The Foundation with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is implementing an 18 month project to support capacity building of an International University based in Kabul.
TAF is seeking for a Procurement System Development Consultant to provide technical support in developing the current level of organizational and staff capacity among the targeted organization in the area of procurement by developing respective manual, and mentor the staff by providing on the job trainings.
Note: This position can be filled by an individual consultant that can deliver all the items listed in the
“Key Duties and Responsibilities and Deliverables” section.
Key Duties/Responsibilities and Deliverables
The scope of work may change required may vary based on needs of the project and below only gives outline of expected requirements. The consultant will, from time to time, be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as may reasonably be required by his/her line manager.
Working closely with the Project Manager, this role will support the development of Procurement Strategy and lead on the delivery of innovative and lean procurement solutions that maximizes value for money for the University.
The consultant shall work very closely with University during all stages of the project. Emphasis of overall methodology should be on actively engaging University staff and leadership during each stage so that they take ownership of the interventions and feel motivated to implement the suggested changes and ensuring sustainability of interventions going forward.
The ability to build capacity of procurement function of the University is essential. The consultant will be responsible for developing a team of procurement professionals, overseeing their delivery, continually building their capability and improving their performance.
The consultant shall be required to identify process universe for procurement functional area at University, obtain understanding of current processes and confirming the staff training needs. Further a baseline study needs to be carried out against select KPIs based on which performance of University can be monitored going forward. Further, consultant will be required to develop or update the procurement manual in line with best practices and applicable legal requirements. The processes/ manuals need to evolve as a result of interactions between consultant and IP staff which requires consultant working hands and glove with the University staff.
The consultant shall be required to develop interactive training course material for procurement management based on training needs assessment. The trainings shall include case studies based on actual scenarios (including standard templates) which will help the University staff to implement the developed policies and procedures. Further, while developing the trainings, specific consideration should be given to responsibilities of all level of staff members in processes i.e. leadership, managers and staff to assist them in fulfilling their roles going forward. Further, mechanism should be developed to assess the effectiveness of the trainings provided e.g. pre-test, post-test, feedback etc.
Consultant needs to work closely with University staff to ensure that the skills imparted are retained going forward. In this regard, a detailed sustainability plan shall be prepared to outline methodology and level of effort required by TAF to support in maintaining the gains made.
Consultant will have knowledge and previous experience of working with the USAID Procurement Regulations and an understanding of the challenges faced by a diverse organization with a multimillion spending and how those challenges may be met in line with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Other responsibilities can include providing assistance in preparation and analysis of commodity spends, rapid development of supplier agreements, identification of potential strategic suppliers, negotiation of formal contracts and timely review of all facilities related purchase orders and supplier contracts. This position will collaborate with the contract accountant responsible for data entry of purchase orders that are in compliance with procurement financial policies and the timely and accurate processing of contract billing.
Qualifications
-An advanced degree (Master’s level and above) in organizational development, procurement management, or a related field;
-Minimum of 5 years of experience in successfully developing capacity in the area of procurement management is required;
-Experience in Afghanistan and/or similar context required;
-Excellent analytical reporting and professional English communication skills;
-Facilitation, presentation and mentoring skills; and
-Excellent facilitation skills with demonstrated ability in working with people from diverse backgrounds.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes with a detailed application letter and contact details, no later than July 20, 2017 to afghanistan.jobs@asiafoundation.org. Please clearly indicate “Procurement System Development Consultant” in the subject line. Only short listed candidates will be informed.
About The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote regional cooperation.
Headquartered in San Francisco, The Asia Foundation works through a network of offices in network of offices 18 Asian countries and in Washington, DC. Working with public and private partners, the Foundation receives funding from a diverse group of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. In 2016, we provided $87.8 million in direct program support and distributed textbooks and other educational materials valued at $9.5 million.
