Procurement & Contracts Specialist

Job Description

Program Overview:

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan.

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.

The Platform has three functional Outcomes:

1. The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.
2. The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies.
3. The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.

Position Summary:

The Procurement & Contracts Specialist will provide technical procurement and contracting services across FPSP. They will facilitate and manage end-to-end procurement and contracting activities and ensure implementation of applicable policies and procedures. The specialist will work closely with the Abt Global Contracts team to ensure quality, compliant procurement and contracting activities are undertaken.

Key Responsibilities:

· Manage end-to-end implementation of Abt’s procurement processes including market analysis, approaches to market, evaluation and awarding of contracts, contract administration and tracking and financial management system requirements in accordance with the FPSP Operations Manual and Head Deed.

• Provide technical advice and guidance on contracting and procurement processes and contract administration and management including compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and laws and standards relevant to procurement activities.
• Provide advice and assistance in the development of scopes of work and preparation of contract and procurement documentation for program activities.
• Assist Platform and Sector Programs with the development of annual procurement plans.
• Manage tender and procurement processes and the evaluation and selection of successful tenderers and applicants.
• Oversee the FPSP Contracts and Procurement Register and other relevant registers and lead associated reporting including effective filing and accurate document and data control.
• Ensure all procurement activities are performed in a fully professional, transparent, and ethical manner and deliver value for money.
• Oversee the development of, and provide technical input into, Fraud Corrective Actions Plans for partners as required.
• Develop and ensure consistent implementation of Fraud policies and procedures across the Platform and sector programs, in collaboration with the Safeguarding Centre of Expertise.
• Identify and report any cases of suspected fraud as well as be Fraud Control Officer and assist with fraud reporting, mitigation and training.
• Ensure ongoing advancement and improvement of procurement processes, systems and templates.
• As required, assist with contracting due diligence in accordance with program head contract requirements and DFAT guidance including relevant list checks, company registrations and coordinating Safeguarding assessments.
• Assist with compliance training activities including staff training, risk and mitigation and support risk mitigation and reporting.
• Build effective relationships with the staff, contractors and stakeholders as required.
• Other duties as requested by the Procurements & Contracts Specialist.

Key Deliverables:

• Provide strategic advice consistent with best practice procurement and contracting principles that meets stakeholder needs and is compliant with Head Deed requirements and corporate policies.
• Lead all FPSP contracting and procurement activities efficiently and on a timely basis, according to stakeholders’ requirements, and in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, Abt Associates policies and other relevant standards.
• Provide relevant reports relating to FPSP contracting as required.
• Ensure FPSP contract details, deliverables and payments are tracked and up to date in the APEP register and Brisbane Contracts register.
• Oversight and consistenet application of Fraud policies and procedures.

Key Working Relationships:

• FPSP Operations Lead and Operations Hub Team
• FPSP Senior Leaders (Platform and Sector Programs)
• Abt Risk Management Specialist
• Abt corporate Contracts Team, Risk Team and Program Delivery Team

Selection Criteria:

· Demonstrated high level knowledge in procurement and contracting management in a complex program environment (preferably in the International Development context).

· Demonstrated ability to implement procurement and contracting procedures in line with Commonwealth Procurement Rules and laws and standards relevant to procurement activities

· Demonstrated high level of written and verbal communication, organisation and administration skills.

· High level attention to detail in meeting multiple deadlines ensuring high level work output.

· Strong administrative and operational skills and experience, including working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

• Good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

About the Organization

About Abt:

Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com.

Commitment to Equity:

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply for this position.

Commitment to Safeguarding:

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.