Recruitment of Procurement Specialist

Source: World Bank — Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP)

Request for Expression of Interest

(Consulting Services – Individual Consultant Selection)

Country: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

NAME OF PROJECT: Financial Sector Strengthening Project

Project ID: P171627

CONSULTING SERVICES: Procurement Specialist - Individual Consultant

Credit No.:  IDA V3780

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has received financing from the World Bank toward Financial Sector Strengthening Project and it intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include carrying out procurement activities as per the World Bank Procurement Regulations for an efficient implementation of the financial Sector Strengthening Project. The assignment will be initially for a period of one year, including 3-month probation period. At the end of one year, the assignment may be extended annually, depending on satisfactory performance.

The National Bank of Ethiopia now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. The short-listing criteria are as indicated in the Terms of Reference below.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Sixth Edition, February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant method set out in the Procurement Regulations, Time Based Contract.

Interested and qualified consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 08:00 to 12:00 & 14:30 to 17:00, Mondays to Thursdays; and 08:00 to 11:00 & 14:30 to 17:00 on Fridays.

Expressions of interest (CV, Cover letter and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications) must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, by August 08/2025, 17:00 local time.

Address

Human Resources Management Directorate

National Bank of Ethiopia

P.O. Box: 5550, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

tel:+251-0115175126

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Procurement Specialist

Contract Title: Procurement Specialist

Agency: National Bank of Ethiopia
Name of the Project: Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP)
Location: Addis Ababa

1. Background

The Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP) is a USD 700 million project with the objective to enhance financial sector stability through strengthening key state-owned financial institutions and the banking sector supervisory and regulatory framework. The FSSP has four components: (i) Strengthening the Banking Sector Supervisory and Regulatory Framework and the institutional capacity of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE); (ii) Reform, Restructuring, and Recapitalization of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE); (iii) Reform, Recapitalization and Institutional Strengthening of the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE); and (iv) Component 4: Implementation Support. The project uses a combination of Investment Project Financing with Performance-Based Conditions (IPF-PBC) and regular IPF financing instruments. NBE, CBE and DBE are the implementing entities of the project while NBE will assume the role of a lead implementing agency. A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at NBE has primary accountability role to coordinate M&E and operational workflow between the implementing agencies and is the designated as the lead implementing agency under the auspices of NBE.

To support the successful implementation of this initiative, NBE seeks to recruit a qualified Procurement Specialist to oversee and facilitate procurement processes in compliance with World Bank guidelines and applicable NBE procurement regulations.

1. Objective

The objective of this TOR is to engage a qualified Procurement Specialist to assist the National Bank of Ethiopia in managing all procurement activities under the Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP) implementation project. The Specialist will ensure the timely and effective execution of procurement tasks, advice implementing agencies on project related procurement issues, compliance with applicable guidelines, and capacity building within the project team.

1. Scope of Work

The Procurement Specialist will report to the Project Manager of PIU and will be responsible for managing and coordinating all procurement activities under the Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP) implementation project and provide support to NBE, CBE and DBE in the procurement management including reviewing and consolidating procurement plans and submitting to WB.

1. Duties and responsibilities

 Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Assist in overall planning, management, and monitoring of procurement activities.
2. Lead in the revision and use of the Project Procurement Strategy Document (PPSD) in accordance with the Regulation
3. Coordinate with the RPCUs and ensure that all procurement activities are planned through STEP and appropriate clearance is obtained before procurement initiated.
4. Ensure that the procurement activities particularly the key procurement activities are initiated and processed timely in accordance with the agreed procedures.
5. Using the World Bank’s Standard Procurement Documents, prepare Project customized Request for Bids and Request for Proposals (RFP). This should include customized NCB documents and standardized Forms to be used for Request for Quotation (RFQ) Methods.
6. Assist in the collection of data and preparation of technical specifications for procurement of goods identified in the procurement plan.
7. Assist in the preparation and publication of Specific Procurement Notices (SPN) to be published in Development Business Online, International Market website and/or in national newspapers.
8. Assist in the drafting, publishing, and floating of Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for consulting services.
9. In consultation with FPCU, prepare and update the project Procurement Plan as needed considering envisaged implementation time and procurement method for each procurable item.
10. Prepare replies to request for clarifications made by prospective bidders, in close consultation with the FPC and MILLs.
11. Assist in the operations of bid opening for the procurement of goods and consultants and in the recording and drafting of the Minutes of bid opening.
12. Assist in evaluation of bids, technical and financial offers made for the procurement of goods and selection of consultants under the project.
13. Prepare bid evaluation reports using the World Bank’s standard evaluation template and requirements

