Senior Procurement Specialist

About RPCO/MRRD:

The Regional Programs (RP) was established in the MRRD compound in 2007 as one of the largest rural support program in terms of scope and coverage area, working across the county. The demand for rural development motivated the program management to operate in several sectors that created a stage for diversified activities, whereas all other national programs of the ministry are engaged in their specific sectors. In addition, the Program responds to expressed needs of the rural people, who require various basic services (community based infrastructures) which no other single rural development program has addressed so far. The program development efforts are focused on helping the poor in dealing with many of the risks they face in their lives  – such as unemployment, low house hold income, low agriculture production, poor irrigation systems, lack of accessibility to market, lack of education and health facilities, lack community based disaster risk reduction infrastructures and insufficient potable water.

Under the portfolio of the Regional Programs the Arghandab Integrated Water Resources Development Project (AIWDP) funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) will improve the availability and use of water resources for irrigated agriculture in the Arghandab River Basin and the Kandahar region. The project comprises 5 outputs: (i) Dahla dam capacity increased; (ii) reliability of irrigation water supply increased; (iii) climate resilient and productive irrigation technologies and practices introduced; (iv) post-farm value chains developed; and (v) capacity in water resource management and use strengthened. AIWDP is a joint project between Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAIL) and Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW). MRRD will contribute to outputs 1 and 2.

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Sr. procurement Specialist under the direct supervision of the Project Director/ Deputy Project Director will deliver the following duties and responsibilities but are not limited:

Preparation of overall procurement plan for the project and monthly update of the procurement plan.
Ensure all necessary steps are taken for timely implementation of the procurement packages according to the procurement plan.
Coordinate the preparation of specifications for goods and works contracts and the terms of reference for the procurement of consultant services- both individual consultants and firms.
Prepare bidding documents, EOIs, advertisements, convene bid evaluation meetings, and prepare bid evaluation minutes, bid opening minutes and all other bid and consultant selection procedures according to the Asian Development Bank procurement Guidelines.
Coordinating and supervising ARGHANDAB project procurement activities, in close coordination with procurement directorate of MRRD, the Asian Development Bank procurement staff, and National Procurement Authority.
Providing technical support and guidance in all aspects of procurement, including preparation, updating and implementation of procurement planning, in accordance with the National Procurement and selection of consultants as described in the project documents, and/ or the grant Agreement.
Providing guidance and on the job trainings for ARGHANDAB procurement related staff on ADB procurement guidelines to enhance the knowledge and experience of staff for expediting the project activates, and monitoring the application of ADB Procurement Guidelines, National Procurement Law and provisions of the procurement Manual by the staff in all procurement activities.
Assist the project director/ deputy project director on CDC contract award process.
Ensuring quality procedures, transparency in all actions, plan, processes and trouble shooting of procurement issues in accordance with the applicable Asian Development Bank Procurement Guidelines/ Afghanistan Procurement Law.
Facilitating the smooth and prompt implementation of the program, including preparing and updating procurement sections of the Standard Operation Procedures/ Project Operational Manual as necessary with the consultation of Project Director/ Deputy Project Director.
Ensuring the maintenance of a proper filing system for all relevant project procurement documents, and preparing report and documents for the ARGHANDAB project higher officials and ADB review missions.
Contribute to monthly progress and quarterly reports relating to procurement.
Monitoring the timely implementation of procurement processes by utilizing the specific formats for reporting to project leadership and ADB if required.
Managing the performance of contracts by the awarded contractors/ suppliers/ consultants.
Take responsibility for contract management of ARGHANDAB project. This includes contract preparation, contract management and contract monitoring and oversight.
Take initiative in procurement post- reviews or procurement audits carried out by ADB or any other competent authority with adequate quality and efficiency.
Take initiative in procurement monitoring and evaluation regarding implementation of the project, in coordination with the ADB.
Reporting on the implementation of all procurement activities according to the procurement plan.
Preparing the procurement related request letters for NOL from ADB.
Undertake any other action as instructed by the Project Director/ Deputy Project Director.

Job Requirements:

Required Education degree/ Experience:

Having Master degree in business administration, economic specialization in procurement with 5 years of Experience or Bachelor Degree with 7 years of Experience.
At least 7 years of Practical work experience in procurement field with afghan government, donor funded projects or an international organization, experience of private companies or NGOs will not be considered.
At least 3 years’ experience with Asian Development Bank/ World Bank-funded projects and 3 more years with Afghan government procurement system.
Proven experience of contract management would be desirable.
Prior experience of international procurement, international/ national competitive budding is a clear advantage.
Proficiency in computer applications including MS Excel, Power Point.
Demonstrated ability to work with, motivate and train national staff in procurement/ Selection and contract management will be desirable.
Fluency in oral and written English and Pashtu/ Dari.
Administrative and Managerial skills.

Reporting:  Reports Directly to the Program Deputy Director / Program Director.

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 (1366/019/HRCSD/RPCO/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