Header

SUPPORT TO CAPACITY BUILDING FOR OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) PROJECT

12:14:00 PM

SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY

SUPPORT TO CAPACITY BUILDING FOR OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) PROJECT

REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT’S EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

SHORT TERM PROCUREMENT CONSULTANT

1. This request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared in UN Development Business Number AfDB94-701/07 of 30th April 2007

2. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has received a grant from the African Development Bank (ADB) in various currencies equivalent to UA 20.00 million towards the cost of the Support to Capacity Building for Open and Distance Learning Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for consultancy services for ”Short Term Procurement Consultant”.

3. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, through the Directorate of Social and Human Development and Special Programmes has received Grants from the African Development Bank (ADB) for financing the Control to Communicable Diseases (CD) (HIV and AIDS, TB and Malaria), and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Projects. The projects aim to strengthen the capacity of the Secretariat to address communicable diseases and open and distance learning. The CD project specifically aims to contribute to regional integration through the harmonised control of communicable diseases in the SADC region. The ODL project on the other hand is intended to contribute to the development and deployment of effective, harmonised open and distance learning, to increase access to quality education and training and support regional integration across SADC. SADC Secretariat intends to recruit two (2) Procurement Experts to strengthen the capacity in Procurement Management for the two projects. During the period when selection processes for recruitment are being carried out, there will be need for a short term Procurement Consultant to assist with procurement activities for the projects.

4. The Procurement Consultant will be part of the Project Teams working on the implementation of the CD and ODL projects. The two projects are ongoing and are at different stages of implementation. Under the supervision and coordination of the Project Coordinators, she/he would be responsible for the specific procurement activities needed for program preparation/implementation. The Procurement Consultant would carry out the following activities:

  1. Manage the entire process for each procurement activity of the two projects;
  2. Update Project Procurement Plans for the two projects;
  3. Develop Procurement Strategies to fast track implementation;
  4. Prepare contracts for services, supplies and grants;
  5. Administer tendering procedures, particularly publication of procurement notices, establishment of tender dossiers, organization of evaluation committees;
  6. Participate in evaluation committees;
  7. Address the ADB objections to the procurement documentation;
  8. Carry on correspondence with bidders, and providing clarifications;
  9. Participate in preparing the bidding/selection processes;
  10. Prepare the bids/proposals evaluation reports;
  11. Participate in contracts negotiations, ensuring the compliance with the ADB’s procurement procedures and prepare the minutes of the contract negotiations;
  12. Analyze the implementation status of the contracts and participate in the project procurement reporting activities;
  13. Prepare and update schedules of goods and services to be procured to ensure that all items are delivered at the appropriate times in accordance with the latest up-date of the overall project implementation schedule;
  14. Contribute on a regular basis to the timely preparation of the quarterly project progress reports and at completion of the project, to the project completion report in accordance with ADF format;
  15. Keep all procurement related records archived in proper order including insurance policies of all purchased items;
  16. Negotiate maintenance contracts and ensure that the purchased goods and equipment are in a usable state at all times;
  17. Keep an up to date and accurate register of all the project property; and
  18. Assist in dealing with claims and litigation to contracts and procurement.

5. The Procurement Consultant will have the following minimum qualifications and specific experience:

  • A Degree in a technical area/Business Studies or social science or equivalent;
  • Post graduate training in procurement or related subject;
  • Professional membership such as CIPS or any other recognised professional body is essential;
  • Minimum 5 years relevant work experience in procurement including goods and consulting services and contract management;
  • Knowledge of ADB and World Bank Procurement Rules and Guidelines is a must;
  • Knowledge of SADC Secretariat procurement procedures and documentation will be an added advantage;
  • Knowledge of project management will be an added advantage
  • Proficient in basic computer programs (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing);
  • Excellent planning, organising skills and writing skills;
  • Reliable and responsible personality and capacity to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment;
  • Excellent communications, coordination and negotiation skills;
  • Excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills;
  • Experience in dealing with senior business executives and government officials;
  • Good team player while being independent and able to work autonomously; and
  • Experience of working in the SADC region will be an asset.

6. The contract will be for a maximum of 130 staff days over a period of six (6) calendar months. The Consultant will be expected to start work within 2 weeks after being offered the contract.

7. SADC now invites qualified individuals to indicate their interest in providing the services. Those interested must provide a statement of capability and experience indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CV, Qualifications and suitability for the services, description of similar assignments, knowledge and experience in similar conditions in the SADC Region and demonstration of relevant skills).

8. Individual Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the African Development Bank’s Rules and Procedures for the Use of Consultants.

9. Written EOIs, in English, must be marked ”Expression of Interest for the Short Term Procurement Consultant” and delivered to the address below (through post, courier or email) by 12H00, Botswana Time (GMT +2) on Friday, 11th February 2011.

Attention: Mr. Thulaganyo Thutoetsile
SADC Secretariat
Project Coordinator - ODL Project
Millennium Office Park, Plot 116 Kgale Mews
Room No. 104, 1st Floor
Private Bag 0095
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel : +267 395 1863 Fax: +267 3972848
Email: tthutoetsile@sadc.int

Post a Comment