Procurement Specialist

With funding from the World Bank and in the framework of the water and waste water sector reform program PWA is looking for experienced:

Background:
In the framework of the water and waste water sector reform the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) has applied for co-financing from the World Bank, Sida and AfD towards the implementation of an Emergency Capacity Building Project entitled Technical, Planning and Advisory Team (TPAT). The project aims to facilitate the implementation by PWA of Sector Reform processes, update water supply, sanitation and water resources management strategies towards more effective infrastructure development, improved service provision, and sustainable resource management and develop PWA’s capacity for implementation of water supply, sanitation and water resources management strategies, action plans and programs.
The PWA has been mandated by the Council of Ministers of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to lead the reform in the water sector in Palestine. The PWA has established a Reform Coordination Unit (RCU) to oversee the implementation of the reform process, of which the TPAT represents a key component, under the supervision and guidance of the Minister of PWA. The RCU is mandated to oversee the reform program implementation. The RCU will provide day-to-day support to the implementing agencies drawing on in-house expertise but is also planning to hire contractual staff in order to insure a smooth and proper implementation of the TPAT program through the constitution of a Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The PIU will include a Project Manager, a Financial Specialist, a Procurement Specialist and Secretary. The team will be based in the West Bank.

Assignment Objective:
The PWA is considering the appointment of a qualified Procurement Specialist knowledgeable of World Bank procurement guidelines who will be responsible for (i) planning and processing all procurement to be carried out under the framework of the TPAT program, (ii) providing support to the PWA financial and Admin Directorate and the PWA Procurement Committee, (iii) monitoring the implementation of the procurement plans, and (iv) providing on-job procurement training to PWA staff.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the general direction of the PIU coordinator the Procurement Specialist will be required
to familiarize himself/herself with all aspects of the execution of the Project. More specifically

s/he will be responsible for the following:
-updating the Project procurement plan for each year ensuring that the required funds are included in the budget;
-determining the procurement method to be used based on the size of the package: National Competitive Bidding (NCB), National Shopping (NS) and Direct Contracting in accordance with World Bank Guidelines and the Project Procurement Manual;
-when needed, drafting bid notices and standard bidding documents for inviting and obtaining bids in accordance with World Bank Guidelines and the Project Procurement Manual;
-when needed, drafting requests for expressions of interest and standard request for proposals (RFPs) for inviting and obtaining proposals in accordance with World Bank Guidelines and the Project Procurement Manual;
-assisting in revising the established procedures for receiving and opening of bids/proposals, ensuring adherence to the evaluation criteria stipulated in the bidding documents/RFPs in a professional and timely manner;
-maintaining complete procurement documentation for each contract, including bidding documents, advertisements, bids received, bid evaluations, letters of acceptance, contract agreements, securities, related correspondence, etc., in an orderly manner, readily available for audit;
-preparing semi-annual procurement reports showing the status of ongoing procurement, including a comparison of planned and actual dates of the procurement actions, including preparation of bidding documents, advertising, bidding, evaluation, contract award and completion time for each contract;
-preparing the procurement part of the financial reports and participating in the preparation of periodic (semi-annual) project progress reports for the Program Steering Committee;
-working with PWA procurement staff to enhance their capacities through on-job training
to ensure they are capable of taking over full responsibility of the needed procurement
implementation as regarding the Word Bank programs by the end of the assignment; and
-performing other duties as may be assigned by the PIU Manager.

The Procurement Specialist will be hosted at the PWA headquarters in Ramallah, and will be accountable to the PIU coordinator.

Essential Required Qualifications, Skills, knowledge and Competencies:
-A Bachelors degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Marketing or Engineering, or another relevant field; in addition a master degree in a relevant field is considered desirable;
-At least 7 years of previous relevant experience in procurement of which at least three years with a World Bank financed project;
-Good knowledge in the local procurement procedures;
-Good knowledge of technical and operational aspects of procurement implementation;
-Strong supervisory, interpersonal and staff support skills. Ability to motivate and lead employees and encourage decisions to be made within a team environment;
-Excellent communication and facilitation skills;
-Fluency in English and excellent report writing;
-Excellent computer skills, including procurement software; and
-The ability to work under pressure.

Time Frame and Contract
The duration of the assignment is one year on a full-time consultancy basis, extendable to the full length of the program. The expected start date for the position is between March 1 and April 1, 2011, dependent on the official commencement date of the TPAT project.

CVs and letter of interest have to be submitted to PWA no later than the 15th of March, 2011 to:

Mohammad Shoabi, Acting DG of Admin and Finance

at the following address:

Palestinian Water Authority
Al-Balou`- Baghdad St
2174
Ramallah - West Bank Occupied
Tel. +972 22429022
Fax. +972 22429341