Procurement Officer

About ASERD/MRRD:

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) within the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) Sector Strategy, contributes to the reduction of poverty through the establishment of good local governance, access to rural infrastructure, economic regeneration and the provision of a nationwide disaster and emergency preparedness system. This strategy, however, directly contributes to the achievement of Afghanistan’s Millennium Development Goals.

The project will contribute significantly to increasing the access to thermal energy and electricity through a technology neutral approach, in 19,500 households in 194 rural communities in Afghanistan. This will result in increasing the access to electricity, clean cooking and heating options and will contribute to a tangible reduction in the pre-mature deaths of women and children due to indoor air pollution. The project will pilot seven innovative financing models which once successful will be mainstreamed. The project will also establish conducive policy and regulatory frameworks and capacity development of key stakeholders. It is envisaged that, the project will establish a sustainable rural energy supply approach which can be scaled up beyond the project period.

The ASERD program plans to establish sustainable rural energy services in 194 rural communities in 5 years, providing both electrical and thermal energy services. The efforts will bring sustainable energy to over 19,500 households providing health, economic and social benefits. Most significantly, the major contribution will be the establishment of delivery models that are technology neutral, leverage additional local and international resources, mobilize communities, engage the private sector and financiers to establish a self-sustaining delivery model. The program will also aim to establish the right frameworks for policy, regulation, environmental protection, quality and incentives and develop human and institutional capacities for these delivery models to continue to increase access to energy in Rural Afghanistan.

The Border Electrification Projects aims at providing basic electricity access to border areas adjacent to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran through the provision of a variety of Solar Home Systems (SHS). A total number of 3,000,000 beneficiaries would benefit from the project encompassing 55 districts in 13 provinces.

The main aim of the project is to provide ample stimulus to entice economic growth, health improvement, education gains and other socio-economic benefits in the target areas.

Job Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Objective

The main objective of the Procurement Officer is to coordinate the daily activities within the procurement department of MRRD, strengthen the capacity of the government staff, ensure a living, working harmony with the private sector and related institutions and pave the way for an accountable and transparent procurement manner.

Responsibility:

The Procurement Officer will be responsible to the Procurement Specialist for all aspects related to the procurement of goods, works and services, and the supervision of all project implementation activities and disbursements.  In particular, the Procurement Officer role will include, but not be limited to:

Ensure that the Donor and Afghanistan Law on Public Procurement, as described in the Official Gazette and Loan/Grant/Credit Agreements of the Donors, are fully complied with at all stages for procurement of goods, works and services under the Project;

To oversee the procurement of goods, works and services so as to minimize time delays,
Ensure Procurement Manuals, procedures are available and updated
Establish, monitor and regularly update the Procurement Plans in coordination with the work plan and time schedule of the Project(s) and the financing plan. 
Assist the MRRD Procurement Director through coaching and advise on daily procurement issues affecting procurement of the Project;
Coach, mentor and undertake trainings for the National Procurement Staff so that they can gradually undertake complex procurement responsibilities independently;
Prepare models and advice on structure(s) and methodology for efficient development of the terms of reference and project proposals, procurement of goods, works and services at both local and international levels;
Establish and develop systems and procedures
Oversee the implementation of MRRD policies and procedures
Develop strategies and policies on how best to handle procurement of different services under the project
Ensure reporting system and formats for procurement are in place and complied to by the ministry and its partners;
Ensure transparency is maintained in overall procurement and transactions under the project;
Prepare/Consolidate regular procurement reports according to agreed formats and procedures
Develop and extend the procurement department working relationship with the private sector;
Promote entry level skills together with social and employment skills;
Liaise with relevant stakeholders involved in working process with procurement department;
Provide support and capacity building to all staff of procurement department.
Perform other duties as may be assigned by Procurement Director.

Ensure that all contracts or financial engagements under the Project are communicated to the Project Accountant;
Ensure a delay alert and management system is in place and operational for the project and the respective staff are trained to use the system;
Ensure for proper documentation of all contracts
Monitor and coordinate the progress of all contracts.

Job Requirements:

Must have Bachelor degree in business administration, Economics or Social Studies.
High levels of personal initiative, motivation, honesty and integrity, and be prepared to undertake on-the-job training.
Minimum 4 years’ experience in procurement or contract management for projects implemented by government agencies.
Extensive experience in procurement of goods, works and services in projects funded by international lending institutions would also be desirable.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
Should be fluent in spoken and written of local languages and English. 

Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1248/019/HRCSD/ASERD/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted.

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is highly committed to increase women’s participation in government sector therefore women are highly encouraged to apply.

Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af