Background

The Government of Ethiopia identified the creation of agro-industrial parks as one of the key mechanisms for accelerating the development of the agro-industrial sector in Ethiopia, and it expects this sector to play key role in economic growth of the country.

Within this framework, the Government of Ethiopia and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have allocated resources to support the implementation of the project "Inclusive and Sustainable Value chains Development in Oromia and Sidama and South Ethiopia regions. This project is funded through a soft loan (30 Million Euros), contributing to the creation of favorable 20d one of ti mbibres shy of banglased-iwanroq tanon conditions for the development value chains that will supply Bulbula and Yirgalem IAIPS in Oromia and Sidama regional states.

The project is facilitating the development of four (4) efficient, effective, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural value chains (avocado, pineapple, tomato and wheat). The project has 6 components namely, i) strengthen capacities of value chain actors, ii) improve access to logistics through better a infrastructures and equipment, iii) improve access to finances,iv) empower women participation into value chain activities, v) improved nutrition and vi) improve natural resources management.

The Ethiopian counterpart responsible for the general implementation of the project is the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), which has specialized departments in the various area of intervention of the Program. The ministry will work in close coordination with two main implementing partners, the BOANRS of Oromia, Sidama and South Ethiopia regional states, the research institutes, its affiliated centres, the ATI, and several other institutions. FAO provides, through a grant of 4 million Euros, specific technical assistance services.

Implementation of the 6 components requires one senior level professional, with relevant expertise (see below point 6) to handle the project procurement process. Therefore, the MoA wants to recruit a National Procurement Specialist responsible for the tasks described below.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Federal Project Manager, the National Procurement Specialist prepares yearly procurement plan for procurement activities implemented at Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and at Regional Project Management Units (RPMUs) levels. He/she will assist the Federal project Management Unit and Regional Project management units to organize the whole process leading to procurement of goods, works and services needed at the federal and regional level and purchases items that cannot be handled by the regional procurement process.

Duty Post:

The Federal Project Procurement Specialist will be stationed at the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) in Addis Ababa with travel to the regions for training, technical assistance and quality assurance when deemed necessary.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Management, Supplies Management or with related field of study

Experience:

• At least 8 years of relevant work experience

• Relevant and proven experience in the coordination of the procurement process of projects financed by international Development Partners is key

• Relevant and proven experience in the coordination of the procurement process of projects in the field of agricultural development;

• Having worked with similar responsibilities for International Organizations, NGOs, consultancy firms or Development Partners (Donors);

Duration of the contract: 12 months with possibility of extension based on performance

Reporting to: The Federal Project Management Unit, MoA

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares the yearly procurement plan for FPMU and assists the RPMU for similar activities in collaboration with the and Regional Finances Administrators.

• Consolidates the annual procurement plans of the Project including Regional plans for review, clearance by the Government and the Financers and subsequent execution.

• Prepares simplified procurement procedures and manuals for the community based programs.

• Procures urgently needed goods and services, which are not available at the regional level or cannot be handled by the Regional Procurement Officer.

• Supports and periodically supervises the work of the Regional Procurement Officer.

• Records and maintains minutes of Tender Evaluation Committee for approval and selection.

• Prepares bid documents for purchases of goods and services to be undertaken in accordance with applicable laws and follows- up the advertisement of bids on newspapers

• Ensures that all procurements are done on a competitive bidding basis to ensure value for money.

• Prepares bid/quotations evaluation sheets

• Follows-up on the collections, recording, safeguards and issuance of Bid and Performance Securities/Bonds submitted by Bidders/awarded supplier/ contractor including the validity period for extension.

• Closely follow up Bank and Insurance cases and Custom clearance processes for imports.

• Ensures goods and services received by FPMU are recorded/ registered properly and match the cost and specifications in the Proforma invoices

• Maintains database of suppliers, prices, technical specifications, catalogues, drawings and other information.

• Follows up claim settlement and reconciles proforma invoices against final invoices and reports the variance to supervisor.

• Assumes responsibility for being alert to any indication of unethical behavior and reporting to the immediate supervisor.

• Timely addresses comments provided by External Auditors on procurement related matters.

• Coordinates the provision of procurement training workshops at regional and woreda levels.

• Prepares reports on the status and progress of procurement implementations and consolidates regional procurement performance reports

• Follows up closely procurement documents and cases submitted to development partner's and ensure timely responses for comments provided and final no-objections.

• Performs other related duties as may be required.

Skills & Competencies

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of procurement policies, best practices in procurement and contract management, using the World Bank guidelines and procedures, together with their adaptation to the procurement system of the Government of Ethiopia.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working with high-level government officials and/or business executives.

• Proficient English oral and written production.

• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Power Point) or corresponding open source software.

• Good knowledge and use of email software (e.g. Microsoft Birishi Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird)

• Proven and relevant knowledge of other international organizations guidelines and procedures (e.g. PRAG).

How To Apply

Applicants should submit their updated CV with a cover letter in which at least three professional references are mentioned in person to the Ministry of Agriculture, Human resource development lead executive, Block "A" 4th floor.

Job Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Management, Supplies Management or with related field of study with relevant work experience How to Apply Applicants should submit their updated CV with a cover letter in which at least three professional references are mentioned in person to the Ministry of Agriculture, Human resource development lead executive, Block "A" 4th floor.