International Procurement Specialist Terms of Reference Title:                           International Procurement Specialist Project:                     Kabul Urban Transport Efficiency Improvement Project (KUTEI) Dutystation:              Kabul,Afghanistan Section/Unit:            PMU Procurement Section Duration:                    6months Supervisor:                PMU Team Leader 1.    Background The KabulMunicipality is responsible for implementing Kabul Urban Transport Efficiency Improvement Project (KUTEI) on behalf of theGovernment of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The primary focus of the KUTEI is to improve road conditions and trafficflows in selected corridors of Kabul City. The project is being financed by the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, administered by the World Bank. TheProject Management Unit (PMU) under the supervision of the Technical Deputy Mayor has been setup at the Kabul Municipality (KM) toimplement and administer the Project. The KUTEIProject is under the implementation stage which consist of three maincomponents: a)   Improvement of about 32 km ofroads that include the rehabilitation of road surfaces, pedestrian walkways, installation of street lights, implementation of roadsafety and traffic control measures, and rehabilitation of roadside drains. b)   Capacity Building andTechnical Assistance to increase the overall capacity of KM to provide improved delivery of transport services. This includes (i)TA for priority interventionsfor city center accessibility, including detailed designs, (ii) Public Transport Feasibility studiesfor two potential corridors, (iii) Review and design of 40 km of new roads. c)    ProjectManagement Support that aims to establish a foundation for KM to ensure that KM has adequate institutional capacity to implementthe project and achieve the PDO. Kabul Municipality intends to recruit a qualified and capable "International Procurement Specialist" to lead thePMU Procurement Section and provide the necessary support to KUTEI. 2.    Purpose and Scope of the Assignment The responsibilities of the International Procurement Specialist under the supervision ofthe PMU Team Leader are to carry out alltypes of procurement activities (Goods, Works, & Services) under the KUTEI project, while simultaneously providecapacity building support to the local procurement staff. Specific duties andresponsibilities of the International Procurement Specialistwillinclude: (i)    Lead the PMU procurement section and strengthen the capacity of the teamin the execution of allprocurement activities and provide support tothe national procurement staff and civil servants; (ii)   Build procurement capacity of the procurement section through trainings, on the job coaching and mentoring of procurementstaff. The Specialist is also expected to transfer knowledge and expertise to the PMU procurement staff on handling procurementresponsibilities; (iii)  Ensure procurement processes are carried out in compliance with the World Bank Procurement Guidelines and their associatedRegulations; The key responsibilities ofthe assignment include,but not limited to; ·         Under the overall guidance and supervision of Project Team leader, theSpecialist will beresponsible for overall procurement activities, provide quality procurement advices maintaining the highest degree of integrity andethical standard; Provide guidance, technical oversight, and ensureconsistent application of the World Bank's Procurement Guidelines;Preparingdocuments for tenders and contributing to work planning, and briefing project teams, contractors andsuppliers;Lead the negotiation of contracts on behalf of theKM;Provide guidanceand support in the preparation of realistic and consolidated procurement plans which are in harmonywith the work plan and availablefunds. In particular, provide support for the revision of Procurement Plans;Develop andmaintain procurement tracking systems for the follow-up of all procurement activities and alert the TeamLeader when the actions arepending;Prepareinvitations for bid/prequalification, request for expressions of interest, request for proposals, evaluationreports and otherdocuments related to procurement of Goods, Works, & Services;Closely monitorprocurement activities in reference to the Procurement Plan timelines;Prepare monthlyreports on procurement status and procurement risk mitigation framework for review of the managementand the World Bank's TaskTeam;Conduct diagnosticanalyses on delays, inefficiencies in the system, and provide recommendations to improve the same, ifrequired;Identify all thepossible inherent risks related to procurement, especially those related to fraud and corruption and propose appropriate measuresto mitigate them; Carry out anyother procurement related function assigned by the project team leader;Assist the PMU inrequests for variations and provide advice on proposed contract changes and prepare packages for certain approvalprocesses; 3.    Reporting Requirements The International Procurement Specialist will submitmonthly progress reports to the PMU Team leader on his/her performance during the reporting period and closely liaise with the PMUon the day to day procurement activities. The report shall describe significant tasks performed and achievements accomplishedduringthe period, as well as key procurement issues encountered and recommendations if any. At the end of the contract, the Specialistwill submit a final report summarizing work undertaken and achievements accomplished, including recommendations to furtherstrengthen the procurement management capacity of the Kabul Municipality. 4.   Qualificationsand Experience Thesuccessful candidate must bea Third Country National (TCN) and must fulfill the followingminimumrequirements; a. Education ·        A minimumbachelor's degree (preferably master's degree) in engineering or anyother relevant disciplines with additional trainings inprocurement; b. Work Experience ·        A good knowledge of public procurement principles,procedures as well as FIDIC and World Bank's Standard Procurement Guidelines; ·        Minimum Ten (10) years of relevant work experiencein similar assignments, experience of working in the countries in the same region is a plus; ·        Minimum five year of experience in the position ofProcurement Specialist; ·        Previous experience in capacity development roles isa distinct advantage; ·        Previous experience in Afghanistandesirable; c. Key Competencies ·        Fluent English both written and spoken; ·        Excellent interpersonal and communicationskills; ·         Excellent documentation skills; ·         Flexibility, ability to adapt to complex andevolving situations; ·         Have familiarity with MS Office package; 5.    Remuneration Remuneration will be negotiable based on internationallycompetitive rates and will reflect the selected candidate's area of expertise and relevant work experience. The consultant will bepaid on a monthly basis. Costs incurred by the Specialist in the realization of the Services will be agreed upon in advancewithKabul Municipality and will be reimbursed upon submission of statements of expenses and supportingdocumentations. 6.  Duration of theAssignment The assignment will be for a duration of six(6). The contract isextendable solely at the discretion of KM based on the performance of the "International Procurement Specialist" and further business need.