Long Term Consultant:National Specialist: Procurement Specialist - ADB LAO Sustainable Agrifood[...]

Marshall Street; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Part time

Job summary

A non-profit international organization is looking for a National Specialist: Procurement Specialist to oversee procurement strategies for a project focused on sustainable agrifood systems in Laos. The incumbent will develop procurement frameworks, create bidding documents, and provide training to local procurement staff. Candidates should have extensive experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and be familiar with ADB regulations. Proficiency in English and familiarity with Thai or Lao is preferred. This is a part-time consultancy requiring 16 person months of commitment over 5 years.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of general professional experience, with at least 5 years in procurement.
• Familiarity with Government of Laos’ procurement regulations.
• Proficiency in English; Thai or Lao language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement arrangements for projects under ADB.
• Prepare bidding documents, contracts, and evaluations.
• Train procurement staff effectively.

Skills

Procurement Management

Contract Management

Public Speaking

Microsoft Excel

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, rural development, agriculture or similar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position

National Specialist: Procurement Specialist

Background

Winrock International is recruiting a National Specialist: Procurement Specialist for an Asian Development Bank (ADB) opportunity in Laos focused on Sustainable Agrifood systems. The project will contribute to food security and nutrition improved, and agricultural value addition increased in a climate resilient and gender-responsive manner in Lao PDR. The project will work in the target value chains of bamboo, cassava, coffee, durian, and tea. This position will be a part‑time consultancy that will require a commitment of 16 person months over a 5‑year period.

Location

Laos

Major Responsibilities

• An institutional framework and set of standard operating procedures for all procurement arrangements and all procurement stakeholders under the project
• Updated bidding documents, contracts and contract management plans for all procurement packages
• Bid evaluation reports
• Consolidated progress reports on all aspects of procurement under SASSP
• Training workshops in Vientiane for PMU/ DOSMEP procurement staff

Deliverables

• Effective and rational procurement arrangements
• Well‑defined contract for works, consulting services, and equipment
• Upgraded procurement skills within MOIC and DOESMEP

Effective and Rational Procurement Arrangements

• Review all procurement arrangements developed for the project to date and revise as necessary in consultation and agreement with DOSMEP and ADB, including the procurement plan
• Based on agreements made, develop an institutional model for the roles and responsibilities of all procurement actors
• Review and approve all bidding/procurement documents and design the prior/post review process and the method of sampling for ADB review
• Develop the format and procedure for contract management plans for all procurement packages and provide guidance to PMU and PIUs on implementation
• Review forward plans and annual budgets prepared by DOSMEP and PIUs and provide guidance, as necessary
• Provide guidance to PMU (and PIUs if necessary) on the design of a systematic and retrievable procurement filing/record system
• Provide overall guidance to PMU/PIUs in the setting up of performance monitoring systems
• Provide oversight to PMU/PIUs on the updates to the procurement plan, as necessary
• Provide oversight to PMU on the preparation of contract completion reports for all procurement packages
• Provide technical support to PMU to arrange one or more short workshops for local contractors to build awareness on ADB’s bidding requirements

Well‑Defined Contracts

• Provide expert oversight and guidance to PMU to prepare all bidding, evaluation, contract documentation, contract management plans and completion reports for all works contracts
• Provide expert oversight and guidance Assist PMU to prepare all bidding, evaluation, contract documentation, contract management plans and completion reports for all consulting services, and supply of vehicles and equipment
• Provide guidance on procurement guidelines of MOF and ADB on a going basis
• Provide expert oversight and guidance to PMU to process all contract variations

Upgraded Procurement Skills within PMU/DOSMEP

• Provide a mentoring role to the national procurement specialist and PMUs on all aspects of procurement, specifically with respect to procedure, format, scheduling, monitoring and completion reporting. Mentoring will be through on‑the‑job training, workshops and sharing of experiences between the provinces
• Provide a mentoring role to the national procurement specialist and PMU on all aspects of procurement, specifically with respect to procedure, format, scheduling, monitoring and completion reporting. Mentoring will be through on‑the‑job training and workshops
• Undertake field visits (if necessary) to PIUs to provide technical support and guidance on procurement over periods agreed with the Team Leader

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, rural, development, agriculture or similar from an established and recognized institution

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of general professional experience is required, including at least 5 years in procurement and/or contract management
• Must be familiar with the Government of Laos’ procurement regulations
• Experience in procurement and contract management for projects funded by ADB and/or WB is an advantage
• Familiar with the requirements of the international development agencies requirements in financial intermediary designed projects
• In‑depth knowledge of ADB procurement procedures demonstrated by a track record of no less than 10 years’ experience in procurement related activities
• Experience working in LAO PDR preferred
• Experience working with ADB preferred
• Experience working in ASEAN countries—particularly in Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia considered an advantage

Computer Skills

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced proficiency in Excel is preferred.

Communication Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form.

Language

Fluent in English (written and spoken), Thai or Lao language skills (preferred)

Physical Demands

Regional travel may be required.

Position Status

This position is based on‑going donor funding.

Equal Opportunity

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law.

Mission

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.