Procurement Manager

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Georgia

Project Name: The Relief and Recovery for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Project No: P173975

Loan No. 9239-GE

Assignment Title: Procurement Manager

Reference No. GE-GEDC-CS-IC-48

Introduction

JSC Georgian Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), within the Relief and Recovery for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Project supported by the World Bank (WB) intends to apply part of the loan proceeds for consulting services of Procurement Manager (National Consultant). The Project Development Objective for the Relief and Recovery for MSME operation is to provide relief to MSMEs and support their recovery, including by strengthening the enabling environment for access to finance.

Project Description The Project is being implemented nationwide and consist of four components: Component 1 – Financial relief and recovery for MSMEs Component 2 – Digital payments & financial infrastructure upgrading Component 3 – Project management and monitoring Component 4 – Contingent Emergency Response Component A substantial portion of the Project activities fall under Component 1. The component will support the expansion of the following financial instruments implemented by GEDC: (a) grants for MSMEs through GEDC’s Micro and Small Entrepreneurship Support Program, (b) co-financing of interest payments through GEDC’s Produce in Georgia Program, and (c) partial credit guarantees (PCGs). The component will also provide non-financial support in the form of training and technical assistance to help firms adjust to new conditions, improve their business skills, and increase their resilience. Sub-component 1.1 provide micro-grants to finance working capital and fixed assets for micro and small firms. Sub-component 1.2 co-finance interest payments on loans underwritten by participating financial institutions (PFIs). Sub-component 1.3 provide partial credit guarantees for loans issued by PFIs. Sub-component 1.4 provide technical assistance for COVID-proofing and digitalization of MSMEs.

Scope of Work

Procurement Manager / Individual Consultant shall assist the GEDC in all procurement activities related to implementation of WB financed MSMEs Project in accordance with the New Procurement Framework - Policy, Regulations, Guidance issued for the projects After July 1, 2016 according to the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers - PROCUREMENT IN INVESTMENT PROJECT FINANCING - Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016 and revised in September 2025. This includes not only procurement activities where GEDC is the beneficiary of the loan proceeds, but also the activities where GEDC is acting as a procuring agency for other agencies, which are final beneficiaries (GEDC’s fiduciary responsibilities are defined in the Loan Agreement). Anticipated Procurement Activities The remaining procurement activities under the Project may include, but are not limited to: Event Organization Services: Procurement of services related to the organization and technical support of business events and other similar activities under the Project. Consulting Services: Procurement of consulting services for feasibility studies, assessments, and other analytical activities supporting the Project's objectives.

The scope and selection methods of these activities will be determined based on the Project's needs and the approved Procurement Plan, in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations. Key Responsibilities In order to achieve the objective of this contract, the Procurement Manager / Individual Consultant shall: Lead the process of preparation of Project Procurement Plan, its update on a regular basis in close partnership with the GEDC in alignment with the WB rules and regulations; Administer the entire process for the procurement cycle, ensuring compliance with the WB regulations: selection of the appropriate procurement methods, preparation of the Terms of References, cost estimates, Requests for Expression of Interest, Requests for Quotations/Bids/Proposals, evaluation reports, participation in contracts’ negotiations and awards, as well as in contracts’ execution, getting the WB approvals, as appropriate. Lead contract administration, including framework agreements and managing call-off contracts in each framework agreement. Keep all relevant procurement documentation on file in an orderly manner and make it available for the authorized national inspecting agencies, auditors, and the WB upon request; Enter all up-to-date procurement related information, both post and prior review, in STEP; Prepare quarterly and annual procurement reports including contract monitoring and management; Cooperate with the GEDC for regular preparation of Project Management/Financial Reports, as part of the WB project and financial reporting requirements; Participate in contract management, monitoring and supervision, including but not limited to ensuring timely submission of all deliverables specified under the contract. Perform other procurement related tasks as required.

Qualification and experience University-level degree in business administration, finance, law, or related discipline; 5 (Five) years of practical experience as a procurement or contract specialist; At least 3 (three) years of working experience in procurement and contract management of projects funded by the WB and/or other International Financial Institutions (IFIs); Knowledge of the World Bank procurement regulations, local taxation, banking and other pertinent regulations affecting national and international procurement; Experience with World Bank Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP) portal; Proven teamwork skills; Superior verbal and writing communication skills in Georgian; Strong verbal, reading and writing skills in English; Good negotiating skills; Proficiency in various software under OS Windows (MS Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Acces