Public Works (MPW) in accordance to World Bank guidelines and up to acceptable international standards. The Senior Procurement / Contract Management Specialist will directly report to the Team Leader and will work in collaboration with the technical and QA/QC units.

Specific Duties:

Specific responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Advise and guide the MPW and Project Management Team to ensure full compliance of THCRP procurement and contract management activities with World Bank Guidelines;

• Ensure full compliance of THCRP procurement activities with ACE rules, regulations, and policies and strategies;

• Elaborate on effective internal control procedures, as well as design and maintain a client-oriented procurement and contract management system

• Creation and implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies.

• Conceptualization and implementation of contract strategy in THCRP including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, contract and contractor management, legal considerations and payment conditions.

• Timely and proper preparation of procurement plans for THCRP, establishment of the deadlines and monitoring of their implementation.

• Establish and implement proper monitoring systems and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt and evaluation of quotations, bids or proposals, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with ACE rules and regulation.

• Assist in procurement capacity building activities, including design and conduct workshops to educate national procurement staff of THCRP and Ministries on World Bank procurement procedures/regulations and approach to procurement as well as on specialized procurement topics.

• Provide advice to end-users to improve quality of requests; issue invitations to bid, RFPs/RFQs, as appropriate; evaluate offers for compliance with requirements in ITB/RFP.

• Maintain effective liaison with contractors/suppliers to ensure timely delivery. Liaise with end-users, contractors and suppliers on quality deficiencies and on appropriateness of goods.

• Developing a work-plan and schedule for contracts award according to the program’s implementation priorities and regular review;

• Assess the contracts performance monitoring tools and make recommendations for improvements as required;

• Work across project, responsible for reviewing and handling of the technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement (with necessary consultations) at all stages of the project cycle.

• Provide operational advice to project and ministry staff on concepts, policies and procedures for international and local procurement.

• Assess procurement implications of project, evaluate institutional capacity and develop suitable procurement plans in coordination with the Team Leader.

• Negotiate and resolve difficult procurement issues with project and ministries and handle questions/complaints from senior officials and contractors on bidding and award issues in the project.

• Assist in the development of specifications based on end-user requirements and prepare shortlists based on investigation of markets as well as policy considerations to the project.

• Any other task assigned by the Team Leader.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field;

A first level university degree with an additional 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree;

CIPS certification Level 4 or above is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 year experience in procurement particularly within construction and rehabilitation projects;

• Minimum 5 year experience using WB, or other development financing institutions, procurement guidelines for WB-funded projects related to civil works implementation;

• Knowledge of FIDIC contract procedure is mandatory;

• Experience in conducting training on subjects related to procurement and contract management activities. Previous work experience in Afghanistan or similar conflict/post-conflict environment is an asset. p>