Hiring a technical Lead for the Public Procurement Reform Component

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES) Syrian Arab Republic Syria Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project (P512516)

Grant No.: E6410-SY

Assignment Title: Technical Lead for the Public Procurement Reform Sub-Component (Sub-Component 2.2)

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): SY-MOF-547078-CS-INDV

The Ministry of Finance of the Syrian Arab Republic (the “Employer”) has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Syria Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project (P512516) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include the services of a Technical Lead for the Public Procurement Reform Sub-Component (Sub-Component 2.2), who will provide high-level strategic leadership and policy direction to the Government of Syria in the design, sequencing, and oversight of the public procurement reform program under the Project, with a view to establishing a modern, transparent, and efficient procurement system aligned with international best practices. The Technical Lead will lead and coordinate implementation of the procurement reform activities under Sub-Component 2.2 - the new public procurement legal and regulatory framework (replacing the Uniform System of Contracts Law No. 51 (2004)), standard bidding documents, the Single Procurement Portal (SPP), an independent procurement complaints and review system, and the national procurement professionalization and capacity-development program, advising the Ministry of Finance and relevant stakeholders, coordinating with government entities, development partners and the World Bank Task Team, overseeing implementation progress and risk management, and leading the results framework for procurement reform, including key performance indicators and milestones. The assignment will be for an initial period of one (1) year, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and project requirements (the contract may be extended to cover the full duration of the Project). The Technical Lead will work under the overall guidance of the Project Coordinator and the Public Financial Management Reform Coordinating Unit (PFMRCU) within the Ministry of Finance, and will closely coordinate with relevant government entities, the Syria External Assistance Fiduciary Section (SEAFS) and the World Bank Task Team. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest. The Ministry of Finance (through the Public Financial Management Reform Coordinating Unit - PFMRCU) now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms' staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process. The criteria for selecting the Consultant are: postgraduate qualifications in procurement, law, public administration, engineering, economics, or a related field, and at least ten (10) years of relevant professional management-focused experience; proven successful experience in leading and managing technical assistance projects financed by international donors; experience in public procurement, including demonstrated experience in procurement reform, development of legal and regulatory frameworks, and institutional strengthening (highly desirable); advanced leadership skills in organizational change and development, with the ability to introduce critical reforms in complex organizational and contextual structures, including in Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS); proven experience in coordinating, cooperating and negotiating with high-level government officials, donor partners and multiple local stakeholders; and fluency in Arabic and English.

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers [insert correct title and date of applicable Regulations edition as per the financing agreement] (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the following email address: syriapfmprocurement@gmail.com by 5PM on 30 November 2026 Damascus time.

Attn: [contact details removed]

Ministry of Finance Syria Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project Joul Jammal Street, P.O. Box 13136 Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

E-mail: syriapfmprocurement@gmail.com

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Terms of Reference (TOR)

Syria Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project (P512516) Technical Lead for the Public Procurement Reform Sub-Component

Project Background Syria is making progress in its transition towards stabilization, recovery, and reintegration, while continuing to face major challenges after 14 years of conflict . More than one year after the December 2024 political transition, the new Syrian government under the leadership of President Al-Sharaa has maintained overall political stability. Modest economic growth is projected for 2025 and 2026, and Syria has benefitted from the lifting of major economic sanctions and renewed participation in international financial systems and investment discussions. At the same time, the security situation remains fragile, with occasional outbreaks of violence, and the country faces massive development challenges and continued humanitarian needs. Continued international engagement and financing will be critical to support Syria in its