Environmental Protection Agency Job Title: Procurement Officer

Call for Expression of Interest

To Provide Technical Support to the Enhancing Climate    Information System for Resilient Development in Liberia (CIS)

Job Title: Procurement Officer 

Division/Department Executive Location Monrovia

Expected Start Date: Immediately 

Duration: Three (3) years (renewable annually based on performance) 

Report to:     Project Manager

Background

The Government of Liberia through the Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) received funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to implement the project (Enhancing Climate Information Systems for Resilient Development in Liberia) otherwise referred to as CIS Project. The objective of the project is to further strengthen Liberia’s climate-related observing and monitoring capabilities, early warning and early action systems, and other environmental-related information systems. It seeks to shift toward evidence-based climate-informed decision-making, planning, and response. The project’s overarching goal is to integrate green growth, environmental resilience, and adaptation into national development planning through effective climate information systems.

The project will reduce the exposure of Liberia’s communities, livelihoods, and infrastructure to climate-induced natural hazards through a well-functioning national Multi-Hazard ImpactBased Forecasting and Early Warning System (MHIBF-EWS). A well-functioning MH-IBFEWS means having in place trained and equipped Liberia Meteorological Service (LMS), Liberia Hydrological Service (LHS), Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to collect weather and climate data; introduce and maintain modeling, forecast weather events and provide early warnings; scale-up evidencebased climate-informed decision-making, planning, and response actions countrywide. Having these in place will lead to transformative change in Liberia’s climate risk reduction and management. This new paradigm will focus on translating meteorological and hydrological hazards into the sector- and location-specific potential impacts for the development of sectoral responses to mitigate those impacts. The project´s activities will further support the design, development and implementation of strategies and actions in the country that effectively address climate change adaptation and sustainable development needs.

The Environmental Protection Agency as the National Designated Authority (NDA) and focal entity for the management of the environment and natural resources in Liberia is empowered to coordinate, monitor, supervise and consult with relevant stakeholders on all activities in the protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources. EPA is the Executing Entity and will head a Project Implementing Unit (PIU). The PIU will coordinate the implementation of the project, and will consist of three technical departments (Liberia Meteorological Service, Liberia Hydrological Service and National Disaster Management Agency), Project Coordinator and Project Staff. The role of the three technical department is to provide technical support to the PIU. 

The AfDB, as an Accredited Entity to the GCF will provide oversight and quality assurance support services to the

CIS. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will assist the implementation of the Project with support from the EPA and AfDB. The PIU staff including project Coordinator, meteorology, hydrology, aviation and Monitoring and Evaluation specialists, and finance officer will be hosted at the EPA and will report to the Executive Director/CEO of the EPA and the AfDB Country Office. The Procurement Officer will assist with planning, coordination and control of the project procurement activities by the procurement plan, financing agreement and project documents. 

Objective

The objective of the assignment is to improve the institutional capacity of the CIS Project through the development, upgrade, and reform of systems vital for improved service delivery. The aim is to strengthen the CIS Project planning and coordination capacity by ensuring timely procurement of works, goods, and services by the PPCC and Bank’s procurement rules and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Procurement Officer will undertake the following tasks:

• Prepare, update, implement, and monitor the Project Procurement Plan; 
• Undertake the procurement of goods and services by PPCC and AfDB guidelines as stipulated in the Project Protocol of Agreement and Appraisal Report and provide ongoing monitoring as required; 
• Review specifications and Terms of Reference (ToRs) to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards and assist during contract negotiations; 
• Prepare bid documents required to facilitate procurement operations, including requests for quotation, requests for Expressions of Interest, Procurement Notices, Bidding documents, Tender Evaluation Reports, contracts, and other related documents; 
• Participate in the evaluation of proposals and related tasks on the Project, as may be required by the PIU and by its internal procurement policies, manuals and guidelines; 
• Draft, negotiate and finalize all types of contractual correspondence and documents; 
• Prepare status reports on procurement activities and contract management tables monthly; 
• Carry out regular market assessments to maintain accurate knowledge of market prices for most common goods and services; 
• Develop tools for capturing procurement data and identifying progress towards the achievement of procurement schedules, including updating and maintaining procurement records and filing system by PPCC and AFDB Procurement policy; 
• Provide procurement advice to the Institutional Capacity Building Project Team and ensure the compliance of internal control requirements by team members; 
• Expeditiously follow up supply of goods and services and forward certified invoices to Accounts for prompt payment; 
• Prepare Monthly, quarterly and Annual Procurement reports of the project; 
• Maintain complete procurement files and records including all correspondence related to procurement activities. Prepare and update the Procurement and Contract Register.
• Perform any other project-related procurement activities as may be requested by the Project Manager from time to time. 

Qualifications and Experience Requirements  

The ideal candidate should have: 

• A minimum of BSc. in Procurement or Supply Chain Management or Public Administration, Business Administration or law, or any other relevant field including training in procurement or a related subject, or equivalent by experience; 
• Good knowledge of standard procurement methods and procedures following the PPCC and AfDB procurement procedures will be a distinct requirement; 
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Procurement or Service Delivery; 
• Understanding of basic procurement principles. 
• Experience in training, capacity building, and setting up procurement systems 
• Experience in the preparation of consultancy bidding documents, evaluation reports, and contracts
• Proven experience in managing consultancy services contracts and procurement planning is an essential requirement 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills (English Language) 
• Ability to work and deliver results in an environment with multiple and challenging tasks 
• High level of integrity, and confidentiality in handling public resources, must be highly motivated, innovative and a committed team player.

IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

The Procurement Officer will be under the supervision of the Project Manager of the PIU.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Mr. Pescee T. Doe

Assistant Manager, Procurement Unit Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

4th Street, Sinkor

1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

P.O. Box 4024 

or through email (info@epa.gov.lr), indicating “Procurement Officer – CIS” The Closing date for applications is Monday, August 26, 2024, at 4 pm. Any application received after this date will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications correspond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

The EPA shall recruit the Procurement Officer through an open, transparent, and competitive process and shall be guided by inter alia the Procurement and Public Concessions Act of Liberia. All PMU staff shall conform to the Government of Liberia’s laws on anti-bribery and anti-corruption. Notice is hereby issued to all interested candidates that failure to adhere to conflict-of-interest restrictions and anti-fraud and corruption rules constitutes grounds for potential debarment from future participation in the procurement of goods, services, or works that may result from the project.