Procurement Consultant

CNFA-AMD Project

US-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development

SCOPE OF WORK 

 Project Description:

The U.S.-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development (AMD) activity in Pakistan is a USAID funded activity implemented by CNFA with the goal of supporting the development of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture, particularly through improving the ability of Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors to meet both international and domestic demand and requirements in targeted product lines in citrus, mango, high value/off season vegetables and livestock. AMD envisions transforming the four targeted product lines into efficient, private sector-led value chains that deliver competitive products to domestic and export markets. AMD’s targeted training, matching grants, and technical assistance will leverage private sector investment and encourage innovation. Together, these approaches will support upgrading, streamline supply chains, optimize profit margins, increase participation of women entrepreneurs, and ultimately make Pakistani meat, HV/OSV, citrus and mango more profitable and more competitive.

Background Information:

The U.S.-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development (AMD) is a USAID funded, four year project which aims to improve the ability of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture and livestock sectors to compete in international and national markets in the four target product lines; meat, high value and off season vegetables, mangoes and citrus. AMD will act as a catalyst for development and investment in target product lines by actively promoting cooperation and coordination amongst the value chain actors and ancillary service providers. AMD’s implementation strategy is underpinned by a strictly commercial and market driven approach with a clear focus on strengthening market access for its partner organizations, and support marketing and sales efforts, both nationally and internationally. The objective of the AMD project is to encourage investments in the four target product lines through matching grants and empower stakeholders by developing synergies among them to accomplish together what they cannot do alone. AMD will support upgrading, streamline supply chains, optimize profit margins, increase participation of women entrepreneurs, and ultimately help make Pakistani meat, high value and off season vegetables, mangoes and citrus more profitable and more competitive.

Values:

1. CNFA’s support function is client-oriented with a strong vested interest in the overall success of the project.  All support functions – their development and adjustment – exercise responsiveness to client needs and expectations.
2. Flexibility, adaptation, and innovation are key in CNFA’s proactive stance to systems’ adjustment and problem-solving.
3. Collegial cooperation with all AMD staff, partners, stakeholders, USAID personnel, and government officials towards the overall success and impact of the AMD Project.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

The Short Term Consultant will execute day-to-day procurement and contract administration activities of the Project as per the set procedures, manual, template and guidelines. The short term consultant will assist the Procurement Specialist in implementing tasks related to procurement of large value goods, works, and services. Specific duties include:

• Manage, execute, and coordinate tasks related to the procurement of goods, services, and civil works for the implementation of the Project;
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize procurement functions, including plans for the efficient and effective procurement of goods, services, and civil works;
• Assist in preparation of standard bidding documents, procurement operations manual, bid challenge system, procurement processes and reporting templates, procurement plans, procurement implementation plans, and procurement performance reports;
• Assist in the establishment and implementation of a contract administration system;
• Manage the entire procurement process and execute day-to-day procurement functions such as: analyze market conditions, verify technical specifications or terms of reference, prepare and launch tender documents, arrange and facilitate site visits or bidders’ conferences, respond to written queries or requests for clarifications, facilitate evaluation panels, prepare evaluation reports, carry out price reasonableness analysis, facilitate contract negotiations, prepare and award contracts, notify regarding contract award, and conduct debriefings with bidders;
• Provide contract management services including arranging for proper inspection, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions of contracts, addressing delays, troubleshooting problems, assisting in contract amendments, and ensuring completion of works and delivery of goods;
• Ensure that all approvals and procurements records are kept safely and filed appropriately;
• Assist with management and resolution of bid challenges;
• Provide advice on the procurement activities of the Project including reviewing contracts related to procurement of goods, services, and civil works;
• Assure that all procurement activities are performed in a fully professional, transparent, and ethical manner, and that they are in line with procurement regulations and conditions of the grant and implementation agreement;
• Protect the procurement activity from fraud, waste, and abuse;
• Show a willingness to perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Finance and Compliance or Chief of Party.

Supervision/Reporting

The short term consultant is supervised by and report to the Senior Director of Finance and Compliance.

Working Conditions/Special Considerations

The employee is expected to comply with the terms and conditions as noted in his/her letter of agreement with CNFA. 

This assignment is based in Pakistan. Lahore will be the primary duty post, but the employee will spend approximately 30% of his time in other territories or provinces within Pakistan.

Qualifications

• Pakistani national;
• One (1) years of USAID experience working as a procurement professional;
• Education or training in procurement, public administration, or a related field;
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of best practices in procurement procedures, project administration and follow-up, and contract management;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe applications;
• Working knowledge of USAID policies, rules and regulations preferred;
• Previous project work experience in Pakistan;
• Team player, with excellent organizational, training design and delivery, time management, and communication skills in English, both written and oral.  Excellent Urdu, with regional language capability desirable.