Senior Advisor, Procurement

Position Overview

The Europe & Eurasia Business USAID Competitive Economy Program seeks a US based Sr. Advisor, Procurement! E&E currently has 23 active projects in ten countries in technical sectors spanning economic growth, education, water, agriculture, democracy and governance, and peace and stability. The Sr. Advisor, Procurement will provide support for in-kind grants, DDGS, and CCA activities, helping the procurement team execute the increased level of procurements related to CEP contract modification 9. The Sr. Advisor, Procurement will support procurement team during the critical and challenging procurement of Cogeneration Units (CGUs) before project close-out. He / she will also provide continued procurement and compliance training to all CEP staff. The Sr. Advisor also provides training and mentoring to procurement staff, promoting the development of the team’s capacity to efficiently process procurement while ensuring compliance with USAID rules and regulations and Chemonics policies. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

The Sr. Advisor, Procurement will report to the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) Director. This position is remote, based in the US with intermittent travel to Ukraine as required.

Responsibilities :

Procurement Support for In-Kind Grants, DDGS, and CCA

Organize and lead solicitation reviews, evaluation, and administration, including drafting selection packages, project and USAID approvals, and working with the offerors to determine responsibility and ensure adherence to established procurement management policies, and appropriate practices, consistent and compliant with FAR and Chemonics procedures

Conduct due diligence for awards, oversee the development of procurement documentation, including RFPs / RFQs, selection memos, subcontracts, purchase orders, and negotiation memos

Work with procurement and grants colleagues to proactively identify ways to streamline procurement of services / goods for activities and develop BPA and IQS solicitations as needed to make implementation more efficient

Support the procurement team during the complex procurement of Cogeneration Units for multiple beneficiaries, as the team navigates all facets of procurement planning, budgeting, solicitation, purchase, logistics, and delivery

Advise senior project leadership of challenges and opportunities to maximize development impact of DDGS and energy procurements prior to project close-out

Support with CEP’s ongoing DDGS activities under the SIF. Ensure compliance, execution, and efficiency. Provide capacity building, training, and mentorship support to operationalize DDGS activities

Assist technical and other staff with drafting procurement preparatory and other documents related to procurement contracts;

Conduct reviews of procurement documentation prior to execution and payment

Analyze, assess, and assist with budgetary and financial aspects of procurements for allocability, reasonableness, and consistency

Support procurement and grants team members with their inquiries and provide quality assurance advice

Ensure that all procurements are conducted in accordance with client rules and regulations

Ensure compliance with document verification, file management, and other audit requirements

Review project procurement files for completion and support procurement team in addressing any gaps

Liaise with the CEP project office leadership team, CEP PMU, and headquarters procurement and contracts teams on issues related to procurement management

Ensure smooth execution of Competitiveness Agreements, as well as supporting maintenance, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the agreements’ activities to remain in line with the agreement and larger project objectives

Support procurements and deed of donation related to CCAs

Ensure adherence with the CEP Branding and Marking Plan

Liaise with technical team and partner businesses as needed

Capacity Building and Training

• Provide ongoing assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in procurement staff, systems, policies, and procedures
• Provide technical and staffing recommendations and implement improvements to enhance the efficiency of project procurements, including systems, tools, and staffing
• Provide training to procurement and operations staff on Chemonics and USAID procurement policies and procedures, emphasizing integrity in the procurement process
• Conduct desk audits on technical and operations procurements, reviewing processes, quotes, final pricing, and supporting documentation
• Support SIF Director and DCOP – Operations in developing expectations for staff and participate in team-building exercises to solidify a results-driven management approach
• Mentor staff and provide training on business ethics according to Chemonics’ Living Our Values manual
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required

A minimum of ten years of experience managing and implementing fast-paced and high-value procurement processes and subcontracts for USAID-funded programs required. 10-12 years directly related experience preferred

Previous hands on experience conducting full procurement processes of purchase orders and fixed price subcontracts is required. Additional experience and familiarity with conducting in-kind procurement under grants under contract is desirable

Strong leadership capabilities, including organizational and problem-solving skills

Ability to work quickly and creatively without sacrificing compliance or quality

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to exercise strong professional judgment that reflects positively on the image of the CEP program

Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills

Fluent English is required; additionally, working proficiency in Ukrainian desirable.

To Apply :

Interested candidates should apply by 11 : 59 PM EST January 22, 2025. Finalists will be contacted. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.