Senior Procurement Specialist

Job description

About ACGF ACGF Foundation is a charitable foundation incorporated in Cologne, Germany, established in 2014. ACGF's mission is to improve access to finance for Afghanistan's micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by strengthening formal MSME finance and contributing to private-sector development, financial inclusion, and employment creation. ACGF's core operations combine credit guarantees, matching grants, and technical assistance to partner financial institutions, supporting responsible MSME lending, including Sharia-compliant structures. ACGF also provides direct MSME support through matching grants and market education initiatives, with a particular focus on returnees, youth, women-owned businesses, and rural enterprises. ACGF maintains an in-country presence through ACGF INGO in Kabul, registered with the Ministry of Economy in November 2024. To strengthen our local team and support the implementation of the technical assistance activities of the Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP), ACGF is recruiting a Senior Procurement Specialist to be based in Kabul. Why We Are Hiring ACGF has been selected to implement Component 1 of the Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP). The Project is administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association (collectively, the World Bank), financed by the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund. As a World Bank-funded program, all procurement activities under the PSRP, including those related to the technical assistance component, are subject to the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. Full compliance with these regulations is therefore a core requirement for the successful implementation of the Program. To ensure this and to strengthen and further improve our capacity to manage and execute procurement in line with World Bank standards, ACGF is recruiting a Senior Procurement Specialist to be based in Kabul. The Specialist will lead all procurement activities under the PSRP, ensure full regulatory compliance, and build sustainable in-house procurement capacity within the ACGF team. Role Overview The Senior Procurement Specialist will lead procurement activities under the PSRP Technical Assistance component in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. The Specialist will be responsible for planning and managing procurement processes, preparing and reviewing World Bank standard procurement documentation (SPD), maintaining complete procurement records, and entering and updating procurement information in the World Bank’s Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP). In addition, the Senior Procurement Specialist will support ACGF in implementing the technical assistance activities under the EU-funded MALA program, as well as any future programs implemented by ACGF. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage all procurement activities under the PSRP project in full compliance with World Bank Procurement Regulations and related procedures. Use and manage the World Bank's Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP) system throughout the procurement cycle, including preparing, submitting, updating, and monitoring procurement activities and requests for World Bank review or no-objection. Use, prepare, review, and manage World Bank Standard Procurement Documents (SPD) and related templates for goods, consultancy and non-consultant services assignments. Prepare bidding documents, Request for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Terms of Reference (ToRs). Prepare bid and proposal evaluation reports and contract award notifications. Draft, review, and manage contracts for goods, consultancy and non-consultant services se per SPDs templates and requirements. Submit requests for World Bank review and no-objection at the required stages of the procurement process, including through STEP. Prepare and maintain updated Procurement Plans and ensure that all related information is accurately recorded in STEP. Maintain complete and orderly procurement records, including procurement documents, evaluations, approvals, correspondence, contracts, and World Bank clearances. Coordinate and respond to procurement queries, disputes, and complaints. Prepare procurement reports for financial monitoring and donor reporting requirements. Mentor and provide hands-on training to the procurement team on World Bank procurement procedures, STEP, and the use and management of SPDs. Support the development of sustainable internal procurement capacity within ACGF. Provide guidance on complex procurement matters outside the scope of the World Bank Procurement Regulations, when required, in accordance with ACGF's internal procurement procedures and applicable requirements. Support ACGF in managing procurement activities for the EU-funded MALA program and future ACGF programs, including providing procurement guidance and ensuring compliance with the applicable donor and internal procurement requirements. Required experience and technical expertise Proven experience in World Bank procurement is mandatory. Candidates must have: Strong knowledge of and hands-on experience applying the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, particularly for goods and consultancy services. Practical experience using and managing the STEP system throughout the procurement cycle will be an advantage. Experience preparing, reviewing, and managing World Bank Standard Procurement Documentation (SPD), including procurement plans, ToRs, RFPs, bidding documents, evaluation reports, contract award recommendations, and requests for World Bank review or no-objection. Experience managing procurement under international development projects, preferably in technical assistance or consultancy assignments and in fragile or post-conflict contexts. Experience training and mentoring national staff and building internal procurement capacity. Experience providing procurement guidance on complex assignments and supporting procurement matters outside the scope of World Bank regulations, where required. Qualifications and competencies/Shortlisting Criteria University degree in economics, public administration, law, procurement, or a related field. At least 7 years of specialized experience in procurement implementation and management, with reputable institutions, including at least 5 years specifically in World Bank-funded projects; out of the 5 years, at least 3 years must have been in the capacity of Senior Procurement Specialist role. Excellent written and spoken English. Very good knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office. Strong communication, teamwork, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines under pressure. Ability and willingness to work professionally in a challenging and insecure environment. What We Are Looking For Beyond technical qualifications, we are looking for someone who: Works independently and takes ownership of the position responsibilities Pays strong attention to detail and meets deadlines under pressure Communicates clearly and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds Is committed to knowledge transfer and building local team capacity What we offer Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development Opportunity to contribute to ACGF's development work in Afghanistan Professional and results-oriented working environment with efficient communication and decision-making. Provident fund scheme Health cost support Daily lunch at the office Transportation and communication allowances