Recruitment of a Procurement Specialist for the RISE Project — The Gambia

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Assignment Title: Recruitment of Procurement Specialist

Reference No. GM-PPPPE-389179-CS-INDV

Background information

The Gambia, with its vibrant youth population and commitment to development, is poised for a promising future, yet faces several challenges. In the realm of basic education, the focus is on improving learning outcomes, particularly in the early grades, to ensure every child acquires necessary foundational skills. Especially for the youth, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) must be of higher quality and relevance to meet labor market demands, a challenge recognized and prioritized by the Government of The Gambia. For the large population living in poverty, the goal is to provide a second chance through access to social protection measures, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. These challenges, while significant, are being addressed with determination and a vision for a resilient, inclusive, skilled, and equitable Gambia.

Objective of the assignment

The objective of the Procurement Specialist is to support the project in all procurement processes of engaging project consultants and procuring goods, non-consulting services and works related to the Project (b) to transfer knowledge and expertise on World Bank procurement procedures and build procurement capacity of PIU staff and Government partners through hands on training.

Detailed Scope of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Procurement Specialist will work under the will be liaising and working with Government implementing entities and development partners. He /She will be accountable for ensuring that all procurements are conducted in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and procedures as agreed between the World Bank and the Government of The Gambia to meet the expectations under the Public Procurement Model of Excellence, and in an efficient and transparent manner. He/she will transfer knowledge and expertise on World Bank procurement Regulations to the project staff and Government partners.

Qualification Requirements

Successful applicants will have a strong knowledge of procurement or related areas. As the position involves dealing with a wide range of local stakeholders and organizations. It is also important that the Procurement Specialist has good knowledge of business operations in The Gambia or similar environment. The prospective candidate should have:

a. Academic Qualifications

He/She should have a university degree in Procurement, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering or equivalent professional certification from internally recognized bodies

A master’s degree in either Procurement, Economics, Business Administration, Project Planning and Management or procurement related short term courses

b. Experience

• Proven experience related to the capacity to develop a contract management plan and contract monitoring.
• Adequate capacity for use of the World Bank Procurement Planning and Monitoring Tool (STEP).
• Extensive and demonstrated experience in procurement in all aspects of procurement of goods, non-consulting services, Works and consulting services;
• At least five (5) years of working experience in procurement practices in public sector.
• At least three (3) years of experience in handling, managing or overseeing international competitive procurement under international donor funded projects.
• Solid knowledge and exposure to the use of World Bank procurement procedures is essential. c. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures; working knowledge of sources of supplies, price trends and grades or quality of materials and equipment.
• Working knowledge of the laws and ordinances governing the purchase of goods and services; working knowledge of personal computers including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
• Appropriate involvement and/or experience in similar projects in developing countries including least developed countries would be useful. Knowledge of and experience with World Bank/other international development organizations procurement procedures desirable.
• Fluency in English (listening, reading, writing, speaking); Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to listen and ascertain the needs of customers; ability to find and communicate accurate information concerning process, policies and procedures to customers; and ability to respond to customers tactfully and courteously.
• High integrity and accountability in all aspects of project procurement.
• Ability to analyze and process purchasing requisitions and vouchers and make purchasing decisions accordingly; ability to maintain complex purchasing and inventory records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, vendors and the public. To ensure impartiality the procurement specialist must not in any way be affiliated with business entities that are currently providing or are seeking to provide goods or services to the project.

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project now invites eligible individual consultants to express their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information (Terms of Reference) can be obtained at the address below or via email during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 08 December 2023 at 12h30 GMT

Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project GFMDP

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]