Job Description

Director, Procurement – MCA Zambia II

About MCA Zambia II

The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Zambia, collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America, delivers projects under the $491.75 million Farm to Market Compact (Compact) that promotes agriculture and agro-processing in the country through the implementation of the Roads and Access Project, Asset Finance Project, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR) Project, and American Catalyst Facility for Development (ACFD) Project. More information on the Compact can be found in the following link: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/zambia-farm-to-market-compact/".

The MCA Zambia II offices are in Lusaka, Zambia.

Director, Procurement

Position Objective

The Procurement Director reports to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Administration, and leads the procurement unit. The Procurement Director is responsible for managing the Compact’s delivery and implementing procurement-related services.

The Procurement Director ensures that MCC guidelines implement all procurement transactions, consolidates and keeps records of all procurement activity, and reports on the progress of this activity. The Procurement Director is responsible for managing the flow of procurement activity to implement the Compact by MCA. The Procurement Director serves as the primary liaison between the Procurement Agent, MCA-Zambia II, MCC, and outside entities from various specialized sectors on all procurement activities and facilitates the smooth interplay between and among all elements of the procurement process. A vital aspect of this responsibility involves synchronizing procurement activities' substance and process elements. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the overall Procurement function of the MCA, including the management of the Procurement Agent, and ensure that sufficient support is provided to the operational and programmatic functions of the Procurement unit to strengthen its ability to deliver on the targets of the Compact by MCC Program Procurement Guidelines.
• Review the solicitation documents, Procurement Plans, Contracting Past Performance Reporting, and all other required documents prepared by the Procurement Agent and recommend any necessary changes or improvements to ensure they comply with the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines and related guidance and that they meet the procurement needs of MCA-Zambia II.
• Review the MCA’s Procurement Operations Manual prepared by the Procurement Agent and recommend any necessary changes or improvements to ensure it responds to the operational reality of MCA-Zambia II.
• Facilitate the preparation and submission of necessary procurement documents to the Procurement Agent by the technical staff of MCA-Zambia II.
• Analyze MCA-Zambia II’s operational and programmatic needs and oversee the development of procurement plans and budgets that are consistent with the Compact's overall plans and aligned with its needs.
• Develop and build out the Procurement Unit through staff recruitment and onboarding and by identifying and engaging technical resources (e.g., external consultants, MCC) to provide external advice and expertise aligned with MCA-Zambia II's strategic needs. Ensure the team is adequately resourced throughout the life of the Compact.
• Develop and coordinate efforts to prevent fraud and corruption within MCA-Zambia II’s procurements and contract management processes and to conduct training for MCA-Zambia II staff to clarify procedures and strategies for this prevention.
• Represent MCA-Zambia II as the primary procurement liaison in implementing the Compact program, including identifying initial procurement needs, organizing procurement operations, and reviewing reports, as necessary.
• Lead MCA-Zambia II’s efforts to ensure all procurements are conducted consistently with MCC procurement requirements.
• Develop and implement procurement policies and frameworks for contract administration documents throughout the Compact's life and recommend any necessary changes or improvements to ensure it responds to MCA-Zambia II's operational reality.
• Guide MCA-Zambia II procurement and program staff and implementing entities on MCC Program Procurement Guidelines and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Monitor all planned procurements, including works contracts, identify delayed procurements, and provide recommendations.
• Oversee quality delivery by examining procurement requests, quality of goods, and other relevant documentation to ensure compliance with established work plans and MCC/MCA-Zambia II standards.
• Advise on MCA-Zambia II’s and, if applicable, implementing entities’ procurement systems and determine their compliance with MCC standards, identify issues and risks, and support internal and external audit exercises.
• Develop and implement a Bid Challenge System.
• Ensure implementation and adherence to MCC guidance on reporting contractor performance and using contractor past performance information in procurement, including training contract managers on their responsibilities and advising MCA-Zambia II management and MCC on non-compliance issues.
• Review reports submitted by members of the Procurement Unit.
• Consolidate and keep records of all procurement activity and report on the progress of the activity.
• Coordinate the functions of MCA-Zambia II and the Procurement Agent in implementing the Compact program, including identifying initial procurement needs and organizing procurement operations.
• Oversee the tasks and daily responsibilities of the Specialist, Procurement.

Required Competencies

• Advanced University degree in Acquisition Management, Law, Contracting, Procurement, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration, or relevant field is required.
• Possessing an internationally recognized procurement qualification or certification (e.g., NIGP-CPP, CPPO from UCCPP, MCIPS, CPSM, and CPSD) would be strongly desired.
• Minimum eight (8) years of executive management experience in managing project(s) that required procurement of goods, works, and services. The most relevant experience would include managing or supervising a team of procurement professionals and managing procurement operations supporting a multimillion-dollar project.
• Eligibility for professional membership with the Zambian Institute of Purchasing and Supply is required. MCA with support candidate in securing membership, including covering associated fees, if needed.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and approving procurement documents to international standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with domestic and international stakeholders and counterparts.
• Experience in one or more sectors similar to the Zambia Farm to Market Compact projects is preferred.
• Experience in planning and organizing market outreach is preferred.
• Familiarity and/or experience with international donor institutions’ procurement guidelines and procedures, particularly those of the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and/or the US Government.
• Experience managing project-based teams of professionals delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English. Communication skills in local language(s) are strongly desired.
• Proficiency in procurement-related software applications or management information systems.

How to apply

The following documents should accompany applications:

• Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;  
• Cover letter confirming interest and availability;   
• Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).  

The closing date for receiving applications is Friday, 29th November 2024. Only applications received through the online (Tenderwell) portal will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. If you meet challenges in applying online, please contact +260964072009 for assistance. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Diversity Statement:

“MCA Zambia is committed to equal opportunities for all and does not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, religion, disability or any other status. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply”.