African Virtual University (AVU) Senior Procurement Officer Job

Vacancy: Senior Procurement Officeri. The African Virtual University (AVU):
The AVU is a Pan African Intergovernmental Organization established by charter with the mandate of significantly increasing access to quality higher education and training through the innovative use of information communication technologies.
A Charter, establishing the AVU as an Intergovernmental Organization, has been signed so far by nineteen (19) African Governments - Kenya, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia and Cape Verde.
The AVU has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and a Regional office in Dakar Senegal with Host-Country Agreements and Diplomatic Status with the two governments.
The AVU Business Plan 2009-2014 has two main thrusts:
(a) Educational and support services provided on a fee basis; and
(b) Not-for-profit development services.
The Not-for-profit development services aims at building the capacity of AVU Partner Institutions (PIs) with an objective of increasing access to quality education through the following activities: updating and developing content; Open Educational Resources (OER) Development; AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP); set up/upgrade ODeL centers; developing professional networks through Communities of Practices; Research and Development; and Quality Evaluation and Benchmarking.
Some of the not-for-profit development services were delivered from 2005 to 2011 through the AVU Multinational Project I, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented in 10 African countries with 12 participating institutions.
ii. The AfDB-funded Multinational Support Project:
The AfDB is funding a second phase of the Multinational Project which will build on the first phase and will extend its benefits to more countries.
The overall objective of the AVU Multinational Project II is to strengthen the capacity of the AVU and a network of 27 institutions to deliver and manage quality ICT integrated education and training opportunities in 21 African countries.
The project has the following activities:
(1) Establishment of new Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) Centres and/or upgrading of exiting AVU Learning Centres as well as Internet connectivity provision at AVU Partner Institutions;
(2) Development and/or improvement, and delivery of four ICT integrated Programs: AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP); Teacher Education, Computer Science, and Peace and Conflict Resolution;
(3) Gender Mainstreaming
(4) Research and Development;
(5) Promotion and development of Open Education Resources (OERs); and
(6) Enhancement of AVU Capacity .
The AVU Multinational Project II is being implemented in 27 AVU Partner Institutions in the following 21 countries: nine (9) Francophone African Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal; four (4) Lusophone African Countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mozambique; and eight (8) Anglophone African Countries: Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, and Tanzania.
To successfully implement these project activities the AVU wishes to engage a Senior Procurement Officer to undertake all procurement activities related to the project as well as other work that may be requested by the AVU
Scope of Work
Specific Responsibilities

Manage and administer effectively the procurement of a wide variety of goods, works and services as required by AVU for its operation including inter alia:1. Preparation of advertisements and organization of procurement arrangements;
2. Preparation of all procurement documents e.g. bidding documents/request for proposals,
3. Bid Evaluation Reports,
4. Notification of award,
5. Contract management
6. Arranging inspection, etc.;

For all procurements, comply with the AVU and the AfDB procurement guidelines, and

Procurement operational manual

Prepare and update Procurement Plans and Procurement Implementation Plans

Update Procurement Operations Manual and Bidding and Proposal Documents

Implement the procurement processes as set out in approved Procurement Plans

Ensure that all procurement-related approvals required are approved by the Rector

Pursue economies in the procurement process that may be obtained through aggressive marketing of the procurement opportunity, improved specifications, and other sound purchasing practices to achieve value for money.

Establish a contract administration system to ensure and keep track of supplier and contractor compliance with terms and conditions of contracts, addressing delays in delivery or performance, troubleshooting problems, and certifying performance of services, completion of works and delivery of goods.

Provide all reports and information as required under the Procurement operational manual and each in accordance with the FORMAT requirements set forth in AVU and AfDB guidelines and operational manual.

Maintain accurate and complete records of procurement activity that contain appropriate evidence of the rules and procedures applied and decisions made in conducting procurements.

Contribute to the reports produced by the team for project; and

Perform other duties as may be assigned.Deliverables and Expected Outcomes

Updated Procurement Operational Manual

Updated AVU Multinational Project Procurement Plans and Monitoring Tables

Reviewed Terms of Reference for consultants contracted under project (in conjunction with technical experts)

List of registered firms to be used for shopping solicitation;

Procurement Notices

Requests for Proposals (in conjunction with technical experts)

Bidding Documents (in conjunction with technical experts)

Selection Documents (in conjunction with selection committees and Project Manager)

Comprehensive individual procurement file for procurement activity

Contract for all goods and services procured in a procedural manner

Supplies, goods and services to support the operations of the Multinational Project.Qualifications of Procurement Officer

Advanced university degree in one of the following disciplines: economics, commerce, business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.

Professional certification in supply chain management by recognized body

At least 8 years’ working experience at a senior procurement position in an inter-Governmental Organization, Development Agencies or other international organizations

Extensive experience in procurement of goods and services, including designing and preparing solicitations and proposals, monitoring contract performance, and ensuring compliance strongly preferred.

Proven working experience and knowledge of multilateral donors like AfDB and World Bank Procedures is essential.

Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices in procurement procedures, project administration, contract procedures and project follow-up.

Excellent communication skills and experience in working with high level government officials and business executives.

Proven excellent computer skills especially in MS Excel, Power Point and MS Project.

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate well at all levels of the organization

Ability to multitask and work under pressure

Proven record of working with minimum supervision

Good planning and organizational skills.

Fluency in reading, writing and speaking in English

Knowledge of French or Portuguese is an added advantageModalities of Work: The officer will work full time dedicating 8 hours in a day for 5 days a week.
Duration: 18 months
Reporting:
The officer will work under the supervision of the Manager, Finance and Administration or such other person as the client may designate from time to time in writing.
Payment: The salary will be commensurate with the qualification and experience of the successful candidate
How to Apply
The African Virtual University (AVU) is an equal opportunity employer.
The successful candidate will be appointed for 18 Months
Application must include an application letter and a detailed curriculum vitae with: a telephone number; email and residential addresses; and names with contact addresses of three professional references.
Applications should be sent to job@avu.org and must have Senior Procurement Officer as the email subject All inquiries should be sent to avuhr@avu.org
The successful candidate will be based at the AVU Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
The closing date for this application is January 2nd 2015 at 18:00 East African Time (UTC/GMT + 3)
Note: ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted