Consultancy Service: Project Procurement Specialist

Introduction

The African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) will be leading the implementation of the regional Project “Strengthening Integrated One Health Capacities for Enhanced Pandemic Preparedness and Response in the Lake Chad Basin” funded by the Pandemic fund. The SCOPE project will be implemented across five Lake Chad Basin (LCB) member states namely Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Chad.  The afore-mentioned project overall goal is to strengthen cross-border capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through an integrated and inclusive One Health approach in the Lake Chad Basin. The SCOPE Project will be implemented through three result areas; Result Area 1: By 2029, Enhance capacity for cross-border One Health prevention, detection, notification and response for pandemics in the Lake Chad Basin; Result Area 2: By 2029, strengthen the cross-border governance and coordination mechanisms for inclusive and equitable One Health Systems; Result Area 3: By 2029, foster sustainable innovative financial flows, strategic partnerships and stewardship for PPR in the Lake Chad Basin. AU-IBAR will be working in close partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). 
The Lake Chad Basin remains vulnerable to zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), transboundary animal diseases, climate-sensitive health threats, and public health emergencies. Effective prevention, detection, reporting, and response require integrated, interoperable, and sustainable digital systems that support data sharing across sectors and countries. The SCOPE Programme   seeks to strengthen regional and national digital One Health ecosystems through establishment of interoperable surveillance systems, enhancement of cross-border disease reporting, integration of laboratory and surveillance platforms, strengthening of data governance frameworks, and alignment with the African Union Digital One Health Platform (AU-DOHP) at AU-IBAR.
To support implementation of these activities, AU-IBAR seeks to recruit an Animal Health Delivery Systems Expert to provide strategic leadership and technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle

Purpose of Job

The objective of the assignment is to provide Procurement Services both technical and operational, in relation to the project. As a member of the Procurement Unit, the Procurement Specialist (PS) is required to proactively work with all relevant personnel, to ensure the successful delivery of project outputs and project development objectives. 

Tasks

The Project Procurement Specialist (PS) shall be responsible for the following: 

In consultation with implementing departments of the Commission, prepare, update, implement and monitor the Project Procurement Plan; 

1. Undertake the procurement of goods and services in accordance with AUC guidelines and policies as stipulated in the Project Agreement. 
2. Review specifications and Terms of Reference (ToRs) to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with AUC regulations and assist during contract negotiations.
3. 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.
4. Participate in the evaluation of proposals and related task on the Project, as may be required by the AU-IBAR and in accordance with AUC Procurement Policies, Manuals and Guidelines.
5. Draft, negotiate and finalize all types of contractual correspondence and documents.
6. Carry out regular market assessments to maintain accurate knowledge of market prices for most common goods and services.
7. Develop tools for capturing procurement data and identifying progress towards the achievement of procurement schedules, including updating and maintaining procurement records and filing system in accordance with AU policy.
8. Provide procurement advice to the Project Team and ensure the compliance of internal control requirements by team members.
9. Expeditiously follow up supply of goods and services and forward certified invoices to Accounts for prompt payment.
10. Prepare minutes and reports of Procurement Committee meetings.
11. Perform any other related procurement activities as may be requested by the Director of AU-IBAR.

Duty Station

The Consultant shall be stationed at AU-IBAR office for the duration of the Contract and will work within the stipulated working hours for the office.

Criteria for Scoring

Qualifications and Experience Requirements for the Consultant  

The ideal candidate should have:  

1. A minimum of Master’s Degree in, Project Planning & Management, Procurement or Supply Chain Management, Finance and Accounting or Public Administration, Business Administration or Law or any other relevant field including training in procurement or related subject, or equivalent by experience.
2. Good knowledge of standard procurement methods and procedures following UNCITRAL model / Public Procurement disciplines. Specific knowledge and experience in the AUC procurement procedures will be a distinct requirement.
3. At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Procurement, Logistics or Service Delivery.
4. Understanding of basic procurement principles. Understanding of AUC procurement procedures and documentation would be an added advantage.
5. Record of familiarization of institutions and mandates, procurement procedures and documentation of AU-IBAR, AUC or RECs would be an added advantage.
6. Good knowledge of procurement processes, challenges and lessons on the continent.
7. Proficiency in at least one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic and Portuguese) is a must (oral and written)
8. Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and good interpersonal skills.
9. Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) including excellent web navigation skills.
10. Excellent analytical skills and report writing.

Required Skills 

Skills and competencies 

1. Professionalism - Proven expertise procurement; demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills on issues related to sourcing of goods, services and works.
2. Planning and organizing - Proven ability to plan and organize work within procurement; ability to make timely decisions.
3. Communication - Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
4. Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
5. Judgement/Decision-making - Good judgement and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact, ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximise productivity and achieve institution’s goals. 

Duration

The project life-span is for three (3) years but the duration of this consultancy is 6 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. 
The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this Consultancy is set at GSA5-10. Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations. Fees shall be payable upon submission and approval of monthly progress reports.  
Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.  

Supervision and reporting

The Project Procurement Specialist will be under the functional and administrative supervision of the Procurement Office and under the overall supervision of the AU-IBAR Director.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit Applications should include the following:

i.    Detailed curriculum vitae;
ii.    Copies of academic and professional qualifications;
iii.    Completed declaration on exclusion criteria in the format attached; and,
iv.    Copies of identification documents.

to the email procurement@au-ibar.org and a copy to albert.obiero@au-ibar.org clearly indicating in the subject line “PROJECT PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST”. The deadline for applications will be 06th November 2026 at 23:45 Nairobi Local Time.