Ghana Statistical Service: Procurement Advisor

The Government of Ghana has received a grant from the European Union (EU) and the Department for International Development (DFID) to support the implementation of the Ghana Statistical Service Institution Reform. The fund is being managed by the World Bank (WB) under the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Statistical Development Project. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) intends to apply part of the funds under the project to engage Individual Consultants.

Prepare and/or review the procurement plan for the implementation of the GSDP
Assist the Procurement Team in preparing a procurement time schedule for the implementation of the procurement plan to reflect the major stages in the procurement plan to reflect the major stages in the procurement process: negotiation, drafting and signing contract including contact closing dates):
Procure consultancy services, goods and works, by assisting the Procurement Team (PT) in the procurement process from preparation to evaluation and ensure that best procurement practices are followed before “No Objection” is sought
Ascertain that budgetary allocations are appropriated to the respective end-users and thus ensure timely and effective implementation

Build procurement capacity in the Procurement Team and the beneficiaries through hands-on training
Assist the Procurement Team in setting up a record keeping system for all prior review and especially post review contracts
Assist the Procurement Team in contract management and administration of all signed contracts under the grant and
In cooperation with the Procurement Team Prepare regular procurement reports for the Government Statistician and Development Partners according to pre-determined agreements
In accordance with this MDTF, the consultant will need to support the GSS to:
Establish a procurement management system for the WB MDTF based on the guidelines and procedures for procurement under World Bank funded projects, and the government regulations for the procurement of goods, works and services under the Ghana Public Procurement Act
Prepare bidding documents in accordance with the WB Standard Bidding documents. Obtaining no objections from WB
Advise evaluation committee members in the evaluation of the bidding documents/technical proposals in accordance with WB standards
Participate in evaluation of expressions of interest for short lists and pre-qualification of suppliers, and contractors where necessary
Prepare final contracts, and ensure timely distribution of all relevant procurement and contract documents to all stakeholders. (Consultant, Suppliers, and the World Bank “No Objection”)
Ensure that purchase orders are made as soon as the World Bank ” No Objection” is obtained
Establish a performance monitoring database for all suppliers and consultants, and ensure efficiency and timeliness i the delivery of outputs from the services providers
Assist in the annual procurement audit including, making available all project related documentation and facilitating the process as may be required
Duration: three year renewable, first year probation

Required Skills or Experience

First degree in relevant discipline, e.g. Business law, Engineering, Administration, etc with minimum 10 years post qualification experience in procurement, and contract management in the public sector; years of experience may be discounted by up to 2 years with relevant post graduate degree
Must have good knowledge of procurement policies and procedures of multilateral financial institutions (e.g. the World Bank) and development co-operation agencies; as well as good knowledge of the institutional, technical and commercial aspects of procurement
Excellent skills in project management demonstrated in pervious jobs:
Proven track record in working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams
Computer, proficiency in standard office applications (Spreadsheets, word processing, Internet Explorer) Excellent Communication, interpersonal and team working skills; and
Excellent oral and written skills in English

How To Apply

The Ghana Statistical Service now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services.

Interested consultants must provide information indicating they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, general qualification/academic background; and knowledge of local conditions, such as local language, culture, administrative systems and government organisations).
Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (revised May, 2010)

Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 09:00 to 17:00 hours GMT, Mondays to Fridays. Expression of Interest must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Expression of Interest”. The position should be clearly written on the envelope and delivered by 10:00 hours GMT to the address below:

The Head of Procurement
Ghana Statistical Serivce
(2nd Floor, Room 241)
P. O. Box GP 1098
Accra

Detailed Terms of Reference for position can be found at the GSS website: (www.statsghana.gov.gh) and UN Development Business online (UNDB online) (www.devbusiness.com)

Offer valid till 12 January 2011