Procurement and Contracts Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 of them from the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. ADB works collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges, utilizing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to improve lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect the environment. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and has equal opportunities, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The Procurement and Contracts Specialist position is situated within the Procurement and Contracts Unit (CSPC) of the Corporate Services Department (CSD) at ADB. The role is crucial for managing capital expenditure (CAPEX) procurement activities and contract administration for both Headquarters and Field Offices. The specialist will ensure that all procurement processes related to CAPEX are conducted in strict compliance with ADB's organizational policies, industry best practices, and financial governance requirements. The position involves developing procurement plans for facilities projects, overseeing the preparation and quality assurance of procurement documentation, leading the end-to-end procurement process, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery. The specialist will also monitor supplier performance and implement procurement controls to enhance efficiency and compliance, making this role integral to ADB's mission of promoting sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement and Contracts Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: developing comprehensive procurement plans for facilities projects, ensuring that sourcing strategies, timelines, and documentation are in place for efficient project delivery; overseeing the preparation, review, and quality assurance of procurement documentation such as specifications, tender packages, evaluation reports, and contract agreements; leading the entire procurement process for goods, works, and services, which includes conducting market research, preparing technical specifications and tender documents, managing bidding processes, evaluating bids, and negotiating contract terms; coordinating with project teams and technical experts to clarify requirements and resolve any technical issues; monitoring supplier and contractor performance to ensure adherence to contract terms and addressing any issues that may arise; implementing procurement controls and reporting mechanisms to track progress, risks, and compliance; identifying opportunities to enhance procurement efficiency; collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure smooth procurement and project delivery; and performing any other responsibilities as assigned in the work plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Procurement and Contracts Specialist position must possess a university degree in business administration, supply chain management, engineering, finance, or a related field, with a preference for post-graduate qualifications or equivalent. Recognized procurement certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are considered advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in procurement and contract management specifically for CAPEX, infrastructure, construction, facilities, or technical projects. International experience managing procurement for multi-country or multi-site projects, including remote or field environments, is essential. A strong understanding of procurement policies, bidding processes, sourcing strategies, contract negotiation, and CAPEX categories is required, along with experience managing large contracts and vendor performance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, supply chain management, engineering, or finance. A post-graduate degree or equivalent is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex procurement and contract management issues. Additionally, recognized procurement certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are beneficial and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in procurement and contract management, particularly in relation to capital expenditure (CAPEX), infrastructure, construction, facilities, or technical projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing procurement processes in international settings, demonstrating the ability to navigate the complexities of multi-country or multi-site projects. Experience in remote or field environments is also highly valued, as it indicates adaptability and the ability to work effectively in diverse conditions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills required for effective collaboration and reporting. While English is the primary language of communication within ADB, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ADB operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to both internal and external applicants and is funded by a temporary funding source, meaning that the renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the availability of funding. The appointment is fixed-term with the option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. After the initial term, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for an additional 3 years based on various factors, including the need for the specific skills and experience of the staff member, funding availability, and performance. It is important to note that this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.