Procurement Specialist

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(Curriculum Vitaes – Cvs)

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

COUNTRY: Zambia

NAME OF PROJECT: The Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP)

Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.: P505094

Name of Implementing Agency: Smart Zambia Institute (SZI)

Assignment Title: Selection of Project Implementing Unit (PIU)

The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has applied for financing from the International Development Association of the World Bank to accelerate country-wide digital transformation. The “Digital Zambia Acceleration Project” (henceforth referred to as the ‘the project’) will drive digital transformation throughout the country by enhancing access to technology and improving service delivery. The project will address key barriers that hinder demand for digital services, such as inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy rates, access to digital devices and affordability issues.

The project in addition, will enable Zambia to leverage critical enabling digital platforms and data-driven solutions to improve the efficiency of public service delivery and expand the adoption of digitally enabled services.

The Project will be coordinated through the Electronic Government Division (EGD) – Smart Zambia Institute (SZI). A dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is thus being set up and operationalized at SZI that will have overall responsibility for supporting project preparation and implementation. The PIU will comprise six (6) staff, the Project Coordinator, Finance Specialist, Communication Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Environmental Specialist and Social Specialist.

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST (1)

Scope of Work for the Assignment

• Facilitate a detailed procurement capacity assessment to be carried out by the development partner, and support PIU coordinator and WB in the identification of related fiduciary risks.
• Prepare the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) that describes how procurement will support the development objectives of the project and deliver value for money, given local market context.
• Prepare and support the implementation of procurement plans, spelling out the equipment, services needed to kick-start implementation of the project.
• Coordinate the preparation of Terms of Reference (TORS) and technical specifications for services/goods/works, in close collaboration with technical specialists and concerned stakeholders.
• Prepare other procurement and bidding documents, including Request for Proposals (RFP), Expressions of Interest (EOI), in close collaboration with technical specialists and concerned stakeholders.
• Publish invitations to bidders and prepare general notices, specific notices, and request for expressions of interest to be advertised.
• Plan procurement, record procurement transactions, and track key stages of the procurement process, using the WB Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP) System.
• Ensure timely bid-openings, the evaluation process of the technical and financial proposals, and preparation of evaluation reports.
• Assist in the drafting of contracts between the PIU and the successful bidders after obtaining the no-objection (if required) and follow up the signature process.
• In collaboration with the Contract Managers, ensure that goods/services/works are provided as stipulated in the contract provisions.
• Ensure timely reception of the goods/services/works of the various contracts financed by the project.
• Prepare periodical procurement reports.
• Manage any procurement-related information requests and complaints.
• Ensure that cross-cutting project priorities and policy commitment are reflected in procurement-related documents – e.g. stakeholder consultation, climate-smart, energy efficiency, and accessibility requirement.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the project coordinator.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement or Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Certification.
• A master’s degree in Procurement will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years post qualification experience working in procurement.

Technical competencies

• Track record of managing procurement-related planning and selection processes for government and donor-funded projects of a similar scale and technical nature – familiarity with WB procurement processes and guidelines considered an asset.
• Technical knowledge of ICT-related procurement is considered a distinct advantage. 
• Demonstrated detailed knowledge of Zambian public sector contracting laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in managing the preparation, evaluation, negotiation, and delivery of large technical contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting procurement market assessments.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and mitigating fiduciary risks related to procurement as well as managing procurement-related complaints.
• Demonstrated knowledge of business and purchasing practices, supply and price trends.
• Proven ability to work with individuals and teams in completing tasks that are urgent, high priority, and sensitive.
• Proven ability to think analytically and strategically.
• Proven ability to liaise and consult with multiple internal and external stakeholders in managing procurement-related processes.

Consultants will be selected through the ‘Individual Consultants Selection’ method using Open National Market Approach” in accordance with provisions in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, Revised September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”).

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised September 2023 “Procurement Regulations”, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 hours to 13:00 hours and 14:00 hours to 17:00 hours Central African Time (CAT) or by email.

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form and deposited in the tender box at the address below (in person) or electronically submitted via the following link: dzap_procurements@grz.gov.zm by Wednesday 19th March, 2025 at 10:00 hours CAT to the address indicated below:

The National Coordinator

Office of the President, E-Government Division,

SMART Zambia Institute,

Corner of Nationalist Road and Independence Avenue

P.O. Box 31998,

Lusaka, ZAMBIA.

City: Lusaka

ZIP Code: 10101

Country: Zambia

Telephone: +260-211-254478, 253438,253652, 254599, 254657