A. Procurement Planning and Documentation

• Assist in overall planning, management, and monitoring of procurement activities.
• Lead in the revision and use of the Project Procurement Strategy Document (PPSD) in accordance with the Regulation
• Coordinate with the PCUs and ensure that all procurement activities are planned through STEP and appropriate clearance is obtained before procurement initiated.
• Ensure that the procurement activities particularly the key procurement activities are initiated and processed timely in accordance with the agreed procedures.
• Develop and update the project’s Procurement Plan, ensuring compliance with World Bank guidelines and project timelines.
• Using the World Bank’s Standard Procurement Documents, prepare Project customized Request for Bids and Request for Proposals (RFP). This should include customized NCB documents and standardized Forms to be used for Request for Quotation (RFQ) Methods.
• Assist in drafting technical specifications and terms of reference for procurement of goods, works, and consultancy services.
• Facilitate the preparation and publication of Specific Procurement Notices (SPN) and Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI).
•  

B. Bid Management and Evaluation

• Assist in the preparation and signature of contract documents, reception of securities and start-up activities of suppliers, contractors and consultants.
• Assist in procurement correspondence with the World Bank and follow up all cases for which a “No Objection” is required.
• Monitor and ensure timely responses to procurement questions raised by the Bank.
• Assist NBE, CBE and DBE in Publishing of contract award notices.
• Prepare implementation action plan and periodic procurement progress reports.
• Follow-up on complaints received from suppliers/consultants/contractors and advice FPCU on measures required for timely responses. Ensure complaints received are timely reported to the world bank.
• Regularly update procurement and contract management information on STEP
• Carry out any relevant activity related    with project procurement demand and as instructed.
• Prepare replies to request for clarifications made by prospective bidders, in close consultation with the PC and NBE, CBE and DBE.
• Assist in preparation of Addenda as required in coordination with user units and P coordinators, coordinate timely issue
• Organize and oversee implementing agencies bids opening sessions, prepare minutes, and ensure transparency in the bidding process.
• Assist in evaluation of bids, technical and financial offers made for the procurement of goods and selection of consultants under the project.
• Assist in Preparation of bid evaluation reports using the World Bank’s standard evaluation template and requirements Coordinate bid evaluations, technical and financial offers, and prepare evaluation reports using World Bank templates.
• Assist in issuing clarifications to prospective bidders in consultation with NBE management.

C. Contract Management

• Assist implementing agencies in preparing and signing contract documents, obtaining securities, and initiating supplier start-up activities.
• Monitor contract implementation, ensuring timely receipt of deliverables and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Address contract amendments and extensions as necessary, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Monitor timely receipt of goods and reports by suppliers and consultants in accordance with their respective contracts.
• Ensure all related documents are included in the respective files. Ensure the proper recording and filing of all procurement documentation of activities that are subject to both prior and post reviews by the World Bank and auditors.
• Monitor contract management including timely completion of assignments, release of payments, issuing contract amendments, etc.
• Prepare implementation action plan and periodic procurement progress reports
• Monitor contract management including timely completion of assignments, release of payments, issuing contract amendments, etc.

D. Training and Capacity Building

• Conduct procurement workshops and training sessions for all implementing agencies involved in the Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP) implementation project.
• Transfer skills and knowledge to enhance the capacity of all implementing agencies.

E. Reporting and Record Management

• Prepare procurement progress reports and submit periodic updates to the Project manager of the PIU
• Ensure proper documentation, filing, and organization of procurement records for prior and post-review by auditors.

1. Qualifications and Experience

The Procurement Specialist is expected to meet the following minimum requirements:

• A first degree in Economics, Management, Accounting, Business Administration, Procurement and Supply Management, Engineering or other related disciplines.
• 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in senior procurement roles, out of which 3 years in World Bank-financed projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of World Bank procurement guidelines and Ethiopian government procurement procedures.
• Experience in conducting training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Knowledge and experience in use of STEP system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.

1. Reporting

The Procurement Specialist will report to the Project Manager of the PIU stationed at the National Bank of Ethiopia and will be accountable for all procurement-related activities.

1. Remuneration

The Financial Management Specialist remuneration and benefits will be competitive and negotiable, based on qualifications and experience.

1. Services and Facilities Provided by the Client

The National Bank of Ethiopia will provide the following:

• Office space, furniture, and necessary equipment.
• Access to project-related data and resources.
• Support from assigned NBE staff and technical teams.

1. Duration and Timing

The assignment is expected to commence immediately upon contract signing. The contract will be for one year with the possibility of extension based on performance and project requirements.

10. Place of Work

The Procurement Specialist will be stationed in NBE PIU (Addis Ababa) and provide support to all implementing agencies as required.