Long Term Consultant: International Specialist: Procurement Specialist - ADB LAO Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project

Position: International 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. 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:

Support the International Procurement Specialist with:

Deliverables include:

• 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.

Outputs include:

• Effective and rational procurement arrangements

• Well-defined contract for works, consulting services, ad equipment etc.

• 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 an on-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 onthe-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 recognize 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 as 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 are 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.

This position is based on-going donor funding. 

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. 

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.