Procurement Specialist

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Procurement Specialist
Sector: Renewable Energy
Position Type (full/part time): Part time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): Long term consultant
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Remote
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded project Sustainable Energy and Economic Development in Jordan (SEED II), aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being and empowerment of women and youth in the RE&EE sector in the Jordan valley. Building on the successful interventions of SEED I project, SEED II will replicate these achievements across new implementation sites while addressing key gender-specific barriers to economic participation. SEED II will address the challenges of low labor force participation, high unemployment rate, and gender inequality, particularly for Jordanian women, who face disproportionate obstacles in the labor market. By leveraging Jordan’s renewable energy resources and aligning with the country’s Comprehensive National Energy Sector Strategy, SEED II seeks to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce energy dependency and contribute to poverty reduction efforts, particularly in the Jordan Valley’s ‘poverty pockets’. Key project activities include:

• Establishment of entrepreneurial farms powered by RE solutions: Support the creation of entrepreneurial farms using renewable energy technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and economic opportunities for women and youth;
• Training and capacity building: Develop and deliver gender-sensitive, demand-driven training curricula to improve the employability of women and youth in the RE&EE sector. This includes technical skills for RE&EE system design, installation and maintenance;
• Internship and employment facilitation: Facilitate internship and employment opportunities for women and youth in the RE&EE sector, along with soft skills development and job search support;
• Technical assistance: Provide TA to municipalities in the oversight, maintenance, and operation of RE&EE systems. This also includes engaging with women, youth, and vulnerable groups in participatory service planning, budgeting and delivery decisions.
• Cost savings allocation: Assist municipalities in identifying and allocating cost savings from RE&EE installations to address service needs identified by communities, particularly benefiting women, youth and vulnerable groups;
• Strengthening CSOs: Build the capacity of women-led CSOs to support women’s leadership in the RE&EE sector, focusing on overcoming technical and gender-specific barriers;
• Awareness campaigns: Raise awareness among women about economic opportunities in the RE&EE sector and their rights in the workplace, while engaging key community stakeholders to support women’s advancement;
• Promoting inclusive investments: Support CSOs in engaging with inclusive employers and businesses to promote investment in women within the RE&EE sector.

The project started in 2024 and will be completed in September 2029.
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The Procurement Specialist will work in close consultation with the Project Team Leader, the Accountant and Cowater HQ to coordinate and support procurement of major (substantive) goods and small works required by the project.  S/he will complete all ongoing procurement activities and plan and carry out fair and competitive selection processes for any upcoming procurements in compliance with Cowater, GAC requirements, Jordanian and international best practices. The Procurement Specialist’s work will emphasize transparent, accountable and efficient procurement processes, which strive to maximize value for investment.  
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Procurement expertise and technical assistance to the SEED project, including but not limited to:

• Work with the Team Leader, Financial Manager and Cowater HQ to develop and/or update procurement guidelines, bidding documents, appropriate standard forms and templates in compliance with standard Jordanian, Government of Canada and international procurement standards and norms.
• Work with the Team Leader, Financial Manager and Cowater HQ to design procurement plans and timelines for goods, and small works required for the project.
• Survey relevant markets as needed to determine the availability of vendors, contractors, suppliers, or individual consultants that meet the project’s needs and standards.
• Assist the project team in developing technical specifications, TORs, evaluation criteria.
• Assist in the preparation of purchase orders, subcontracts, consulting agreements, technical or administrative work orders or letters of agreement.
• Develop evaluation grids, letters of invitation, and evaluation report templates.
• Obtain quotations from potential suppliers and contractors within or outside of Jordan (as required) to maximize value for investment for the procurement of required goods and small works.
• Assist the Team in evaluating proposals based on cost, quality and other relevant criteria, negotiate the most favourable terms possible for the project, and recommend the preferred supplier/contractor.
• Manage the different guarantees (bid securities, performance securities, warranties, etc).
• Monitor the progress of the selected suppliers/contractors in delivering goods and small works to ensure timely, and quality.
• In consultation with the Team Leader, manage any contract change and amendments;
• In consultation with the Financial Manager, ensure timely payments to suppliers and contractors upon contractual terms.
• Organize and maintain digital and physical archive: manage proper files and updated records for the project’s procurement and administration section, for any audit purpose.
• Carry out all tasks with highs level of professional integrity, ethics, accountability and dedication to upholding ethical standards.
• Carry out all responsibilities a fair, impartial and transparent manner while maintaining a professional and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Undertake any other relevant tasks as directed by the Team Leader.

It is anticipated that the consultant will conduct missions to Jordan if the situation permits.
 
 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Master’s degree in procurement, accounting, business administration or field related to international development.
• Internationally recognized procurement certifications is an asset.

Minimum Experience:

• At least 15 years of international experience in procurement for multi-year development projects of $10 million Canadian dollars or more.
• Experience managing contracts and suppliers.
• Experience preparing procurement plans and documentation systems.
• At least 10 years of experience in procuring equipment, machinery, and tools, and expediting and managing international imports in the Middle East, preferably in Jordan.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• Experience working in the MENA region, most preferably in Jordan, procuring PV installations and equipment for solar farms and household level PV systems, is considered an asset.

Language Proficiency: English
 
Employment Conditions: Long term Consultant
 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 17 December, 2024.
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
 
ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.