Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
The Mission of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) is to ensure the social, economic, and political welfare of rural society, especially poor and vulnerable people, through the provision of basic services, strengthening local governance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. MRRD accomplishes this mission through donor funded national programs in the areas of governance, infrastructure and economic growth.
Closing date: 10 Dec 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Afghanistan - Kabul
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Afghanistan
Request for Expressions of Interest for International Procurement Advisor (Individual Consultant)
Name of the Project: Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP)
Consulting Services: International Procurement Advisor (Individual Consultant)
Project ID No.: P110407
Grant No.: IDA Q649-0 (PPF)
REOI No.: MRRD/AREDP/C-11
Advertising Date: 09 November 2009
Expressions of Interest
The World Bank intends to finance the assignment/services described below under an IDA Grant No. – ID P110407, PPF No: Q649-0.
1.0 Background:
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan represented by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation & Development has applied for a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) towards Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP) and intends to apply part of the fund to cover the eligible payments under the Individual Consultancy Services contract for International Procurement Advisor. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan represented by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation & Development has already received a grant for Project Preparation Facility (PPF) towards AREDP under Grant No. IDA Q649-0. The Project Preparation Facility (PPF) is likely to continue until the start of the main Program. The main Program is likely to commence from 1 January 2010.
The Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme (AREDP) is aimed at harnessing the potential of the private sector for inclusive economic growth and sustainable job creation in rural Afghanistan over a 10-year time period. The program aims at building on the social capital gained under the National Solidarity Program (NSP) and transforming it into economic capital.
2.0 Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and functions of the International Procurement Advisor will include, but are not limited to:
- Providing advice and ensure that all the procurement activities of the project conform and are compliant with Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan laws and World Bank Procurement Guidelines;
- Providing planning and management oversight for all procurement activities for AREDP including: i) the continuation of the development of national staff capacity such that there may be an assumption of full management responsibility for procurement by the national manager by year two of the program; and ii) working make fully operational the Procurement Department of AREDP for the acquisition of goods, works and services for the project;
- Preparing Bidding Documents for the procurement of works, goods and services in accordance with activities defined in the Procurement Plan for the program;
- Preparing Bid/Proposal Evaluation Reports and Award Recommendations for approval by the Procurement Committee;
- Preparing Contracts for approval by the Procurement Committee and the Competent Authority;
- Preparing Requests for No-objection from the World Bank for stages of procurement activities as required by Bank Guidleines;
- Providing contract management oversight for Goods, Works and Consultancy Services Contracts;
- Providing critical procurement advice to the Procurement Committee on commercial aspects of Terms of Reference (TOR) and Request for Proposals (RFPs), evaluation of Expression of Interest (EOI) and Technical and Financial Proposals for selection of Consultants for Technical Assistance;
- Initiating, coordinating, and preparing updated Procurement Plans (PPs) and Procurement Activity Schedules (PAS) in consultation with the AREDP Procurement Committee and AREDP Senior Management according to the latest needs, developments and progress of the project;
- Initiating, coordinating, and preparing updates to the AREDP Procurement Manual as directed by the Procurement Committee for submission to the World Bank for approval;
- Establish a comprehensive monitoring system to track progress including a procurement reporting capability;
- Establishing and make operational the complaints mechanism as described in the AREDP Procurement Manual;
- Coordinating and responding to procurement queries, disputes, and complaints;
- Preparing procurement reports for Financial Monitoring Reports (FMRs) for the World Bank and other donors and other procurement reports required by the Procurement Committee and Senior Management;
- Other procurement tasks that may be assigned.
3.0 Knowledge/Experience, Qualifications/Skills and abilities required:
The successful candidate will be able to work without direct supervision, pay attention to detail and will exhibit personal commitment, drive for results, efficiency, flexibility, respect for diversity, creative thinking and problem solving.
Knowledge/Experience
- Minimum of 7 years specialized experience in procurement implementation and management for development programs;
- Proven and demonstrable experience using and implementing procurement actions according to World Bank guidelines for procurement of goods, services, and works;
- Experience in public sector procurement;
- Experience in the design and implementation of procurement systems and the development of manuals for the delivery of procurement actions in development contexts;
- Proven and demonstrable experience of building the procurement capacity of national staff in development contexts;
- Experience working in the Afghanistan is desirable;
Qualifications/Skills
- A University Degree and evidence of a specialized training/education in procurement;
- Excellent computer skills for Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and Internet use;
- Systems management and database development skills are highly desirable;
- Fluent in English; ability to speak Dari and/or Pashto languages helpful;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- High level interpersonal and relationship-building skills including diplomacy and tact.
Abilities
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with persons of various cultures and religions;
- Outstanding ability to determine and review priorities, plan and meet deadlines;
- Ability and willingness to work in a high pressure environment and insecure post-conflict environment;
- Ability and willingness to multi-task and work under pressure;
- Professionalism in appearance and demeanour.
4.0 Reporting relationships:
Reports to Head of Program Support Services and the AREDP Senior Management team.
5.0 Period of Assignment:
The assignment is for 12 months, extendable for further 9 months.
Reference Code: RW_7XM85G-12
