BACKGROUND:
AECOM is implementing the Somalia TIS+ Project to promote good governance and community cohesion. USAID/EA’s Somalia Office anticipates that the need for quick impact stabilization activities will continue given the fragile nature of the nascent government and the existence of an insurgency in parts of South Central Somalia. At the same time, Somalia, particularly under the New Deal and the new internationally recognized government, is looking to move from crisis and stabilization to medium and longer-term development. The objectives of the contract are to: 1) Increase confidence in governance based on equitable participation in decision making and management of community assets. 2) Empower community and government representatives to engage with private sector and development actors in a collaborative process for community growth. 3) Increase Somali engagement in creating a more stable future. 4) Support inclusive, sustainable development by reducing gender gaps in stabilization and development.
OBJECTIVE:
The Procurement Specialist is responsible for efficient management and communication of Procurement functions of TIS+. Ensures overall Procurement of goods and services for effective and timely implementation of In-Kind activities in Somalia and in support of project operations in accordance with USAID requirements and AECOM policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure Suppliers/Vendors/Sub-Contractors selection is made to the most qualified and cost effective; Ensure best value principles are applied to all procurement processes;
- Ensure that TIS+ Procurement processes are effectively followed and fully implemented;
- Work closely with Program and Operations’ team to develop procurement plans (based on grant kick-off meetings, implementation plans and work plans) as needed, to ensure timely availability of the goods services for operations and for program activities;
- Responsible for the procurement of services and carry out research surveys for new suppliers/ vendors, goods & services (quality, prices, availability) following market trends and produce regular reports;
- Track and evaluate vendor/sub-contractor performance and improvements related to pricing, contractual terms, and/or scope of services;
- Prepare vendors/sub-contractors performance report based on the above criteria with marks and recommendations for future procurement awards;
- Manage & update an internal Procurement control system to ensure safe guarding of USAID and AECOM assets, preventing and detecting fraud/errors;
- Ensure Procurement files and records are accurate, up-to-date, in good storage and in compliance with AECOM rules, regulations and restrictions;
- Ensure that Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Quotations (RFQ) are technically competent and issued being fully compliant with parameters based on USAID regulations and AECOM Procurement procedures, before invitations to bid is sent out;
- Ensure compliance and fair reviews of all bids and cost submissions for best value of TIS+ operations and program activities;
- Support timely and high quality preparation of contracts for goods and/or service procurement;
- Provide regular updates and reports to TIS+ management on awarded contracts/vendors;
- Supervise process of conducting regular vendor pre-qualifications according to AECOM policies and timelines and provide final update /report;
- Support effective implementation of Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) as needed;
- Support timely and accurate payment procedures by submitting all necessary documents to the Finance Unit;
- Set up/maintain a system for centralized management of all Procurement documentation on One-Source for soft copies and hard copy filing as needed;
- Support the process of grants assets transfer of title according to AECOM and USAID policies and procedures, maintaining grants non-expendable assets tracking sheet on a monthly basis;
- Supervise and implement performance management plans for sub-ordinate staff with agreed goals, employee performance improvement and skills development;
- Develop and deliver training for TIS+ staff on AECOM policies and procedures, as well as, USAID regulations;
- Provide logistical support to the project as needed; coordinating delivery of goods and services; arrange for cargo transport, travel accommodation and arrangements as needed;
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Competencies Required:
- BSc. Degree in either Accounting/Finance, Business Administration or related field is preferred
- A minimum of Seven (7) years working experience on USAID funded projects across areas of - procurement, grants or finance in medium to large programs.
- Two (2) years’ experience at management level.
- Detailed knowledge for USAID rules and regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to solve difficult procurement problems.
- Previous experience in conflict affected areas with limited infrastructure, especially Somalia will be considered an advantage.
- Capacity to independently follow and enforce policies and procedures, as well as, develop work plans & budgets, negotiate contracts and make relevant decisions.
- Demonstrate a high degree of analytical, planning, organizational and facilitation skills much needed to meet the demands of the operating environment.
- Excellent and effective communication skills in English language, with a particular focus on written documents is required.
- Well versed in computer skills.
- Strong sense of personal integrity, with attention to detail.
- Somali language skills - an added advantage
LOCATION:
Nairobi, Kenya
LEVEL OF EFFORT:
1 year with possible extension
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications and detailed CV to be sent by the 27th May, 2016.
Send your Cover Letter and CV to recruitment@somtisplus.com (Clearly state Procurement Specialist Application on the Subject Line).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
