This activity will support hiring of a procurement specialist to support the Project Delivery Team (PDT).

The Government of Botswana is undertaking the Promoting Participation and Enhancing Learning (PROPEL) (P513800) project supported by the World Bank. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase participation in preprimary and senior secondary education and improve learning conditions in supported schools, particularly at the junior secondary level. The Project consists of the following four components:

Component 1: Increasing participation in education

Component 2: Enhancing the learning environment

Component 3: Strengthening system capacity for quality education service delivery

Component 4: Project management and implementation support

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education (MCWBE) is the implementing entity for the Project. A Project Delivery Unit (PDU) (or Program Coordinating Unit) is being established within MCWBE to support the effective implementation of project activities, including procurement and contract administration; monitoring, evaluation and reporting of progress under the project; fiduciary management; and environmental and social safeguards management. Specifically, the PDU will be responsible for ensuring that procurement activities are conducted in an efficient, transparent, and compliant manner. To strengthen implementation capacity and support timely delivery, the Client seeks to engage an Individual Procurement Consultant as a core member of the PDU. The objective of this assignment is to provide handson procurement support to the PDU to ensure that the procurement of goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services is carried out in full compliance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (as applicable), the approved procurement arrangements, and good international procurement practice.

The Procurement Consultant shall support the PDU throughout the entire procurement cycle, including planning, preparation, processing, contract award, and contract administration. The Consultant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Procurement Planning and STEP Management

Prepare, update, and monitor the Procurement Plan in line with implementation schedules Register, update, and maintain all procurement activities in STEP Advise the PDU on appropriate procurement methods, market approaches, and packaging strategies Monitor procurement timelines and flag implementation risks

Preparation of Procurement Documents

Support technical teams in the preparation of technical specifications, terms of reference (TORs), and cost estimates Prepare and/or review Requests for Expressions of Interest (REoIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and bidding documents Prepare procurement notices and manage publication and disclosure requirements Ensure procurement documents are consistent with the approved Procurement Plan and World Bank requirements

Management of Procurement Processes

Organize and support bid/proposal openings, as applicable Manage clarifications, addenda, amendments, and responses to queries Support evaluation committees during technical and financial evaluations Ensure evaluations are conducted strictly in accordance with the criteria set out in procurement documents

Evaluation, Negotiation, and Contract Award

Prepare technical, financial, and combined evaluation reports using World Bank standard formats Submit evaluation reports and draft contracts for World Bank review and noobjection, as applicable

Participate in negotiations and provide guidance on negotiable aspects

Prepare contract award notices and ensure timely publication and disclosure

Contract Management and Administration

Support contract signature and effectiveness Assist with contract administration, including amendments, variations, and extensions Track contract implementation milestones and support contract closure procedures Ensure procurement and contract records are complete and auditable

Reporting, Records, and Complaints Handling

Establish and maintain a procurement tracking and filing system Maintain complete and wellorganized procurement files (electronic and/or physical) Prepare responses to procurementrelated complaints and requests for clarification Contribute to periodic procurement and implementation reports Support audits, reviews, and World Bank supervision missions

Perform any other procurementrelated tasks assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the assignment

The Consultant will work as an integral member of the PDU and report to the Project Coordinator. The Consultant will work in close coordination with PDU and MCWBE staff and liaise with the World Bank task team, as required.

The duration of the assignment is an initial period of 2 years from contract signature with a probationary period of three (3) months. A formal performance evaluation shall be conducted at the end of the first twelve (12) months by the MCWBE evaluation committee. Continuation of the contract for the second year shall be subject to a satisfactory performance assessment and availability of project funding. The performance assessment will consider, among other factors, the quality and timeliness of deliverables, compliance with the Terms of Reference, and overall effectiveness in supporting project implementation. After the initial period of 2 years, the contract will be renewable for the duration of the project based on satisfactory performance and project needs. The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The Consultant shall have:

A university degree in economics, engineering, law, business administration, or a related field At least [10] years of overall professional experience At least [5] years of relevant experience in procurement under public procurement and/or